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Pequannock revises elementary code of conduct to emphasize restorative practice, propose smartwatch limits
Summary
District leaders presented elementary code of conduct revisions that emphasize restorative responses and restrict smartwatch use in classrooms; changes will move into policy review and practice updates.
Pequannock Township School District administrators on Sept. 2 described revisions to the elementary school code of conduct that prioritize restorative practices and limit use of wearable technology such as smartwatches during school hours.
Superintendent Dr. Portis told the board the revisions were developed collaboratively with school administrators and staff "to focus on restorative practices" for students ages roughly 5 to 11 and to move away from punitive writing tasks toward reflective exercises. "Our goal is to make it so whatever mistakes they make at that age, they learn from them," he said.
Why it matters: administrators said restorative approaches are intended to teach alternatives to poor choices at a young age, reducing long-term negative consequences. The policy draft also targets increased use of wearable devices that interrupt instruction.
Key details
- Restorative emphasis: The code will favor reflective writing and discussion that helps students consider alternatives to hurtful behaviors rather than using punitive repetitive assignments, district staff said.
- Smartwatches: Administrators said the code will address wearable devices explicitly, asking that smartwatches be placed in backpacks and retrieved at the end of the day to avoid classroom disruption. A staff member summarized the change as: "If you have your smartwatch, put it in your backpack."
- Policy path: Portis said the revisions are part of an operational update and will be reflected in forthcoming policy revisions. He noted that the policy will align with actual classroom practice and be made clear in student handbooks.
Board discussion and questions
Board members asked about enforcement and whether taking a smartwatch would simply shift distraction to a phone. Portis said the district will reflect current practice in the regulation: devices are to remain stored during instructional time. He also noted the district examined phone pouches and other device-management tools, but administrators judged current needs to vary by building and age group.
Ending
Administrators said they will incorporate the code revisions into policy updates this fall and present final language to the board for adoption. The district emphasized that the change is intended to improve learning conditions in elementary classrooms.
