Good afternoon Abington students and families,
As we prepare for the start of the school year next week, we wanted to call your attention to and seek your cooperation with a very important matter related to your student’s success at Abington High School. As has been the case with many school systems and districts recently, we have also had a growing concern about the negative impact and pervasive use of cell phones and other electronic devices during and beyond the school day for our developing adolescents. Here in Abington High school, we often find our students distracted by games and social media alerts at best, and at worst using cellphones and social media in a highly disruptive manner that can also create substantial school-based, social and sometimes legal consequences we would like all of our students to avoid.
In conjunction with our existing language in the student handbook, Abington High School will be limiting student cell phone use to non-instructional time only. Students will only be allowed to use their phones and devices during homeroom, passing time, and when at lunch. We want our students to experience and appreciate the benefit of having their sustained and undivided attention to the important academic work and growth that happens in our classrooms. Students also admit to us that they would like a break from their phones as well, acknowledging that they feel better and are more focused when they do not have the constant distraction from their phones.
Next week, students will experience a consistent expectation building wide that phones and earbuds are placed in a bin in the front of the room, off and away in their backpack, or even better, left at home when they come to school. To our parents and families, we are seeking and rely on your support to emphasize the importance of shutting off devices and focusing during class. With community wide adult solidarity, we can improve the teaching and learning experience for our students, provide opportunities for important development and growth, and improve their long term mental health with genuine social connections.
As always, we welcome dialogue with parents and the community about how we can best achieve our mutual interests on behalf of our students.
Regards,
Jonathan Bourn
Principal
Kate Casey Assistant Principal