Tech update: Enhancing student health, well-being

Learned about current attitudes and behaviors surrounding technology use through surveys, focus groups, a school board work session, and research;

Educated community about the impact of technology on mental, emotional, and physical health and the necessity for balanced and responsible usage;

Developed a district technology plan for school device use.

The June 18 school board work session was focused on “A Team Approach to Technology.” The agenda included an overview of current technology-related policies, administrator and educator perspectives on technology and its impact on students, safety-related information, curriculum information, and the summary results of the technology survey, focus groups, and interviews.

HRCSD’s mission is built on five core values: Student learning and growth, wellness, safety, family and community partnerships, and cultural responsiveness. To ensure the school district delivers on its mission for all students, HRCSD will increase its efforts to manage school-issued devices. The key modifications to the school-issued device policy, procedures and practices include:

All applications on devices will be vetted by the school district and have a specific purpose.

HRCSD will develop a scope and sequence for K-12 digital citizenship curriculum during the 2024-2025 school year.

School-issued devices will be stored at school for the elementary and middle school levels, and the option to check out devices when needed will be available.

School-issued devices will remain on elementary and middle school classroom carts. Students may access them when directed by their teacher.

School-issued devices will be used only when they clearly improve the depth of learning or introduce a skill.

Furthermore, HRCSD will become a cell phone-free environment during the school day. Cell phones and personal devices are not allowed by students during the day at middle or elementary schools. Upon our return to school in August, the school district and the Hood River Valley High School staff will begin working with students and parents/caregivers on school expectations, procedures, and an implementation timeline.

HRCSD recognizes it must take the time to implement this cell phone-free environment at the high school thoughtfully and effectively to ensure it can achieve its intended outcomes: Improving student engagement, health, and well-being. The district will provide additional information in August.