Dear Lawrence Township Community, As we embark on a new school year, I’m excited to share an important initiative designed to enhance the learning environment and support the well-being of our students.
At Lawrence Township Public Schools, our mission is to provide an education that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures the holistic development of every student.
With that goal in mind, we are reinforcing our cell phone policy at the high school that I believe will contribute significantly to both academic success and mental health.
Starting this school year, cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches will no longer be permitted during instructional time at the high school. This shift in mindset following the pandemic is a proactive step to minimize distractions and create an environment where our students can fully engage with their studies and each other.
As part of this newly defined reinforcement of expectations, each classroom will feature designated cell phone “parking lots” where students may be asked to “park” their devices upon entering. However, students are permitted to use their devices during non-instructional time, such as transition periods and lunch.
This decision is rooted in research that consistently shows the detrimental effects of unrestricted access to digital devices and social media during school hours.
The constant pull of notifications and the temptation to check a screen can disrupt learning, hinder academic performance, and contribute to stress and anxiety—issues that are all too common among teenagers today.
At our four elementary schools, Lawrence Intermediate School, and Lawrence Middle School, we will continue to implement the “Away for the Day” device policy.
In the younger grades, students are not allowed to use or have access to their phones, or use smartwatches as phones to make calls or send texts, throughout the school day. Cell phones are to be turned off and stored in their book bags from the moment they arrive at school until they are dismissed and leave the building.
By limiting device usage during instructional periods and maintaining focus throughout the school day, we’re fostering an atmosphere that prioritizes focus, engagement, and connection—both with the material being taught and with peers and teachers.
Our goal is to create a classroom environment where learning takes center stage, allowing our students to thrive academically while also supporting their mental and emotional well-being. Together, we can ensure that our students are equipped for sharper minds and brighter futures.
Dr. Robyn Klim is superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
