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Superintendent highlights 'No Social Media November,' Polaroid pilot and strong open house turnout
Summary
Superintendent Jason reported a voluntary "No Social Media November" pilot at the high school that includes Polaroid photography, described a well‑attended open house that drew families and clubs, and flagged outreach on diversity programming and RFPs for school groups.
Superintendent Jason updated the Swampscott School Committee on several district initiatives, saying the district is piloting a "No Social Media November" effort at the high school and using Polaroid cameras to document school events.
"So let's start with no social media November. I deleted my Instagram account," Jason said, describing the pilot led by staff member Megan Ramirez and noting that teachers are using Polaroid photographs around the school to capture activities.
Jason said the district will review participation data after the pilot to assess effects on student well‑being and engagement. He referenced research on screen time and mental health and said the district will gather data on how many students participate before returning results to the committee.
Jason and members also praised a recent open house, describing live student interviews, music in the atrium, more than 40 clubs on display and an influx of families who might otherwise have chosen private schools. Committee members thanked staff for the event's organization and said the strong turnout could support local enrollment efforts.
Separately, members discussed diversity programming and encouraged student clubs to apply for short‑term grants administered by the district's short diversity group to support activities like a poet visit to elementary schools and middle‑school events.
