GROTON, Conn. (AP) The Groton school system has approved changes to the rules that required students to keep their cellphones turned off and out of sight.

Under the new policy students can use devices including cellphones and iPads during the school day if the teacher gives permission.

The Day of New London reports the rule change was approved unanimously this week by the Board of Education.

West Side Middle School principal John Jones says students will have to keep their phones switched off and in their lockers unless directed by a teacher. He says teachers could have students get their phones for use during a lesson and then return them to their lockers afterward.

Jones said at least two-thirds of the nearly 500 students at his middle school have cellphones.