Mr. Newmark responded with this email:

Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns and for your thoughtful advocacy on behalf of your peers. I appreciate the effort you and others have put into gathering student input and engaging in constructive dialogue about school policies.
I understand the desire to use phones during lunch and passing periods for communication, relaxation, and practical needs. However, after careful consideration, we believe that maintaining the current policy has had a net positive impact on the overall school environment. Here are a few reasons why:
Increased Social Interaction – Since implementing this policy, we've observed students engaging more with their peers during lunch and passing periods. Instead of being absorbed in their screens, students are having face-to-face conversations, fostering stronger social connections, and building a greater sense of community.
Reduced Distractions and Transitions – Passing periods are designed to give students time to transition between classes, use the restroom, and prepare for their next lesson. Removing phone use from these times has led to smoother transitions, reduced tardiness, and fewer instances of students becoming distracted or disengaged before entering the classroom.
Mental Wellness Benefits – Taking breaks from screens has been shown to reduce stress and improve focus. Many students have reported feeling less pressure to constantly check their phones, leading to a healthier balance of screen time and in-person engagement throughout the school day.
Access to Chromebooks for Academic Needs – Students have unlimited access to their Chromebooks, which provide the necessary tools for checking grades, submitting work, and accessing educational resources. This ensures that students can stay academically engaged without the need for personal devices.
Safety and School Procedures – While access to the PUSD TIP line is important, there are alternative ways to report concerns, including through teachers, counselors, and staff who are always available to support students. Additionally, our school’s focus on digital citizenship is built into the curriculum and advisory discussions, helping prepare students for responsible technology use in high school and beyond.
We acknowledge that adjusting to this change has been challenging for some students, but we truly believe it is contributing to a more positive and focused school environment. While we respect and appreciate your advocacy, we will be upholding the current policy to maintain these benefits for the student body as a whole.
Thank you again for sharing your perspective and for your commitment to making MVMS the best it can be. If you or any of your peers have further concerns, I encourage you to continue this conversation with me, Principal Moore, or the AP team.
Brian Newmark - AP VMMS