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Student leaders report positive early results from cell-phone hotel pilot; THON and fall sports celebrated
Summary
Student rep Mia Dubin told the board a two‑month pilot asking students to place phones in a classroom 'cell phone hotel' has improved focus and social interaction; administration is developing an educational follow-up and student 'low motion' activities; fall athletes and two state tennis champions were recognized.
Mia Dubin, the student representative, updated the board on school-climate and student activities. She reported elementary Halloween parades, middle‑school guest speakers, a high‑school pep rally, and a successful fall sports season. Mia described the cell‑phone plan in place for two months: students drop phones in a classroom "cell phone hotel" each period, may use phones at lunch, and are asked to return phones after class. She said informal student feedback suggests greater focus in class and more in‑person conversation during lunch.
Mia said she and fellow student leader Adona plan to circulate a Google Form to gather broader student feedback; staff will coordinate the survey once a forum/schedule is set. She also described a planned "low motion" hour — a no‑phone extracurricular hour for activities such as volleyball or karaoke intended as a social outlet.
Mia reminded the board that THON will be held Nov. 22 in the new high-school gym. Separately, Mr. Dominic presented fall athletic highlights: cross country, tennis, field hockey and soccer posted strong seasons, with multiple all‑league and district recognitions and two state championships for the girls' tennis team.
Superintendent Dr. Best said the district will take the next step beyond phone removal with a "think tank" and professional learning work (facilitated by Julia Skolnick of Professional Learning Partnerships) to link phone policy with learning and mental‑health strategies. He also noted Lower Moreland High School’s recognition on the College Board AP Honor Roll and an AP Access Award.
