TWO templates below. Please copy and customize as you see fit, and SEND TO your child’s ELEMENTARY school teacher (MIDDLE SCHOOL—coming soon)
Dear [Teacher Name],
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 associated 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 teachers 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. They have also reported the need for physical classroom items: cabinets to stow screens out of sight, and to charge all devices at school, although 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!
In that spirit, I encourage you to embrace the new D97 tech policy, or even take additional steps to support analog learning. One example would be issuing pen-and-paper homework, and keeping school devices at school (unless a family requests it to be sent home). Another idea is that I am happy to support this by donating books, printer paper, writing utensils, or tactile learning items. I would be happy to share your Amazon wish list!
I recognize that educators 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 classroom. 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]
Hi [Teacher Name],
This is [your child’s name]’s [mom or dad], [your name]. I know the start of the school year is busy, so I intentionally waited a bit to send this message. I realize it's probably easiest to email, but I am happy to have a phone or in-person conversation if that works better for you.
In a nutshell, my family has become quite concerned with the way our schools use 1:1 devices. In spite of digital product use exploding since the pandemic, unbiased research is increasingly indicating 1:1 devices are not the most effective way for our kids to learn. Whether looking at foundational skills like critical thinking, executive functioning, attention span, and social collaboration, or measuring educational performance, scientific findings support “analog” learning. Communities, states and even entire countries across the world are making changes to course-correct the overuse of tech products in schools.
My family is grateful for the initial changes D97 has made to rein in screen overuse during the school day. We are excited that students will get more face-to-face time with teachers and fellow students, as well as more tactile and physical learning experiences (reading, writing, creating). Despite district level “digital guardrails,” we know that students can still use screen time to access inappropriate websites and even artificial intelligence. My family would like to see D97 to continue to move the needle so that screens are reserved for learning activities where they provide clear research-supported benefits versus traditional learning methods (and not based on research sponsored by technology companies).
My family has great respect for you and the teaching profession. We do not want to be a burden on you, and we are here to help in any way we can. We are not anti-tech, but have been teaching our children that technology is a great tool when appropriate and superior to other tools. We believe digital product use should be sparing and selective in the early years. At home, we are encouraging [your child’s name] to
write down assignments in a personal notebook and larger projects on our family calendar
print out required readings instead of skimming them on a screen
write assignments on paper before typing into the iPad (if homework is digital)
create projects in a hands-on way vs. digital
We would like [your child’s name] to participate in school this year without toting an iPad home with him every day, and we are wondering if you can work with us to make that happen? How else can we support you and your classroom with real-world learning opportunities? Do you have the need for any learning materials, or do you have an Amazon wish list I can share with the class community? I welcome your thoughts on this topic.
Sincerely,
[your name]