SDST Office of Teaching & Learning

The School District of Springfield Township sets as our mission to "educate and develop all students as learners and citizens who are high-achieving, resilient, and responsible in a changing global community." As we embark on this new school year, our commitment to this mission remains unwavering. We are dedicated to creating an environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth, with a strong focus on equity and a sense of belonging for all learners.

Each day, we take seriously our responsibility to partner with you in order to prepare our children for success after high school. Whether they are just starting with us in Kindergarten, beginning their final year in Elementary school, navigating the social relationships of Middle School or figuring out the block schedule at our High School, we are confident that each learner needs to acquire and demonstrate essential lifelong skills such as problem-solving, communication, global citizenship, self-motivated learning, and critical thinking. We have continued to build out opportunities for students not only to learn and practice these skills; but also, to self-assess on how they are doing towards these attributes.

We hold as an essential priority our role in collaborating with families, students, faculty and the community in creating opportuntiies to build these skills collaboratively and in partnership with one another. Sharing a vision for our students success both in and out of the classroom requires our entire community to collaborate with one another. In today's world, considering the way in which we rely and utilize technology in all aspects of our life, we continue to refine and strengthen our approaches within the school day. This update aims to share information with our families and students in order to provide a solid foundation for the start of the coming school year.

This newsletter includes the following:

• Our work to balance educational technology within the school day
• Clarifying educational use
• Technology integration in our classroom instructional practices
• Resources and supports
• Updates and changes on access and use of personal and school issued devices throughout the school day in each of our buildings.

If I can offer additional information, or answer any questions you might have, please feel free to contact your building principal or to reach out to me directly. Again, welcome back, and we are looking forward to a wonderful new schol year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Damian Johnston, Assistant Superintendent

Office of Teaching and Learning

We recognize the importance of in-person interactive learning as a key indicator to helping students succeed. At no other time has the question of balancing access to technology become so present in our educational landscape. Certainly, as we seek to focus on academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and creating a supportive community for every family, we must also explore responsible and balanced technology use within our schools, homes and community. The ways in which social media, cell phone and smartwatch use has impacted everyone's lives is ever changing. By creating a collaborative approach between families, students, schools and our community, we can all provide our students with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world, while ensuring that every student feels valued and supported.

We are sharing this newsletter in hopes to communicate to our community of families, faculty, staff and students our expectations for technology use during the school day. We have received feedback which has helped further clarify our approaches and expectations for the year to come. In addition, we have made some programmatic updates for our expectations for students about their access to and use of electronic devices during the school day. Our hope is by establishing clear boundaries and expectations we can support our students in developing healthy habits which allow them to focus on their learning, communication and social interaction during the school day.

For the purposes of the instructional school day, we define educational use as students accessing their district issued devices (e.g., Chromebooks and/or iPads) as essential tools for learning in our schools. They support a range of educational activities and access to digital resources and texts. Classroom instruction balances digital and hard copy materials while allowing access to information for research, collaborative projects, and interactive lessons. The use of these devices is monitored and structured to enhance student learning and engagement.

During the school day, we work to create purposeful integration of digital tools and resources into the educational environment across our K-12 schools. Certainly, this does not replace paper and pencil tasks. Nor should technology limit interaction and social engagement between students. Instead, we need to build opportunities throughout the day to engage in a variety of learning tasks which vary and allow students to think in different and unique ways about the content and skills in their classrooms. When teachers and educators are using technology within their classrooms, they are expected to consider the following:

1. Technology is used to enhance teaching and learning. Digital tools and resources are selected for their educational value, helping students to understand complex concepts, engage with content in new ways, and develop skills necessary for the future.

2. Promoting a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. High quality instructional learning environments create opportunities for students to engage in physical activities, face-to-face interactions, and non-digital learning experiences in balance with use of their instructional technology devices.

3. Focusing on opportunities to develop students’ critical thinking skills. This includes analyzing and questioning information, solving problems, and making informed decisions using digital tools.

Across the school district, we continue to ensure that we have clearly established policies about technology use. This includes working with students to understand rules on acceptable use, digital citizenship, and the appropriate times and ways to use technology. We recognize our responsibility to consider the cognitive and emotional development for students while also promoting a balanced approach to digital learning. We work with faculty and staff to:

• Set Limits: Implementing instructional practices which focus on purposeful screen time use while also encouraging breaks.

