In a world where devices dominate everyday life, Pleasant Valley High School’s new phone ban is sparking both curiosity and debate. Veteran English teacher Jenni Levora, who has dedicated 31 years to her craft, recalls how rapidly technology has shifted the classroom dynamic. Now, students and teachers alike are weighing the impact of this policy.
PV students, teachers reflect on phone ban

Key Takeaways:
- Pleasant Valley High School has implemented a phone ban, prompting reflection from educators and students.
- English teacher Jenni Levora’s 31 years of experience highlight the profound changes in classroom technology.
- Many at the school are still exploring the ban’s short-term and long-term effects.
- The story was originally reported by The Quad City Times.
Setting at Pleasant Valley High School
Pleasant Valley High School recently implemented a phone ban meant to minimize distractions and maintain student focus. This policy, which already has teachers and students talking, marks a distinct turn in how technology is managed in the classroom.
A Veteran Teacher’s View
“In the 31 years that she has been an English teacher at Pleasant Valley High School, Jenni Levora has seen rapid changes in technology.” For her, the current ban underscores just how far classrooms have come from chalkboards and overhead projectors to an era of instant digital connection. Although details of the new rule have not been fully outlined here, the ban aligns with a broader trend of schools wrestling with how best to manage phones during instruction.
Shifting Classroom Dynamics
Conversations echo through the hallways as students grow accustomed to new norms. Teachers observe that while smartphones can offer learning advantages, they can also detract from focus. With this policy in place, day-to-day class activities potentially look different—both restricting reliance on smartphones and opening alternative methods of engaging students.
Possible Long-Term Effects
Speculation remains on how the phone ban will shape behavior and academic performance. For some, it might lead to deeper in-person communication and fewer digital distractions; others question whether technology can be harnessed more effectively rather than being sidelined. The debate itself is a testament to the central role that devices play in modern education.
Ongoing Discussion
The conversation around Pleasant Valley High School’s phone ban continues to unfold. Published in The Quad City Times, this story highlights a community in transition, balancing the benefits of technology with the desire to create a focused learning environment—a challenge familiar to many schools nationwide.