SEND TO your child’s school principal (please customize as you see fit!)

Dear [Principal Name],

[Consider intro paragraph expressing excitement for this school year, appreciation for communications and school activities so far, etc]

I am the parent of [your child’s name], and I am reaching out to learn your thoughts and needs regarding the new D97 tech policy. I am affiliated with Screen Sense Oak Park, a local organization of hundreds of local families seeking reduced reliance on digital products during the school day. We have been collaborating with the district since last spring, and are excited that a number of changes are already taking place. We recognize the need to fully support our schools with these changes, as we work to return to pre-pandemic “real world” learning experiences. We also know it’s more than just iPad/Chromebook management. The proliferation of smartphones and unlocked smartwatches even in early elementary school makes the learning environment distracting for teachers and students alike. 

I know there is more we can do to keep our children safe, engaged and thriving. Teachers have expressed several specific needs in this area to Screen Sense Oak Park, from support to become more tech savvy than their students and effectively manage screen addiction/misuse in their classrooms, to better training using existing digital products before rolling out new ones. The simplest way to resolve this is to limit physical access throughout the school day, reserving time for 1:1 device use to essential tasks where the digital products provide a clear benefit over analog learning. Relatedly, teachers have reported the need for physical classroom items: cabinets to stow screens out of sight, and to charge all devices at school, (this has been resolved for grades K-2). The best way to keep kids on task is to limit their access to a device designed for addiction and distraction!

It is essential that we implement best practices for digital product usage, not only at home, but at school. As parents, the responsibility of teaching our children healthy digital habits rests on us, but since children spend 7 hours per day at school, digital health must also be a focus in the classroom as well. In the current digital age, I recognize that technology is integrated in and integral to everyday life, and I support the thoughtful, intentional use of technology in the classroom when the benefits are clear (and based on unbiased research findings). The bottom line is that no amount of digital products can replicate the benefits of learning from a real, live teacher!

There is no need to wait for future district policies or state legislation to prioritize quality learning experiences. Nationally and internationally, trends are moving towards removing 1:1 devices in K-8. How can I help our school community embrace and even surpass the district changes in the new tech policy? Would donations of printer paper or analog learning items be beneficial? Are there needs for indoor recess support during the winter?

I recognize that administrators have a lot on their plates these days, and I do not wish to add to that burden. My goal is to support the work you do in your building. I am committed to ensuring our children learn skills that foster digital health and benefit from curated use of tech products while avoiding the harms of overuse. If there are ways that I can help, please let me know. If you would like to discuss any ideas further, I would love to be a part of the conversation and the solution.

Respectfully,

[your name]