Agenda - 1.16.25
Participants will work together to discuss the use of personal technology devices in school including phones, internet-enabled watches, ipads, etc. The session agenda is below.
6:00pm -6:10pm
Introduction and review of current practices from the Superintendent and Board of Education President.
6:10pm - 6:35pm
Discussion Topic #1: If personal technology in school were banned completely, how would this work at Greenville? Example: Requirement to put away devices at all times while in school.
6:35pm - 7:00pm
Discussion Topic #2: If personal technology in school were partially banned, how would this work at Greenville? Example: Only permitted during non-instructional times.
7:00pm - 7:25pm
Discussion Topic #3: What is the best option to ensure distraction-free learning at Greenville?
1 - Complete ban
2 - Partial ban
3 - Leave as is (up to teacher discretion)
7:25pm-7:30pm
Closing
This is an opportunity for the community to discuss the aforementioned topics to help the Board of Education understand the public’s perspective on the issue before a decision is made. A recap will be shared online after the session.
Initial Notification - 1.15.25
Dear GCSD Community:
Cell phones have become a distraction in schools across the state. During Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address on Tuesday, she shared that one of her initiatives would be to take action to ensure distraction-free learning. Below is what she shared:
“Governor Hochul recognizes that the addictive elements of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices can have detrimental impacts on youth mental health and on learning environments for students and teachers in New York’s schools. In 2024, the Governor engaged in a statewide listening tour and gathered insights on this important issue from a diverse array of parents, students, teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders. To that end, as part of this year’s Executive Budget, the Governor will put forth a proposal to address the problem of smartphones and other internet- enabled devices in schools and create a new statewide standard for distraction-free learning in NewYork.”
What is the State of the State and the Executive Budget?
The proposals included in the State of the State are the first step in sharing the governor’s vision for New York State in the upcoming year. The Executive Budget, released on January 21, will include additional policies and funding details that bring the vision to life.
What does this mean for Greenville?
In short - we’re not quite sure. Without more information from the State, we don’t know the “standard” of distraction-free learning that will be required. However, our Board of Education would like to start the conversation early to determine what the best course of action will be, if the State leaves the decision up to individual schools.
Community Engagement Session - January 22, 2025
With that being said, we invite you to a Community Engagement Session on cell phones in school on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm in the Middle/High School Library. This will be a community conversation with the Board of Education to discuss the possible courses of action to ensure distraction-free learning. An agenda will be shared on the District website prior to the session, and a recap will be shared online afterward. We will be able to provide more information about the state’s requirements at the session, pending the release of the governor’s Executive Budget on January 21.
Sincerely,
Michael Bennett
Superintendent of Schools