Dear Dr. Kapushion and SVVSD school board members,

I am writing as a concerned resident to respectfully request that our school district consider implementing a bell to bell policy that restricts the use of smartphones during school hours.

Smartphones can easily become a source of distraction and stress for students, often interfering with both their academic focus and social development. While technology has its place in modern learning, unrestricted access to smartphones during the school day can hinder the very environment schools strive to create—one centered on focus, learning, and meaningful connection.

I recently learned that BVSD adopted a no-smartphones policy during school hours and has seen encouraging results: improved academic engagement, fewer disciplinary issues, and a noticeable positive shift in student interaction and well-being. I believe our students and teachers could benefit in similar ways.

Beyond the academic benefits, removing smartphones during the school day also encourages students to interact face-to-face. When phones are not an option, kids are more likely to talk to each other, collaborate, and build social skills that are essential for both school and life. These everyday interactions—during lunch, between classes, and in group projects—can help strengthen community, reduce feelings of isolation, and support emotional development.

Restricting smartphones during school hours doesn't mean ignoring the role technology plays in our lives. Rather, it’s about ensuring that during the school day, students are present and engaged, without the pull of social media, gaming, or constant notifications. In a world where these devices are nearly impossible to escape, school can be a rare and valuable space free from their constant influence.

I hope you will consider studying the impact of smartphone use in our schools and evaluate the possibility of a similar policy. 

Thank you for your time, attention, and continued commitment to the well-being of our students.