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In accordance with state law and after family surveys, staff input, board and administrative discussion, and student feedback, the Winton Woods Board of Education has approved a new Personal Communications Devices Policy, which will take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Dear Winton Woods Families,
In accordance with state law and after family surveys, staff input, board and administrative discussion, and student feedback, the Winton Woods Board of Education has approved a new Personal Communications Devices Policy, which will take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Under this new policy, students will be prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day (e.g., Apple Watch, iPad). Devices must be turned off, put away, and stored in bookbags, purses, or lockers throughout the instructional day.
Why has the district decided to adopt this policy?
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There is significant research indicating the negative impacts of phones on students. These impacts include phone addiction, various aspects of social pressure aligned with social media and other online communication, and cyberbullying.
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We want our students to be fully engaged in their learning and in appropriate social interaction throughout the day. While phones can be used as tools, we have seen the distractibility and negative outcomes of phones often outweigh the benefits.
Students may use their devices before school, after school, on the school bus, and during outside school events, but not during the instructional day.
This policy is designed to support student learning, minimize distractions, and encourage meaningful engagement in the classroom.
If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the main office of their school. We’ll make sure your message reaches them promptly. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused learning environment.
Any school district-issued personal communications devices (e.g., Chromebooks or tablets) would be an exception to these restrictions; school district-issued devices are permitted during school hours (except as otherwise directed by a staff member).
We appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring a positive educational environment for all students. If you have any questions, please contact the main office of your student’s school.
As always, go Warriors!
Winton Woods City School District announced an exciting partnership with Varsity Tutors for Schools, a Nerdy (NYSE: NRDY) company and the leading platform for live online tutoring, to provide all district students with access to the Varsity Tutors for Schools platform. The partnership ensures all students, educators and parents have a rich set of academic resources for the school years to come.
The comprehensive platform integrates interactive study tools, collaborative workspaces, and dynamic tutoring resources, including:
- 24/7 On-Demand Chat Tutoring
- On-Demand Essay Review
- Live Enrichment and Remediation Classes
- SAT and ACT Test Prep Classes
- Celebrity-Led StarCourse Classes
- Self Study Resources
- College & Career Readiness Resources
- Adaptive Assessments & Personalized Learning Plans
- Recorded Enrichment Classes
“We are grateful for our partnership with Varsity Tutors. It is an invaluable resource that both students and staff can use in and out of the classroom,” said Dr. Tamra Ragland, Winton Woods Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, 7-12. “From free SAT prep and career planning courses to FAFSA guidance and final exam reviews across all subjects, it offers far more than homework help. It’s a great product with features and translates into 100 languages and accounts for all teachers. This platform delivers immense value - all at no cost to our families. It’s a partnership we’re truly grateful for.”
Over 500 school districts across the country utilize the Varsity Tutors for Schools platform to supplement classroom learning and to effectively close learning gaps. When students need help with homework or are struggling to solve a problem, they can immediately chat with a tutor, 24/7, to get the help they need. Students can take practice tests and follow personal lesson plans for guided self-study. They can also sign up for expert-led live classes, and learn subjects like Geometry, Middle School Math, Elementary School Reading and more, alongside their peers.
“Varsity Tutors for Schools delivers a rich set of learning options to deploy for all students,” said Anthony Salcito, Chief Institutional Officer at Varsity Tutors for Schools. “Our comprehensive platform access is available to all K-12 schools and opens a gateway for targeted intervention with best-in-class high-dosage tutoring options, including flexible implementation models that can put administrative staff, teachers, or parents at the center of the high-dosage tutoring relationship, depending on the needs of the district.”
Families of Winton Woods City Schools can access the Varsity Tutors for School platform by visiting the district website: https://www.wintonwoods.org/.
About Winton Woods City School District
Winton Woods City Schools is a New Tech Network district focused on project-based learning. Here, students learn through appropriate, challenging, authentic projects as they explore, adapt and engage the world around them.
Winton Woods City Schools serves students and their families in the communities of Forest Park, Village of Greenhills, and Springfield Township. We are an open enrollment district. We celebrate cultural diversity, with a student population from around the world and 31 languages spoken in the district. Our academic focus begins in early childhood with a preschool program that offers a blend of general and special education.
Learn more about Winton Woods City Schools at https://www.wintonwoods.org/.
About Varsity Tutors for Schools
Varsity Tutors, the industry leading online tutoring platform trusted by millions of families, launched Varsity Tutors for Schools, aimed at assisting district leaders in delivering 1:1 tutoring and comprehensive learning support. Varsity Tutors has a proven track record of successful collaboration with over 500 K-12 schools and districts, offering three implementation models: District Assigned, Parent Assigned, and Teacher Assigned. Each implementation model includes facilitating high-dosage, recurring, face-to-face tutoring in 1:1 or small group settings for any grade or subject, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, essay reviewing, and dedicated support for college admissions and test preparation. Learn more about how Varsity Tutors provides tailored educational solutions and partners with K-12 districts at https://www.varsitytutors.com/school-solutions.
About Nerdy Inc.
Nerdy (NYSE: NRDY) is a leading platform for live online learning, with a mission to transform the way people learn through technology. The Company’s purpose-built proprietary platform leverages technology, including AI, to connect learners of all ages to experts, delivering superior value on both sides of the network. Nerdy’s comprehensive learning destination provides learning experiences across 3,000+ subjects and multiple formats - including Learning Memberships, one-on-one instruction, small group classes, large format group classes, coding, tutor chat, essay review, and adaptive self-study. Nerdy’s flagship business, Varsity Tutors, is one of the nation’s largest platforms for live online tutoring and classes. Its solutions are available directly to students and consumers, as well as through schools and other institutions. Learn more about Nerdy at https://www.nerdy.com.
Contact
Jeff Pecor
Tailwind Public Relations
206.948.1482