SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- The state's largest teachers' union is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to enforce a uniform cell phone policy across the state. And the Governor has already hinted at a statewide ban.

While many Central New York schools have taken steps to unplug -- few have fully disconnected cell phones -- until now, at Christian Brothers Academy.

CBA students drop their phones into cell phone lockers at the start of the day and that is where the phones stay until the final bell.

"So, they have no cell phones on them throughout the day, at all," CBA principal, David Marshall, said.

It's a new policy at the private catholic school in Syracuse -- and it seems to be getting good reception from students -- though it took some getting used to.

"In the beginning, when I'd turn it in in the morning and walk to class, I'd be like 'Oh my God. Where's my phone?' Now, it's not that. It's something that I'm less attached to," CBA student, Chris O'Connor, said. "Personally, I feel like I'm able to get a lot more done."

Many Central New York schools have begun cracking down on cell phones.

At the Auburn Enlarged City School District, students can have their phones with them, but they must be turned off and silenced and they should not be seen.

In the Tully School District, phones are to be on silent and put away in lockers or in backpacks.

CBA is one of the first schools to cut the cord entirely.

"Why take it a step further?" Rachel Polansky asked Marshall.

"We wanted to take it off the teachers so they can focus on teaching and not have to worry about addressing cell phone usage," Marshall said.

And teachers say it's a game changer.

"It's refreshing. There are no cell phones on the desks, in the pocket, hands go below desk, I'm not worried about what they're doing," CBA English teacher, Todd Benware, said. "And the kids have voluntarily told me 'It's a relief.' "

Some parents worry about being unable to reach their kids in emergencies -- but security experts say phones can actually make things worse by clogging up emergency lines.

Not to mention, schools already have their own security plans in place.

"We're very confident in our emergency procedures and communication, should an emergency arise and we're clear with that with our parents," Marshall added.

While some districts wait for the state to make the call on cell phones, CBA is leading the charge.

" I wouldn't say I like it, or I dislike it but it's just a thing that makes me more productive," O'Conner added.

If a student is caught with a phone at CBA, the phone is taken away, the parent is called, and the phone has to be picked up by the parent.