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Excerpts From A Letter Sent To All Middle School Parents |
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As you are aware, technology plays an important role in the lives of students today. Our students have amazing access to all kinds of research materials at the click of the mouse as well as the chance to create movies and other projects at a moment's notice. In this way, we have seen such a beneficial impact on learning with the growth of our laptop program, in addition to the smartboards and other forms of technology. However, the social temptations of technology can be hard to resist especially during the middle school years. The importance of connecting with one’s peers can become paramount and there are times that the distraction of the social aspects of technology can be a challenge for students and parents alike. This year, in the hope of creating a stronger community within the Middle School, we have limited laptop usage to a classroom with teacher supervision, the study hall room, or the library. Already we have seen students talking and connecting in the Forum instead of spending time in the virtual world.
Last spring the Middle School engaged in a trial program to help students sense how they were spending their homework time by having a week where the division did not assign any homework that would involve the use of technology. By all accounts, this experiment was a success as students were able to be far more efficient in completing their work in addition to having more time to spend connecting with their families at home. This year, the faculty decided to engage in this program for two weeks, once during the fall semester (October 4th through the 8th) and another in the spring semester (April 18 through the 22nd). During these weeks, the students continue to bring their laptops to school as they will be used in class under teacher supervision. However, we will not assign any homework that would specifically require the use of their laptops. In addition, during the succeeding weekends (Columbus Day weekend in the fall and Easter weekend in the spring) we will not assign any homework.
This program will give students a better idea of how they use their time, and parents, a concept of the real time required for homework without distractions. Students are also encouraged to use this extra time to read a book, play outside, have dinner with their family, or otherwise connect with their immediate environment. It is the hope of the Middle School faculty that students will take the lessons from this program and effectively balance social and academic demands in the future.
Drew Meyer
Head of Middle School |
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