the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ramsey Nj, the Ramsey School District is taking a bold step toward reducing distractions and enhancing the learning environment by introducing an innovative “Away for the Day” policy. This proposed initiative, set to be fully implemented by January 2, 2025, aims to limit student access to cellphones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices during school hours.
If adopted, Ramsey would become the first district in Bergen County to enforce such a policy. The district’s plan, currently under development, would require all 2,514 students from preschool through grade 12 to turn off and store their electronic devices throughout the school day. The approach varies by grade level: elementary students would keep their devices in backpacks, middle schoolers would store them in lockers, and high school students would use a building-wide storage system like Yondr pouches or cellphone lockers.
In a letter to parents, Schools Superintendent Andrew Matteo explained the district’s motivation for this policy, highlighting the detrimental impact of personal devices on students’ focus, safety, and sense of community. He emphasized that the presence of cellphones and similar devices has undermined the school culture and core values the district strives to uphold.
“While the specifics of the board policy and implementation issues at the high school will be ironed out over the next few months, we are fully committed to this direction,” Matteo stated. “The use of phones has impaired our ability to provide a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all students.”
Research and experience from other districts across the country support the benefits of such policies, which include increased focus, attention, comprehension, engagement, and improved academic performance. Similar initiatives have been successfully implemented in several New Jersey districts, including Middletown, Red Bank, and Jersey City, where students are required to place their phones in lockable pouches.
The proposed policy will undergo two readings and public comment sessions at upcoming Board of Education meetings on September 24 and October 29, with a potential vote following the second reading. If approved, the district will present the logistics of the plan at the November 19 meeting, with implementation scheduled to begin at the high school on January 2, 2025. The policy’s rollout to other grade levels will be determined at a later date.
While district-issued Chromebooks will continue to be used as instructional tools, the policy has raised concerns among parents about student access to their phones during emergencies. Superintendent Matteo addressed these concerns, noting that phone access during crises can distract students from following staff instructions, interfere with evacuations, and jam communication lines for first responders. The Ramsey Police Department has expressed support for the policy, agreeing that it is preferable for students not to use their phones during emergencies.
School Board President Laura Behrmann echoed Matteo’s sentiments, emphasizing the board’s commitment to the district’s mission of inspiring students to maximize their potential. “Cellphones and related electronic devices, such as smartwatches and earbuds, have become a significant distraction from our mission,” Behrmann said. “An ‘away for the day’ policy will provide our students with school days free from these distractions, enabling them to focus not only on their academics but also on interpersonal skills and connections with their peers.”
As the district moves forward with this innovative policy, it seeks to create a more focused, safe, and connected school environment that prioritizes students’ well-being and academic success.
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“But, but how will I be able to reach my child in case of an emergency!?? Waaaah!”
No brainer. Also, stop permitting the kids to go to school in their PJs. That would help as well.
Same way you did it in the 30’s, 40’s,50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s,00’s, and maybe 10’s.
You call the frikkin school.
as long as they can choose their pronouns…. everything will be OK…
Congratulations to the Ramsey School Board for their ban on cellphone usage. It’s a discruption in classes. Thank you.
Roy W. Brown Middle School in Bergenfield already implemented this last year and experienced tremendous progress in student achievement.