I have not read all the replies, but have read the article and know exactly where I stand. This kid should have been allowed to take a call at any time from his mom. I don't care what the rules were at the school.
I have to tell you that I'm a teacher--one who broke rules keeping my cell phone on in class last year. Yes, I received two precious phone calls while in class--and talked to my son in Iraq and let the kids cheer him too and ask questions. Was it worth it? Yes.
There are rules, but there is also compassion and common sense. If someone had cut me off and taken my phone while doing that (and they were very short calls), I would have probably been very tempted to become defiant, disorderly, and out of control too. This has really "pushed my buttons."
What a blessing to your son and your students you are. Helping little people become good adults should be the real job of teaching. You showed these kids that there are things in life that really matter. May God bless you.