Kate Grodin, co-principal of Winooski Middle and High School, describes the cafeteria for high school students at the Winooski Middle and High School as quiet. That is, compared to the “vibrant place of conversation” that is the middle school cafeteria.

The difference, she said, is due partly to the school’s policy limiting cellphone use for grades six through eight, while students in grades nine through 12 are allowed the use of cellphones during lunch or study hours.

But that will change this year. Winooski, like many other school districts around the state, has adopted a district-wide policy banning the use of cellphones or personal devices, often called a “bell-to-bell” ban, across all grades.

The change follows the passage of Act 72 , which requires Vermont schools to adopt polic

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