I know this is going to be a big shift for some of our students and families, and we want to be prepared to support you during this transition. Whether you agree or not, please note this policy is being put in place because there is enough research out there to demonstrate that constant access to cell phones during the day can interfere with learning, make it harder for students to stay present, and even negatively impact mental health and social well-being. The intention behind this new policy is not about taking something away, but about giving something back to our students- time to focus, opportunities for real connection, space to learn and grow without the pressure of social media. (It's so hard to be a teenager these days!) We want to help our students be more engaged in their classrooms and build stronger relationships with one another- giving them a better overall school experience.
We absolutely understand the importance of students being able to reach their families, and we’ll continue to have procedures in place to support that when needed. Over the summer, we’ll be working to determine how this will look at Honeoye, and we will be seeking input from our families during this process- more information will be forthcoming.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership, understanding, and support. Our shared commitment to doing what’s best for our students is what makes this community so special.