WVCSD Community Ebulletin: January 29, 2025
We’ve seen in recent years mounting concerns throughout the nation about the impact of smartphones and social media on our students’ ability to focus, interact with one another, and maintain their mental wellness. Addressing this challenge requires a thoughtful response on the part of educators and parents alike, balancing the benefits of technology with the need for classrooms free from distraction.
This week, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a plan aimed at minimizing the distractions caused by smartphones in New York State schools. We expect to hear more about this potential mandate over the course of the next few months, with the rollout expected in September 2025. The proposal would require students to keep their phones out of view throughout the school day at all times. Schools may be granted some flexibility in the implementation of this policy, with support from New York State for items such as storage devices to help deal with devices.
Importantly, parents would not lose the ability to contact their children in the daytime by phoning the school, as when cell phones did not exist or as is currently being practiced at the elementary school level. Additionally, law enforcement officials have indicated that areas free from distractions can enable students to be more secure in emergency situations since they can readily obey critical instructions without their cell phones causing interference.
Currently, in Warwick Valley CSD, policy requires all cellphones to remain in student backpacks during the day in grades K-8. At the high school, cell phones need to be stowed for all instructional periods, either by the teacher taking them or having the student simply keep them out of sight. We do allow seniors, and seniors alone, to use phones in study halls. Governor Hochul’s position gives us an opportunity to review our own practices and think about how we can best assist our students in coping with the demands of an increasingly digital world.
I look forward to talking with our school community about what we can learn regarding this potential change and how it would align with our district’s goals. Again, we expect to hear more about this new law in the coming months, with implementation either later this school year or in September 2025.
Here are some highlights from our schools this week:
Park Avenue Elementary School
Kindergarten students learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions last week. They explored his “I Have a Dream” speech and imagined their own dreams for a better world. Each student wrote their idea in a speech bubble and attached it to their drawing of Dr. King. Additionally, they participated in the “Stomp Out Name Calling” activity, decorating paper boots with their ideas on kindness, now displayed in the main hallway alongside other grades’ creations.
In the Library/Media Center, students dove into themes of adventure and adversity by creating pirate treasure maps inspired by Billy and the Pirates by Nadia Shireen. They enthusiastically crafted their own adventure stories, including obstacles and maps, enriching their understanding of different genres and themes while fostering creativity and a love of reading.
Ms. Berghahn’s class prepared for the Park Avenue Talent Show on January 24th. Despite being first-time performers, students selected a song from Go Noodle and rehearsed diligently. Twelve classmates participated in the showcase, creating lifelong memories with their spirited performance of The Kidz Bop Shuffle.
Sanfordville Elementary School
Third graders honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by selecting quotes from his speeches, reflecting on their significance, and contributing to collaborative class posters. Their reflections demonstrated deep personal engagement with Dr. King’s message.
PIE 3/4 students began “Ag Badging” with a former WVHS agricultural teacher Nancy Colgan, focusing on the “Agriculture and Culture” badge. This ties into their world community unit, where they study New and Old World food origins. Their inquiry, starting with lunch foods, will lead them to explore cultures, particularly in Brazil and Kenya.
Fourth graders launched their “100 Acts of Kindness Challenge,” committing to random acts of kindness over the next five weeks. A highlight activity includes creating personalized bookmarks for their Kindergarten Buddies.
The Sanfordville STEM Fair transformed the school into an Olympic Village, where over 70 student projects showcased innovative Olympic-themed events using the Engineering Design Process. Thanks to organizers, contributors, and volunteers, including Allendale Machinery Systems, NASA presenter Jim Hall, and the WVHS Robotics Club, the event was a huge success. Plans are already underway for next year’s fair.
Warwick Valley Middle School
Mr. Mesic’s Earth science students engaged in an interactive “Geological Time Scale” activity, mapping significant events in Earth’s history. Using velcro timelines and outdoor spaces, students visualized the vastness of geologic time, gaining a deeper understanding of Earth’s history.
Meanwhile, sixth graders combined science and social studies in a plate tectonics project. They designed travel brochures for destinations along fault lines, blending scientific knowledge with creative storytelling. This interdisciplinary approach showcased how geography shapes culture and travel while reinforcing their understanding of natural processes.
Warwick Valley High School
Ms. DiGuilio’s chemistry students demonstrated mastery of stoichiometry, a foundational chemistry concept involving the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions. By balancing equations and solving complex problems, students showcased both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through hands-on experiments. These experiences exemplify the Portrait of a Graduate by preparing students as lifelong learners equipped with critical thinking, collaborative skills, and problem-solving abilities.