Promoting Student Wellness: A Balanced Approach to Technology
Dear WB Families,
As we kick off the new school year and continue our shared mission of nurturing the academic growth and personal well-being of our students, we want to address an important aspect of daily modern life: our collective relationship with technology and screen time.
Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to read "The Anxious Generation" and engage in a book club conversation with a number of our parents, staff, and faculty members. We explored and shared ideas, both as educators and as parents, to support and set limits for our children—and ourselves—in this age of technology. We also successfully implemented the cell phone ban during the school day.
In today’s world, technology is an indispensable resource. When used intentionally, digital devices serve as wonderful tools for both educational enrichment and recreational engagement. Within our classrooms, technology allows students to explore interactive curricula, collaborate on complex projects, and develop critical digital literacy skills. Outside of school, online media provides valuable avenues for HW, creative expression, research, and staying connected with the world. We deeply value the rich learning opportunities that high-quality digital tools offer.
At the same time, we recognize that modern technology brings new challenges. Across our community and nationwide, valid concerns have been raised regarding the overall volume of screen time accumulated throughout the day by both students and adults. While online resources are immensely valuable, excessive or unmonitored screen exposure can impact physical health, sleep quality, face-to-face social connections, and mental well-being.
As part of our district’s ongoing commitment to holistic student wellness, our administrative team is taking proactive steps to examine and refine our digital practices. Specifically, we will be diving deeper into how and why Chromebooks are integrated into learning environments—both inside our classrooms and at home.
As a starting point, we ask for your partnership in reminding our students that Chromebooks are to be used for instructional purposes only. Chromebooks will be accessible to elementary students until 9:00 PM, to our JHS students until 10:00 PM, and to our high school students until 11:59 PM.
Throughout the year, our initiative will focus on conversations with the technology committee, teachers, parents, and students on the following key areas of digital wellness:
Reviewing instructional practices to ensure Chromebooks are utilized intentionally to enhance learning, while preserving a healthy balance with hands-on, collaborative, and non-digital instruction.
Examining how district-issued devices impact evening schedules to foster healthier boundaries.
Developing clear guidance, practical strategies, and actionable recommendations to help parents and guardians establish healthy screen time habits and management routines at home.
Fostering a balanced, thoughtful relationship with technology is a goal best achieved in partnership between school and home. We look forward to sharing additional guidance and practical family resources with you in the near future for your consideration.
Thank you for your continued partnership, dedication, and shared commitment to supporting the overall health and success of our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly
Superintendent of Schools