• Promote Balance: Develop an intentional mix of digital and non-digital activities within an instructional period.

• Teach Digital Literacy: Educating students about the responsible use of technology and its impacts on their well-being.

All students in grades K-8 are enrolled in technology and/or STEM courses where a primary focus is on their responsible use of technology. Additionally, across the K-12 program, In a variety of classes and across the curriculum, we work to help students understand how to evaluate online information, practicing good digital etiquette, and recognizing the impact of their online behavior.

Our district technology department works actively to ensure that we are creating digital spaces which are safe for students. This includes protecting students' personal information, using secure platforms, and educating students about online safety and privacy. Further, teachers, staff and administrators monitor technology use in the classroom to ensure it aligns with educational goals.

By fostering responsible technology use, our schools aim to create a learning environment where technology enhances educational outcomes while supporting students’ overall well-being and development.

To further support establishing clear expectations with our students about technology use, and in receiving feedback from our families, students and the community, we are announcing the following changes for the 2024-2025 School Year.

We have noticed an increase in the use of smartwatches among our younger students. While these devices offer various conveniences, they can also be a distraction in the learning environment.

Therefore, we are implementing the following guidelines:

• No Smartwatches During School Hours: To minimize distractions and maintain focus on learning, we ask that students do not wear smartwatches during school hours.

• Parental Communication: Ensure that important messages are relayed through the school office rather than through smartwatches, text messages or other alternate devices.

• Focus on Learning: Encourage your children to use their time at school to engage with their peers and participate fully in classroom activities without the interruption of digital notifications.

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We have noticed an increase in the use of cellphones among our younger students. While these devices offer various conveniences, they can also be a distraction in the learning environment.

Therefore, we are implementing the following guidelines:

• No Cellphones During School Hours: To minimize distractions and maintain focus on learning, we ask that students do not have cellphones in school with them during the day.
• Parental Communication: Ensure that important messages are relayed through the school office rather than through smartwatches, text messages or other alternate devices.
  

• Focus on Learning: Encourage your children to use their time at school to engage with their peers and participate fully in classroom activities without the interruption of digital notifications.

Families interested in resources regarding decisions and access to cell phones should consult Common Sense Media for additional information. These resources may be helpful to discussing access to this technology within your family.

• Cellphones & Devices

• Cellphones: A guide for Parents & Caregivers

We are whitelisting YouTube for grades K-8. This means that we have taken specific steps to ensure that only approved, educational videos are accessible to students.

Here's what it entails:

• Safe Content: Faculty and staff may select specific YouTube videos and channels that are educational and appropriate for students and provide access to their students. .

• Educational Focus: The videos and/or materials which are made available to students are chosen to support their learning in subjects like math, science, reading, and social studies.

• Restricted Access: Students will not be able to access YouTube freely; they can only view the videos and channels that have been whitelisted by their teachers and school staff.

• Enhanced Learning: By whitelisting, we ensure that students can benefit from the vast educational resources on YouTube without exposure to inappropriate content.

This approach helps us use YouTube as a valuable educational tool while keeping your children safe and focused on their studies. While there are some who have called for a ban on YouTube in school, we have determined that YouTube hosts a wealth of educational videos that can enrich classroom instruction. Using quality learning materials in varied formats can make learning more engaging and accessible, helping to explain complex concepts through visual and auditory means.

Whitelisting allows us to filter and approve content, ensuring students only view age-appropriate and educational videos. Whitelisting strikes a balance by providing access to beneficial content while blocking inappropriate material. We will continue to monitor the use of YouTube and make any adjustments necessary to ensure students are viewing safe and appropriate content while in school.

After continued discussion with faculty, students, families and administration, we are establishing new routines and procedures for lunch at the middle school. Starting this school year, middle school students will not be permitted to use their Chromebooks during lunch in the cafeteria. This decision is aimed at encouraging students to engage more actively with their peers and participate in real-life, social activities.

We believe that lunchtime is a valuable opportunity for students to:

• Talk with Friends: Build and strengthen friendships through face-to-face conversations.

• Play Games: Engage in interactive, non-digital games that foster teamwork and creativity.

• Real-Life Activities: Participate in various opportunities which further expand social skills and personal interests or try out new hobbies or activities which do not involve screens.

