Dear Students,
As your educators and leaders it is our job to provide a healthy and safe community where all students are given the freedom to thrive.
As we all know, digital technology has provided us with many benefits. For some of you, it has provided a way to find community, social support, and a connection to a diverse set of peers. For others, it has become an important outlet for self-expression. But technology has also brought challenges for our school community. The presence of personal devices such as cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches has impaired our ability to provide a positive, inclusive and safe environment for all students where learning, focus, safety, community and belonging are prioritized.
Although we recognize the important role technology plays in all of our lives, we also know that time away from phones and social media is essential to healthy growth and good education. With this in mind, we will be moving to a full-day phone-free school plan. This means that student phones must be turned off and stored away in a Yondr pouch for the entire school day. During the first days of school, we will show you how to use the Yondr pouches and review the new policy and logistics — but it is equally as important that we come together as a school community to discuss challenges that may arise.
We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t believe in its positive impact on our school community. By implementing this initiative, we aim to enhance our teaching and learning environment, fostering deeper connections and engagement among students and staff alike. We are committed to creating a healthier, more focused school culture where everyone can thrive. Our goal is to support a more meaningful and productive school experience, knowing that this change will benefit our students’ futures and contribute to their overall well-being.
A number of your questions and concerns will likely be addressed the first week of school, however, we’re eager to hear your ideas about how this transition might succeed, as we are in the process of planning workshops and Mentor Meetings for the first weeks of school. Please reach out to our planning team at awayfortheday@mvrhs.org with your thoughts and questions at any time.
We know this transition is not going to be easy, but we believe it will be worth it. Our hope is that you will quickly begin to experience the benefits of a phone-free school day, both in your classes and in your social interactions. We are excited to move forward with this shared mission to provide the best educational experience possible for you. As students you play a vital role in our community, and we look forward to working together to create the healthy academic and social environment all of you deserve.
Sincerely,
Sara Dingledy, Principal