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Student Cell Phone Policy

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Dear Parent and Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you and your family well.  We write to you today with an important policy change that will take effect at all schools in our district starting this fall.  As you may be aware, the Naugatuck Board of Education voted during its June meeting to revise our policy related to student-owned technology, and to prohibit cell phones and wearable technology (such as AirPods and smart watches) during the school day at all Naugatuck Public Schools beginning in the 2024-2025 school year (unless a device is required by a student’s IEP or 504 plan). This decision was made after careful consideration with the primary goal of creating the best possible learning environment for our students.  The policy is linked here for your review.

We understand that cell phones have become an important part of daily life for many of our students and families.  However, our primary responsibility is to provide a safe, focused, and productive learning environment for all students.  After much research and review, we have identified several key reasons for this decision. We have included some reference materials here for your review. 

Reasons for the New Policy:

  1. Enhanced Learning Environment: Cell phones are a significant distraction in the classroom, hindering students' ability to focus on learning and participate fully in class activities. Because of the way phones and apps are designed to grab and hold our attention, even students who may not intend to become distracted often are, with studies showing that the mere presence of a smartphone reduces our attention and cognitive performance. Research has also clearly shown that students perform better academically when cell phone use is restricted during school hours. 

  2. Promoting Social Interaction: Without the constant distraction of cell phones, students will have more opportunities to engage with their peers face-to-face, fostering better social skills and stronger relationships. The desire for connecting with their peers has been consistently communicated by our students in our annual district surveys, in other school-based data collections, and anecdotally during conversations. Studies highlight how face-to-face interaction is crucial for developing empathy and deep connections, and how the presence of phones often interferes with those interactions.

  3. Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Studies have shown that constant connectivity and social media can contribute to increased anxiety and stress among teenagers. By limiting cell phone use, we aim to create a school atmosphere that is a sanctuary from the constant pressures that social media specifically creates, 

  4. Preventing bullying and unsafe behaviors: Limiting cell phone access during school hours will help reduce instances of bullying and inappropriate behavior, making our schools a safer environment for all students. Research supports the idea that school policies restricting cell phone use can reduce the incidence of bullying, and in our own work with students, we often find that social media has the tendency to magnify conflict and lead to greater harm.

Policy Outline Elementary and Intermediate Schools

Students in elementary and intermediate school may bring cell phones and wearable technology to school but must turn their cell phones off or place them on silent mode. Cell phones and wearable technology must remain completely out of view (e.g., in the student’s backpack) for the entire school day.

Policy Outline City Hill Middle School and Naugatuck High School:

  • Each student in grades 7-12 will be issued a locking pouch on the first day of school to keep their cell phone and any wearable technology in during the school day. As students enter the school building, they will be expected to turn off their phones and wearable technology, place them in their pouch, and lock it. The pouches will remain locked throughout the day.

  • Students will maintain possession of their cell phones and wearable technology in the locked pouch during the school day.

  • When students leave for the day, they will tap their locked pouches on one of the unlocking stations set up near the exits. This will open up the pouch, and students will be able to access their devices.

  • Students will be required to bring their pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.

We have created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to help address some of the questions or concerns that students and parents and guardians may have. 

Student Contact: In case of emergencies, changes to after school plans, or any other reason, parents can always reach their children by calling the school's main office. We assure you that we will facilitate prompt communication between you and your child when necessary. 

Next Steps: We understand that this is a significant change and may require adjustments. To support our students and families, we will be holding several informational sessions where members of central office and middle and high school administrators will discuss the new policy, answer any questions, and provide tips on how to manage this transition. These first two informational sessions will be held in the media center at Naugatuck High School on:

Please note the change in location

  • Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the NHS Media Center

  • Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the NHS Media Center

Additional informational sessions will be scheduled throughout the month of August.  More information to follow.

We believe that this policy will greatly benefit our students' academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. We appreciate your support and cooperation in ensuring a successful implementation of this new policy. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Thank you for your understanding and partnership in fostering a positive and productive learning environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Christopher Montini

Superintendent, Naugatuck Public Schools

John Harris
Principal, Naugatuck High School

Eileen Mezzo

Associate Principal, Naugatuck High School

Lisa Lachance
Principal, City Hill Middle School