Evanston-Skokie School District 65 Students Return to School Monday with Updated Cell Phone Rules

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — It’s back to school Monday morning for students and staff in Evanston-Skokie School District 65.

It will be the last first day for one school that is closing at the end of this school year. And more schools could be next.

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Monday will be a bittersweet day for students and staff at Doctor Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies.

In a letter to families, the principal says the school has welcomed hundreds of students and educators the last three decades.

Their school theme this year is “Mission Completed: Leaving and Launching a Legacy”, which recognizes the accomplishments and milestones reached by families and staff over the years.

This will be their last first day since it will close by the end of the school year.

The new school year at Evanston- Skokie School District 65 comes a district leaders have been discussing for months more potential closings.

The district has been dealing with three consecutive budget deficits and declining enrollment.

Administrators believe that school closures could help out the district in a better financial position.

The next round of school closures will be discussed during a board meeting on September 29.

New rules also take effect with the new school year.

Students will no longer be allowed to use cell phones during the school day.

According to the policy, phones will have to be powered off and left in a locker or in a designated classroom storage unit.

Phones will be permitted for students who have a documented medical need or as part of an IEP or 504 plan for special education accommodations.