Notifications screen, how to disable??

[walkie-talkie]

Sorry, another newb question. I did a search and get all kinds of threads on "notifications", and cant find anything current to TP2 or WM 6.5. When I am on the phone, I keep getting the black/grey notifications screen. It is super annoying and I would like to know if there is a way to disable it.
It is next to impossible to use my office vmail or an automated phone system with that stupid thing alerting me of all the texts, email, etc. It only does it when Im on the phone.


Thanks in advance!!