Resources for Maine School Administrators
See below for the following resources:
Phone-Free Schools Administrator Toolkit
RSU 1 (Bath) Template
RSU 52 (Turner) Template
Slide Presentation: Phone Free Schools in Maine
Storage Solutions
Other Great Resources
Regional Success Stories
Looking to go Phone-free at your school? You don't have to go it alone. Check out these great resources compiled by other schools in Maine.
Have something to add?
E-mail us at connect@turnthetidecoalition.org
Phone Free Schools Administrator Toolkit
The Phone-Free Schools Movement has developed comprehensive toolkit designed specifically to help school administrators transition to a phone-free environment throughout the entire school day
This toolkit includes:
Research Infographics
Benefits of a phone-free school
A rollout timeline
An implementation guide
A model policy
FAQ’s
Common Pushbacks
Communication to Stakeholders
Surveys
These resources are specifically designed to help you engage all stakeholders, minimize pushback, and facilitate a smooth transition to a phone-free school environment. With the growing recognition of the negative impact of smartphones on education, mental health, and physical safety, this toolkit provides the necessary support to make impactful changes in our schools.
RSU1 (Bath) Administrator Toolkit
On June 24, 2024, the Bath (RSU1) School Board voted to ban cell phones and smartwatches in grades 6-12 during school hours for the 24-25 school year. This ban was researched and proposed by administrators as another layer of support to improve the mental health and academic success of their students.
As this was the first comprehensive bell to bell policy in the State of Maine, the Assistant Superintendent who lead the effort, Katie Joseph, has shared her working documents for other Maine administrators. Katie Joseph can be reached at kjoseph@rsu1.org if you have questions.
RSU 52 (Turner) Administrator Toolkit
RSU 52 (Green, Leeds & Turner)
From Cari Medd, Superintendent:
This was really a topic fully driven by our high school principal and supported by me (a former high school principal). We had a meeting with the RSU1 assistant superintendent to learn from her about their process and then largely followed their process.
JICJ | JICJ-R
Here are two "cell phone sit downs" that the principal and I recorded to address a variety of issues: Part 1 | Part 2
Storage Solutions
Budget Storage Solutions:
Schools across the country are storing devices on a budget using low-cost systems like labeled bins, envelopes, or wall organizers. For example, a high school in Ohio implemented a full-day policy with just $1,400 spent over two years for 800 students.
Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project also has a helpful webinar called “Phone-Free Schools on a Budget” (15 minute version and 40 minute version)—it includes great information on affordable storage solutions
Phone-Free Schools Program – Main landing page for K–12 education
https://www.overyondr.com/phone-free-schools
Yondr Blog – Timely, parent-relevant topics like mental health, focus, and school success
https://www.overyondr.com/blog
How It Works – Clear explanation of the Yondr process
https://www.overyondr.com/phone-locking-pouch
Press & Media Coverage – Helpful third-party validation from major outlets
Yonder Pouches:
Other Great Resources
Regional Success Stories
Stevens High School in Claremont, NH
Keene Sentinel, December 31, 2023
As state sues Meta, it also urges social media literacy instruction for kids. When students at Stevens High School in Claremont arrive at school this year, they must immediately surrender use of their phones.
Three months into the year, Stevens High School principal Chris Pratt says the change has already “improved the entire climate” of the school.”
Illing Middle School, in Manchester, CT
The Washington Post, May 1, 2024
How a Connecticut Middle School Won the Battle Against Cell Phones.
“Some students hadn’t realized how much their phones diverted their focus. Nicole Gwiazdowski, 14, followed the earlier rule not to use her cellphone in class. But even in her pocket, it was still a distraction. Her phone would buzz five to 10 times a day with notifications, she said, prompting her to take it out and check it.”
“The school board members recognized the decision wouldn’t be popular but added the hope that students would see the benefits of the cellphone ban in the long term in addressing youth mental health.”
CBS News' Meg Oliver spent the day at a high school in Newburgh, New York, to see how going phone-free has transformed the school experience. She also sat down with a renowned social psychologist who has been researching the connection between phone use and declining mental health, calling it "worse than vaping."
Holyoke Public Schools, Holyoke, MA
Western Mass News, August 25, 2023
Holyoke Public Schools to implement Yondr pouch policies
“There was a time, way back in the day, where science and research around smoking was that it was bad for you. Yet, our schools had designated smoking areas for the students,” Soto said. “We know that excessive phone use is bad, yet we still allow our kids to do it.”