It is difficult to find good news stories about America’s public schools, but I have stumbled across one that is worth a mention.

A remarkable transformation took place at Maple Grove, a middle school in Minnesota after it banned the use of cell phones during school hours, the Washington Stand reports.

About a year ago, students were told to store their phones in their lockers at the beginning of the school day, where they would stay until they were left for home. Those caught using their phones during school hours would have them confiscated.

In her article, Sarah Holiday explains what happened next:

According to the principal, Patrick Smith, there were a variety of contributions to this decision. “[T]here’s a lot of drama that comes from social media, and a lot of conflict that comes from it,” he said.

When Smith and the school staff noticed the kids were hardly interacting with each other throughout the day, they knew a change had to be made.

After a year of restricted screen time, the “kids are happy,” Smith shared. “They’re engaging with each other. … [I]t’s just night and day.” When the plan was first announced, parents applauded, the principal noted. And they continue to give positive feedback, including parents who have shared that their kids are paying more attention and participating in more discussions. One parent said her son is “thriving.”

READ: Minnesota Middle School Restricted Cell Phones a Year Ago, the Results Are ‘Just Night and Day’