Munising Public Schools

Dear Munising Middle/High School Students and Parents:

I hope that you had a great summer filled with relaxation and adventure. Even though it seemed the summer season flew by in a flash, I am excited to start another year with all of you and our amazing staff!

I have an important announcement for the upcoming school year in regards to a pending student handbook and Board of Education policy on personal communication devices and cellphones:

Pending Away for the Day New Cell Phone/PCD Policy: Like many schools across the nation, Munising Middle/High school is planning to implement, after school board approval, a new Away for the Day policy regarding cell phones and personal communication devices (PCDs) to better support student learning and mental well-being. Research consistently shows that the presence and use of cellphones in school settings can significantly hinder academic performance and increase anxiety and distractions. Studies from institutions such as the London School of Economics and the University of Chicago have found that even the mere presence of a phone can reduce students' focus and memory retention. Additionally, frequent access to social media during the school day has been linked to increased stress, reduced self-esteem, and sleep disruption. By ensuring that all devices are powered off and stored in lockers during school hours for all students grades 6-12, we aim to create an environment that promotes deep learning, meaningful social interactions, and improved mental health.
Under our Away for the Day policy, students may not possess or use any electronic devices—including cell phones, iPods/iPads, personal laptops, smartwatches, AirPods/headphones, and other personal communication devices—during the school day. If a student chooses to bring a device to school, it must be completely powered off (not just on silent or vibrate mode) and stored in their locker from the first bell until the end of the day. Devices may not be carried or used at any time during class, passing periods, lunch, or any other part of the school day. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian, they may use the designated student phone in the school office. Violations of this policy will result in increasing consequences, beginning with device confiscation and escalating to in-school or out-of-school suspension for repeated offenses. Exceptions may be granted only for special circumstances and must be approved in writing by the building principal.

This pending policy will be discussed at the next School Board of Education meeting on August 18th at 6pm in the high school boardroom. We appreciate your partnership as we work to foster a focused, respectful, and healthy learning environment for all students. If you have questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact me prior to the meeting. You are also welcome to attend the meeting to learn more.

To read some of the research behind policies such as this, please view the images below or visit: https://www.awayfortheday.org/research

Thank you for your understanding,

Nicole Lasak, Munising Middle/High School Principal