Phones Away, Board Games Out: BOE Student Reps Share How Gov. Livingston Is Adjusting to New School Year

Governor Livingston High School student representatives Howard Acheson and Eliza Thomas reported to the Board of Education on September 24, 2026 about the school's adjustment to New Jersey's new statewide cellphone ban, which began September 1. Despite initial bumps, the transition has been fairly smooth, with students discovering new ways to engage during lunch and free periods.

INITIAL ADJUSTMENT

Senior representative Acheson, a three-time student council treasurer, noted that the first week of school saw some expected growing pains. Students instinctively reached for phones to check schedules, and lunch was noticeably quieter as students adjusted to the change.

"During the first week of school, lunch tended to be a tiny bit boring because people were so used to scrolling on their phones and not being active and talking to their friends," Acheson said. "But I've seen that people are going out of their comfort zone."

STUDENTS EMBRACE ALTERNATIVES

Rather than sitting in silence, GL students have embraced board games and face-to-face social engagement. Principal Meg Berry purchased games to keep students engaged, and during lunch, students now play Connect Four, chess, and checkers. The change has reinvigorated social connection on campus.

For seniors with open campus privileges, the policy has had less impact, as they are able to leave the building during free periods. For other students, the ban has created unexpected opportunities for community building.

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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

Acheson, a returning senior representative and treasurer of student council, brought institutional perspective from his four years at GL. He noted that this year's back-to-school night was the busiest he has witnessed during his time at the school, reflecting strong family engagement.

Thomas, a newly appointed junior representative beginning a two-year term, brings extensive involvement in the school community. She serves as Class of 2028 president and is active in the French Club, GLissando (GL's first a cappella group), concert and chamber choirs, Hilltop Players, and the Interfaith Council. She is also enrolled in the AP Capstone program.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Student representatives highlighted upcoming GL events for the fall, including the annual club fair (September 30), the GL College and Career Fair (Monday, October 5, 6-7:30 p.m.), spirit week culminating with a pep rally and Friday Night Lights game against Scotch Plains-Fanwood (October 9), a Pink Out soccer game (October 13), and the Hilltop Players' fall play "Trap" by Stephen Gregg (November 19-21).

FAQ

What is New Jersey's cellphone ban?
New Jersey implemented a statewide cellphone ban that began September 1, 2026. The policy prohibits students from using cellphones during the school day.

How has Governor Livingston adjusted to the cellphone ban?
The transition has been fairly smooth, though the first week saw initial challenges. Students have adapted by engaging in board games, face-to-face conversations, and social activities during lunch instead of using phones.

What did student representatives say about the adjustment?
Senior representative Howard Acheson said the transition was "fairly smooth" despite "initial bumps" when students instinctively reached for phones. He noted that after the first week, students have begun "going out of their comfort zone" and being more socially active.

What was lunch like during the first week?
Lunch tended to be "a tiny bit boring" during the first week because students were accustomed to scrolling on their phones. However, students have since become more engaged in conversation and activities.

What games do GL students play during lunch now?
Students play board games including Connect Four, chess, and checkers during lunch instead of using phones.

Who purchased the games for students?
Principal Meg Berry purchased board games to help keep on-campus students engaged during lunch and free periods.

Do all students have the same cellphone restrictions?
Most students are subject to the cellphone ban during the school day. However, seniors with open campus privileges can leave the building during free periods.

Who are the student representatives reporting on this issue?
Howard Acheson, a senior and three-time student council treasurer, and Eliza Thomas, a junior and Class of 2028 president, reported to the Board of Education about the school's adjustment to the ban.

What is GLissando?
GLissando is Governor Livingston's first a cappella group, mentioned in Eliza Thomas's involvement activities.

What upcoming events did the students highlight?
Upcoming events include the club fair (September 30), College and Career Fair (October 5), spirit week with pep rally and Friday Night Lights game (October 9), Pink Out soccer game (October 13), and the fall play "Trap" (November 19-21).