Hopkinton High School students will face some changes when they return to school on August 28. The most important one: According to Principal Evan Bishop, cell phones will be “turned off and put away during class.”

In the past, teachers could either allow students to keep their phones in class or they could ask students to place them in phone holders placed in each room.

This year, it was decided that all cell phones would be placed in the holders during class – even if a student leaves the classroom to go to the bathroom. Exceptions will be made if teachers want to use the phones as part of their teaching or in “rare or extenuating circumstances that would require a student to be able to access their phone for personal use during class.” The ban does not apply to smartwatches.

In an Aug. 15 interview, Bishop said the policy change was decided “based on conversations with students, parents and teachers.” He noted that numerous school districts across the country are in the process of banning cell phones in the classroom, with many of them having far stricter policies.

“We’ve talked a lot about it with the staff,” Bishop said. “We want to try to support them as best we can. Even if you talk to some kids, they appreciate it. It’s hard to stay focused when you’re constantly getting notifications and texts. It really distracts the kids and they feel pressured to be on their phones all the time.”

Students can access their phones between classes, as well as during lunch and study breaks, so they can stay connected, especially if something urgent comes up (however, parents are asked to contact the school office in case of emergencies).

“That’s why we didn’t want a complete ban,” Bishop said. “That’s why we didn’t take as strict measures as others. We think this is a good middle ground.”

The information was included in Bishop’s welcome letter to students’ families on Aug. 12, and he said the days immediately following the email were quiet.

“Surprisingly, I haven’t heard much on that front,” he said. “But I look forward to the conversations we may have.”

There are a few other policy changes worth noting. First, vapor detectors in school bathrooms have been reactivated. They had been turned off for the past few years, Bishop said, but were reactivated after some technological advances.

Second, it’s not so much a policy change as a recognition that there is a parking shortage. As class sizes increase, more spots are being reserved for seniors, leaving younger drivers with fewer options. Bishop said parking rules will be more strictly enforced to ensure those with a permit can find a spot.

Bishop is confident that the adjustments will go well and the focus can be on teaching.

“Of course, teaching and learning come first,” he said.

Marc Cohn performs at HCA

Marc Cohn, who won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1992 for his hit “Walking in Memphis,” was recently announced as the lead singer for the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Celebrity Spotlight on the Arts benefit concert.

The concert will take place on September 28th at 8 p.m. in the HCA’s Delbridge Family Performance Space. Tickets are $200 per person and all proceeds benefit the HCA’s mission and annual fund.

With only 200 places available, the event is likely to be sold out.

“It’s going to be a fantastic concert in such an intimate space,” Kelly Grill, executive director of the HCA, told our Nick Schofield for an article that appeared on the Hopkinton Independent’s website when the show was announced earlier this month. “We’re super excited.”

In conjunction with the concert, HCA is holding an online auction that will include a Broadway package for the Harry Potter musical, a week-long stay at a house in Ireland, and a guitar signed by Cohn.

In addition, the HCA partners with local restaurants – including Start Line Brewing and Central Public House – that offer special concert menus or discounts to show-goers.

For more information, visit hopartscenter.org.

Youth basketball tournament on August 31

Hopkinton teenager Sahasra Charkam works with VT Seva, an international organization that promotes and raises funds for tribal schools and schools for the visually impaired in India.

“These schools not only work on education through technology and experiments, we also extend our efforts to sports and many other extra-curricular activities to provide a holistic experience!” said Charkam. “Our students at Nethra Vidyalaya School are not only the best individual players in India, but have also been selected to play in the Indian Blind Cricket Team and have participated in international competitions, winning several awards.”

As part of VT Seva’s fundraiser, the organization is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for youth in grades 6-12 on Saturday, August 31 from 2-6 p.m. at Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury. There will be cash prizes, medals and certificates for the top teams.

For more information, visit vtsworld.org/boston.