The Berkshire Eagle by Clarence Fanto,
LENOX — When Lenox Memorial Middle and High School students return Thursday, they'll be greeted by a new principal — and, starting Monday, a new personal technology policy.
Students who bring cellphones, smart watches, headphones, earbuds, tablets, personal laptops or gaming devices will be required to lock those items in assigned Yondr pouches upon arrival at school. Students will keep the pouches with them until the end of the school day and can only use their school-issued Chromebooks while school is in session.
Principal Brooke Kamienski and Assistant Principal Marcus Hass described the new policy for grades 6-12 students in a recent letter to students and families.
“This change is intended to maximize student engagement, strengthen relationships, improve focus, and minimize distractions throughout the school day,” they wrote.
The policy comes as the Massachusetts Legislature works to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill that would require schools to adopt restrictions on personal electronic devices.
Final passage is expected after state lawmakers reconvene for their formal session starting in January. Gov. Maura Healey has voiced support for the policy, which would be turned into guidance by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
In Lenox, Schools Superintendent William Collins told The Eagle that Kamienski favored unveiling the new tech policy now rather than in the middle of the school year.
Kamienski — who became principal on July 1, succeeding Jeremiah Ames — explained that the policy's goal is to prioritize screen-free time during school hours, which will help students develop meaningful face-to-face relationships.
“Our goal is to put student mental health and genuine connection front and center," she said.
So far, the community reaction has been positive, according to Collins and Kamienski, though a few students pointed out that they use devices to track their steps on a health app.
For families that are concerned they will no longer be able to reach their children, Kamienski said students can use email on their school-issued Chromebooks. Family members can also call the school office if necessary.
In case of emergencies, Collins noted, “law enforcement doesn’t want 400 students to call in to 911.” And Kamienski noted that on a family night, Lenox Police Sgt. Michael Smith advised that “first responders coming in are going to want the students’ attention, they don’t want them looking at their phones.”
Kamienski reached out to principals and superintendents in several Berkshire County districts that have implemented similar policies, including Hoosac Valley, Mount Greylock, Drury, Wahconah Regional, Lee and Monument Mountain high schools.
Pittsfield takes a different approach: Middle and high school students can keep their phones during the school day, but they must remain turned and cannot be used in the classroom or during any school-sponsored program or activity. Students are allowed to use their cellphones during passing periods and lunch.
“I was very grateful for how welcoming and collaborative everyone was,” said Kamienski. “They were generous in sharing their experiences, procedures, and policies, which provided us with valuable insight as we developed our own approach for LMMHS."
Meghan Kirby, who chairs the School Committee’s policy subcommittee, said she is “a very enthusiastic advocate” of the new policy.
“As a parent of children in both schools, it’s something I care very much about, staying away from electronics with my own kids," she said. "I’m very excited that we’re moving with it very proactively rather than waiting for the state to come out with something.”