Marist students coming back from summer break have been met with some new rules and updated guidelines from the administration. 

The most notable change has been the new ‘Off and Away’ phone policy for all students. The rule strictly prohibits students from using their cell phones for any reason. 

“The cellphone ‘Off and Away’ policy is in effect during instructional hours, so on a normal school day it would be from 8:00 a.m to 2:40 p.m,” said Mr. Donald Pirkle, the Dean of Students.

The rule has been implemented at Marist in anticipation of Illinois Senate Bill 2427 taking effect. The new state law which essentially bans cell phone use during school hours goes into effect next school year. 

Students are adjusting to the new policy amidst an abbreviated schedule for the first full week. Monday through Thursday, early dismissal takes place at 1:15 p.m for all students. However, freshmen will be attending Leadership Academy meetings hosted by the National Honor Society. NHS hopes to connect freshmen with an upperclassmen student to help advise them during their first year at Marist. 

Seniors will be attending meetings after school in the theatre about the college application process. The ‘Senior Seminars’ are being run by the college counselors to ensure all seniors attending colleges are well-prepared for their future ambitions. 

Students will have a four-day weekend due to Labor Day this Monday and a faculty retreat for teachers on Tuesday.