Smartphone-Free School Initiave

 Dear STrEaM families,

STrEaM is exploring an initiative to go “phone free” for the 24-25 school year. This is a growing movement, based on evidence that smartphones are harmful to the mental health, development and learning of adolescents. Our age group, middle schoolers, are particularly impacted by smartphones and social media. Simply, this is a shift from students keeping smartphones on their person, to not on their person or at home. 

We've created this flier with information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and resources on smartphones and our phone-free initiative: Phone Free FAQ.pdf

Some clarification that may help with questions or concerns:

• There will be no change this school year. If adopted, a policy change would go into effect for the 24-25 school year

• We are not planning to ban smartphones

• Students will either be asked to put them in a secure storage or keep them in their backpacks

• We are encouraging, but not requiring students to leave smartphones at home 

• The important change is not having them in class or on their person

• Smartwatches are not included in the proposed policy 

• Students will be able to use their devices before and after school

• We will always facilitate communication between parents and students

• School policy never supersedes medical, 504 or IEP requirements for device access. There will always be approved exceptions for legitimate reasons

This initiative is aligned with our unique mission and vision at STrEaM. The word "experiential" appears 18 times in our charter. The word outdoor(s) appears 12 times. Our charter states "the ASA approach enhances students' relationships with their local environment, and addresses the staggering divide between children and the outdoors. Child advocates such as Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, link the lack of nature in the lives of today's youth to an increase in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. ASA believes that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults."

Please reach out to us with questions or concerns. 

Thank you!

Principal Mokelke