If you’re a returning student to Lexington High School, you have probably noticed that the dreaded blue phone holders have popped up in every classroom of the school. Known by many names, from “phone homes” to “phone hotels,” these rows of pockets have become a familiar sight. Students are now required to place their phones into their assigned pocket before every class, with some teachers even using this system to record attendance.

While some classes used a similar system last year, the no-phone policy has now been mandated in all classes, including study halls, advisories, and I-Blocks. Many students who once used their phones to play games and entertain themselves in their free time now cannot do so. 

Without that option, they have to find other ways to pass the time. So what is there to do? Lucky for you, we have curated a list of activities that will make your time without your phone a little more enjoyable.

1) Homework – It sounds like a bummer, but if you really have work to do, I-Blocks and study halls are the best opportunities to get work done. If you’re signed up with one of your teachers, talk to them about anything you need help with, as chances are, they will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

2) New York Times Games – The daily games are waiting for you! Sure, they made the Mini subscription-only (we’ll never forgive them for this), but you still have Wordle, Connections, Strands, and so much more. These fun games are a great way to relax while keeping your brain active. You can compete with your friends to see who finishes the puzzles first, or try to set a personal best each day. 

3) Listen to music – This is a classic, but a good one. Spotify has remained unblocked on Chromebooks, but you can also connect your headphones to your phone, so long as it remains in the phone pocket. Queue your favorite songs, hit play, and vibe!

4) Bring a deck of cards – Build a house of cards. Learn sick shuffles. Dominate your friends in Go-Fish. You can’t go wrong with a deck of cards or any other game for that matter. Just make sure to use some common sense, and don’t make any references to gambling. 

5) Socialize – Sign up for I-Blocks with your friends! The I-Blocks for each cycle open at 12 a.m. every Day One, so use your terrible sleep habits for good and lock in the best spots with your friends as soon as possible. That may even include signing up for a club hosted in I-block together.

Always remember to check with your study or I-Block teachers about their preferences for what you can and can’t do during their blocks, and be mindful of other students who may want to study or rest. With these tips, we hope you’ll be able to see that the phone policy isn’t the end of the world. Using your phone is just one option out of the countless things you can do, and it’s still possible to enjoy school without it.