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Focused & Engaged Learning

Student at Forest Edge Elementary engaging in science project

Creating engaging learning environments that minimize distractions and foster student focus is essential for academic success.

Approved Initiative: Reduce Phone Distraction in Class (starting September 2, 2025)

Cell Phone icon

Why It’s Important: Increased Focus & Engagement

  • Proposed updates to policies and practices aim to create a more focused and engaging learning environment by minimizing distractions.
  • By reducing screen time during the day, students are better able to connect with their peers and teachers.

What This Means for Students & Families:

  • Consistent Expectations: Updated practices to reduce cell phone distractions during the school day.
  • Grade-Specific Expectations:
    • Grades K-6: Phones stay at home, or are in cubbies or lockers.
    • Grades 7-8: Phones placed in caddies within the classroom (including learning labs); may check phones at lunch.
    • Grades 9-12: Phones placed in caddies within the classroom (including regular study halls); may check phones at lunch and Responsibility and Privilege (RAP) study halls.

What's Next?

We are in the process of updating the policy, ordering caddy systems, and preparing educational materials for families and students. You can expect to hear more details this summer.

What Families Can Do to Support Focused & Engaged Learning

  • Become familiar with the research on kids and technology
  • Discuss research and healthy boundaries for technology use with your child.
  • Set boundaries for device use during homework or study time.
  • Talk with your child about what helps them stay focused and encourage those habits.
  • Know your student's daily class schedule and make an effort to only call / text during non-instructional times.
  • Attend the Screenagers event with your student (appropriate for ages 10+).
Student writing paper in library

Screenagers Movie Event

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Oregon High School Performing Arts Center

Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age is a documentary that explores the impact of digital devices on students’ lives and how these devices can impact adolescent mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Screenagers is relevant to our Readiness for Learning initiatives and we offered the opportunity for families to attend with their families as part of our community engagement efforts. The screening offered families information about effects of technology and gave tips about having meaningful conversations about the topic at home.

Thanks to Oregon Area Cares Community Coalition and Oregon Community Education & Recreation for partnering with us to sponsor this important screening.

If you were not able to attend Screenagers, check out resources from the event below under "Learn More"

Readiness for Learning Focus Areas

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