Navigating the Digital Landscape: LiHigh School's Response to S.284

At LiHigh School, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment that not only educates but also prepares our students for the complexities of the 21st century. The recent introduction of Senate Bill S.284 by Vermont senators, including our own county’s senator, Sen. Terry Williams, has sparked a significant conversation within our community. This bill, aimed at regulating the use of electronic devices and digital platforms in schools, presents both opportunities and challenges that we feel are important to address.

Our Support for the Bill

We recognize and support the bill's intention to create a distraction-free and emotionally safe learning environment. 

The bill's prohibition against the use of smart devices and social media on school property resonates with our long-standing internal discussions. Our staff has historically supported such measures, understanding the potential distractions and mental health implications these devices can bring into the educational sphere. 

If the democratic processes at the state level lead to a statewide mandate, LiHigh School is happy to adhere to and support this decision, respecting the broader community's will.

Areas for Amendment

While we stand behind the bill's core objectives, we believe in the importance of constructive dialogue and amendments to certain aspects:

• Social Media and Community Engagement: LiHigh School utilizes platforms like Instagram and Facebook for positive community outreach, sharing inspirational content, school news, and event highlights. We advocate for the bill to allow schools the discretion to use social media for community engagement, ensuring that our channels of communication remain open and diverse.
• Educational Use of Video-Sharing Platforms: Digital resources like YouTube and Vimeo are invaluable for enhancing our educational content. We propose that the bill explicitly exempts the educational use of such platforms to ensure that our students continue to benefit from the vast array of learning materials available online.
• Digital Literacy: In the modern world, digital skills are not just an asset but a necessity. We oppose the requirement for non-digital options for every lesson or test, believing that preparing our students for success in the digital age is paramount. We advocate for a balanced approach that recognizes the importance of digital literacy alongside traditional learning methods.

Engaging Our Community

We invite our students to engage with this topic in their ELA classes by writing persuasive essays that articulate their stances on the bill. This exercise aims to foster critical thinking and active citizenship among our students.

We also encourage our parents to participate in this conversation, whether by emailing the school with their thoughts or contacting their representatives in Montpelier to express their opinions.

A Special Invitation

In our commitment to open dialogue, we are eager to invite Sen. Terry Williams, a co-sponsor of the bill and a resident of Poultney, to visit LiHigh School. This would be a unique opportunity for our students to engage directly with a key figure in the legislative process, ask questions, and express their views. Our staff has reached out to Mr. Williams, and we hope to hear back soon!

Moving Forward Together

As we navigate these discussions, our goal remains to equip our students with the tools they need for both academic success and personal growth. We believe that by working together as a community, we can shape a learning environment that is both nurturing and in tune with the demands of the future.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and continuing this important conversation.