ETHS Policy Changes: Helpful or Harmful? 

ETHS has long prided itself on being more than just a school. It’s a community that strives to be safer, stronger, and above all, a place where students can truly learn.

Recently, several new policies have been introduced to help students get the most out of their learning. However, the question has been asked: are these changes actually improving learning, or are they doing the opposite?

Teachers are required to use phone pouches alongside students

In the summer of 2024, the phone pouch policy was implemented at ETHS. This policy created a lot of controversy. Some students were upset that their phone privileges were being taken away, while others understood the reason the policy was applied.

Some argue that having teachers follow the same phone restrictions as students is a sign of respect and equality. Others, however, feel it unfairly strips teachers of the tools they need to manage their classrooms.

“I do not think adults should have to store the phones in the same manner as the students,” said Spanish teacher Nicole Lane. “Teachers and other adults have different responsibilities, like older parents, young kids, nannies and day care personnel, who at times need to be in contact with the teacher. While I do not think it is ok for any teacher to be on their phone during the block, I think there are different reasons why a teacher should not have to store the phone away for 85 minutes.”

“The policy has good intentions, but it can create problems,” mentioned sophomore Finnoula Bell. “If there’s an emergency and a teacher needs to use their phone, it should be available at all times. Teachers are in charge of the classroom, and it doesn’t make sense to take away their phones in their own workplace.”

Some students actually feel reassured by the rule. They argue that if teachers are also pouching their phones, it prevents the feeling of a “double standard” where students are punished for something adults are allowed to do freely. 

“If my phone has to be away, I think it’s fair that the teachers should be too,” junior Chiara Canay said. “It makes it feel more equal.”

There are many different viewpoints on this new phone policy. Overall, some believe the safety of students is being threatened when teachers’ phones are locked up, while others think that teachers following the same rules sets a stronger example for the whole community.

No devices outside of Chromebooks

In the past, many students brought iPads or other devices to school as alternatives to Chromebooks. However, this is no longer allowed, as some teachers worried it was a distraction, and found it difficult to trust students to avoid distracting sites.

“I don’t mind it,” stated sophomore Halle Reid. “I personally only use my Chromebook anyway, but I can see how teachers might find other devices distracting.”

“I think it could be a useful and effective rule since it could prevent distractions, but on the other hand, it could be very limiting for students who have different learning styles and prefer doing their assignments on iPads with tools that Chromebooks do not have,” said Canay.

Supporters of the Chromebook-only rule argue it makes things simpler and more consistent for both students and teachers. Teachers don’t have to keep track of what’s being used, and everyone is on the same page with the same technology.

 But others point out that Chromebooks have their limits. Students in art or music may rely on apps that aren’t available on Chromebooks, making this rule more frustrating than helpful.

At the end of the day, this policy might be solving one problem or distraction while creating another, which is restricting how students can learn.

Senior leaders are required to wear gym clothes

Since the senior leader program was established at ETHS, leaders have not needed to wear gym uniforms like students do. However, this school year, senior leaders were told they would need to wear uniforms.

This rule has been especially divisive. Supporters say it sets a positive example for younger students, while critics argue that senior leaders who have already been through the experience shouldn’t be forced to dress like underclassmen.

“For the senior leaders, it isn’t just about wearing gym clothes to do activities, it’s about setting an example for the students,” said sophomore Vivian Gomberg.

“The senior leaders aren’t participating in the activity, so there’s no reason for them to be in PE uniforms,” stated sophomore Isabel Gracyk. “A lot of people also find the uniforms uncomfortable and unappealing.”

Some see it as unnecessary, feeling like their leadership role is being undermined by having to wear something they don’t need. They argue that leadership should come from actions, not outfits. On the flip side, supporters point out that younger students look up to seniors, and when seniors model full participation—uniform and all—it sets a tone of unity.

There’s also the middle ground: some suggest allowing senior leaders to wear a modified uniform, like just the shirt, to show unity without forcing them into the exact same dress code. Whether ETHS considers that compromise is still up in the air.

So, are these policies working?

These student and teacher insights matter because they show how the new ETHS policies are actively affecting the community for better or worse. 

While the rules are meant to create a safer environment, they’ve sparked controversy about whether they truly help learning or just add unnecessary restrictions.

Policies aren’t just words on paper—they shape the way people feel about school. For some, the changes make ETHS more focused and consistent. 

For others, they feel like limits that chip away at independence. The truth probably falls somewhere in the middle, and only time will tell if these rules actually make the community stronger, or if they’ll be remembered as experiments that didn’t quite work out.