Last school year, we reflected on the impact of cell phones and smart devices on student learning and mental health (such as this article by Jonathan Haidt that I shared last year and during our time with visiting educators Dr. Rob Evans and Dr. Michael Thompson). Across the country, there are currently 18 states and more to come with full cell-phone bans and others with strong cell phone usage policies in schools. And so we had to ask ourselves: how can we intentionally create the best learning community for keiki here on Kaua’i, to nurture positive interactions and experiences in classes, between classes, during lunch, on the playground / playing field, and even off campus for our countless school learning field trips?  As we prepare for the school year, the faculty and staff have been engaging with how we can be ‘ohana centered, community driven, and focused on ensuring our haumāna (students) are learning and growing with aloha.

For that to happen, at every grade level students need to practice in school (and in their lives outside of school) the very human skills it takes to learn, communicate, forgive, question, try, fail, trust, wonder, explore, advocate, debate, listen, feel anxious and move through it, and so much more. Knowing all that we need to nurture in our community, we have decided in this space at Island School, where families have trusted us to build the most engaged learning context possible for your children, that we will do so in part with digital tools (such as computers, iPads, and Chromebooks), but without students accessing cell phones and other personal smart devices, like smartwatches throughout the school day.

While this community decision will mean no change in policy for Nā Pua Keiki, there will be updates for Elementary and Middle School students, and High School students and families can expect to hear more specifics about expectations from Stephanie Achuara, Upper School Division Director and high school deans, teachers, and advisors next week. 

While there may be a wide range of responses from students and parents / guardians, we thank you in advance for trusting in our commitment to this community and your children and family.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or to share your thoughts about this new all-school policy.

In partnership,

Nancy Nagramada P’29

Head of School
n.nagramada@ischool.org