We are hopeful that students will have the opportunity for:

• Improving Social Skills: Regular social interaction helps students develop essential communication and interpersonal skills.

• Improve Overall Well-Being: Taking a break from screens and engaging in physical or social activities can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

• Community Building: Encouraging students to interact and collaborate in person helps build a stronger, more connected school community.

For students who use their lunch time to complete school tasks or homework, they will be able to request a pass to the library or a teacher’s classroom during lunch. We recognize the busy lives of our students, within and outside the school day, and want to ensure that students who need the time to complete their homework or school work can do so. A process and routine for this will be established in the first week of school.

As families may know, last year we began piloting a program using Cell Phone Hotels during instructional blocks. This program was widely popular and effective in spaces which utilized Cell Phone Hotels. Therefore, based on the success of this approach and in our ongoing efforts to enhance focus and academic performance, starting this school year, we will be implementing Cell Phone Hotels in all high school classrooms to help students stay engaged and minimize distractions.

What Are Cell Phone Hotels? Cell Phone hotels are designated areas where students will store their phones during class time.

Here’s how it will work:

• Phone Storage: At the start of each class, students will place their phones in the Cell Phone Hotel. Phones will be stored with screens facing outward to ensure they are easily visible and secure

• Access During Class: Phones may only be used when specifically directed by faculty or administrators for educational purposes

• Phone Use Class Change, Lunch and Study Hall: Students are allowed to use their phones during class changes, Lunch & Learn and during scheduled Study Halls

Why Are We Making This Change?

• Minimize Distractions: Keeping phones stored during class will help students focus better on their lessons and reduce disruptions.

• Promote Engagement: This approach encourages students to engage more actively in classroom activities and discussions.

• Support Academic Success: By limiting phone use during instructional time, we aim to support a more productive learning environment.

Faculty and staff will:

• Monitor and Support: Guide students on where to store their phones and remind them of the policy expectations.

• Handling Violations: If a student fails to comply with the policy, the issue will be referred to school administration. School personnel will not be removing phones from students. If there are violations to the class expectations, administration will handle any necessary follow-up actions.

We are hopeful that families recognize we are working to help set boundaries in school which promote a healthy balance between active, paper/pencil, social and digital learning. However, we also know that creating balance must exist in other settings outside of school. It is our hope to continue to build a partnership within the school, community and students' homes where we are all committed to helping students establish life-long healthy habits and routines.

In Common Sense Media’s national survey

• 56% of parents are worried their kids may become addicted to technology.

• 43% worry their kids are spending too much time online.

• 38% worry their kids are oversharing personal details.

• 94% have positive attitudes about the role of technology in their children’s education.

We regularly hear from families that setting boundaries on device usage can be challenging. In our digital age, screen time management is more important than ever. Here are some key points to help balance screen use:

• Consistent Expectations: Establish clear and consistent expectations about when and where devices can be used. For example, no devices at the dinner table or in bedrooms at night.
• Open Communication: Discuss the reasons behind screen time limits with your children to help them understand the importance of balance.
• Use Technology Wisely: Utilize parental control features and apps to set limits on screen time and monitor usage.
• Lead by Example: Show your children healthy habits by balancing your own screen time and engaging in offline activities as a family.
• Encourage Other Activities: Promote hobbies and activities that do not involve screens, such as sports, reading, and outdoor play.

Families may find these resources from Common Sense Media to be helpful and useful in exploring these issues for your family.

• Screen Time

• Social Media

• Cellphones & Devices

• Cellphones: A guide for Parents & Caregivers

• Family Tech Planners

• Video Resources & Parenting Tips

Successful education is a collaborative effort. We encourage open communication and shared responsibility between home, school, and the wider community.

We are excited about the possibilities this new school year holds.

Our goals include:

• Academic Excellence: Continuously improving our curriculum and instructional practices to meet the diverse needs of our students.

• Social-Emotional Learning: Implementing programs that support students' emotional well-being and help them develop strong interpersonal skills.

• Community Building: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student and family feels valued and supported.

We look forward to partnering with you to make this school year a success. Together, we can create a vibrant learning community that empowers our students to thrive. We are hopeful that providing this comprehensive overview is helpful to staff, families and students in having a clear understanding of our updates for the coming year.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your child's building principal or Damian Johnston, Assistant Superintendent (damian_johnston@sdst.org).