The Gazette’s recent article about Easthampton High School librarian Nick Ames’ decision to request a leave of absence because of concerns about the future of the library shed light on the frustrating inaction of our district [“Easthampton High School librarian seeks leave over library’s future,” July 19].
As the parent of an Easthampton High School student, I have spent the past two years advocating for a bell-to-bell cellphone policy. During that time, district after district across western Massachusetts has adopted policies that remove phones from the school environment throughout the entire school day. Easthampton has chosen not to.
No one believes that restricting cellphones in schools is a cure-all for declining literacy, shorter attention spans, increasing social isolation, or the many behavioral issues that shape adolescence. Every district that has adopted a phone-free policy has encountered challenges along the way. But still, the evidence shows that these policies reduce distraction and create better conditions for teaching and learning, and teachers in schools that have adopted bell-to-bell policies observe the changes in student behavior and school culture. A 2024 National Education Association survey found that 75% of teachers support bell-to-bell cellphone bans.
In the article, Principal Bill Evans said he has not personally received a lot of feedback from the community about the school’s current cellphone policy, which allows students to use their phones outside of classrooms. I have repeatedly shared my concerns with him and with School Committee members, urging the district to adopt a stronger policy, and I know many parents feel the way I do. The response from the school has been to wait for more research on the impact of the current policy. From the School Committee, it’s been to wait for a new superintendent, for School Committee elections, for state legislation, or for the results of an override vote. Meanwhile, nearly every neighboring district has already acted to implement a bell-to-bell policy.
I applaud Mr. Ames for taking bold action. His willingness to act stands in stark contrast to a district that has too often chosen inaction. The classrooms are just one area of learning. Parents, teachers, staff, and of course, students, know the cafeteria, the library, the hallways, and the bathrooms provide open access to ongoing distraction.
It’s time for our district to join the growing number of schools that have decided our children’s attention is worth protecting.
Melissa Weinberger
Easthampton