Dexter Community Schools Taking a Look at Phones in the Classroom

Dexter Community Schools (DCS) is hosting a community conversation related to the recent legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

This past month, Whitmer signed two bipartisan bills that aim to improve focus during class time by minimizing digital distractions. According to the Governor’s Office, the two bills call for Michigan school districts to create action plans that keep devices away during class, with exceptions for emergencies and academic use.

“I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that will help prioritize academic success and support youth mental health,” Whitmer said. “We know that when students put their phones down, their grades go up. These bills will help keep kids focused in the classroom and break their growing dependency on screens and social media. We could all benefit from looking up at the world instead of down at our phones.”

School districts will have control over their phone policies, allowing local leaders to consult with teachers, parents, and community members on what works best for their schools, the Governor’s Office said. This allows for flexibility in deciding how students can access their devices in case of emergency and on productive ways phones can be used as academic tools.

In seeing this legislation, DCS Superintendent Ryan Bruder sent out a message to the school district community asking them to participate in a forum to discuss the legislation and the topics connected with it.

“Dear DCS Students, Staff and Families, 

Michigan recently passed a law requiring schools to limit cell phone use during instructional time, with the goal of reducing distractions and helping students focus on learning. As our district begins to consider how DCS policies align with the law, this is a great opportunity for a community conversation on this topic. We invite parents, students, teachers, and staff to join a community forum on March 19th, 7pm at the Dexter High School Media Center.

 Participants will be able to share perspectives, ask questions, and discuss both the benefits and concerns surrounding cell phone use during the school day. This conversation will help us better understand everyone’s experiences and consider how practical changes may affect learning, communication, and student well-being. We hope you’ll join us for this thoughtful community discussion.”

Photo: School Districts in Michigan will be reviewing policies around phones in the classroom. Image by giovannacco from Pixabay