In October, students in the Upper School will transition to being cell phone-free while at school. The goal is to increase student engagement and connection in classrooms and social spaces by affording students intentional breaks from their devices. This updated cell phone policy is supported by data and is one being adopted by a growing number of schools across the nation.
Upon arrival, students will secure their phones and smart watches in locking pouches before storing them in their backpacks. When students leave campus at the end of the day (or if they go out for lunch) they will be able to open their pouches by using magnetic unlocking stations located in the lobbies of the Annex and Hunter Hall.
The new policy will be an adjustment for students and a number of meetings have been held for students, faculty, staff, and parents to discuss the change. Advisors and teachers are supporting students as they adapt their workflow and approach to communication during the school day. Parents who need to contact their students with time-sensitive communications are being asked to call the Upper School office. Associate Head of Upper School Erin Mumford comments, “This is a partnership among students, faculty, parents, and caregivers. We are confident in our students’ ability to adapt, and we will solicit feedback from the community as the year progresses to evaluate this new policy.”
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