MARION — As they kick off their 150th school year, Tabor Academy is celebrating the landmark anniversary with a new fellowship program and groundbreaking technology policies, including a new no cell phone rule during school hours and a focus on implementing artificial intelligence in classrooms.

Nestled against the shores of Sippican Harbor, the “school by the sea” educates over 500 high school students hailing from 23 countries and 25 states. Only a third of students live off campus, while the majority board at the school.

Head of School Tony Jaccaci reflected on the upcoming school year and stated that the academy is recognizing “where we’ve come from and learning from our past to plan the future” as students are welcomed back to campus.

With a new cell phone policy banning students from using their devices from 8:15 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. on weekdays, Jaccaci said that he’s already seen a difference in student engagement since implementing the rule.

“So far, the students have been great. They have remarked to me that they actually enjoy not having the distraction,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see them coming and going and speaking with each other, their heads up, looking around and not necessarily down at devices.”

In the wake of the cell phone ban, the campus is practicing drills on “how to keep our campus safe without cell phones in everybody’s pocket.” Faculty members will also continue to have their cell phones on hand as a precaution.

Tabor is also continuing to encourage students to use artificial intelligence as a learning tool.

“This is a technology students will use in the future, so we better give them the opportunity to use it this year but to do so ethically,” said Jaccaci.

Teachers now enforce a red light, green light system to monitor usage of artificial intelligence in student work, with a green light encouraging students to use AI for the assignment with citations and a red light prohibiting AI assistance.

The academy has also established a new teaching fellowship in collaboration with Bryant University. The five fellows welcomed to campus will teach and work in various departments while exploring the professional learning opportunities.

With 70% of students living on campus, this provides a unique opportunity for students to form “deep and long lasting relationships” with faculty and teachers. From serving as coaches to dorm supervisors to academic instructors, the Tabor teaching staff take on a multitude of responsibilities.

“We say, ‘Seawolves show up,’” said Jaccaci.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the school’s founding, a donor-sponsored gala will be held in Boston on Friday, Oct. 3.

“We’re inviting Seawolf nation … from all over the country: alum, parents, teachers, faculty, trustees,” said Jaccaci.

Students will get to enjoy Spring Fest in May with music and games on the Sippican Harbor waterfront, in addition to celebrated traditions like the Halloween Fun Run.

“What we’re looking to do this year is to think about all the ways that made Tabor such a great school over those 150 years, and continue those going forward,” said Jaccaci.