At Maple Run, we are committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and meaningful learning environment for all children. We also recognize that families bring many different experiences, cultures, values, and expectations around technology and communication. There is no single “right” approach, and we want to be thoughtful and respectful as we share this message.
Why This Matters
Phones can be powerful tools for connection, creativity, learning, and safety. They can also be challenging to manage, especially when use becomes overwhelming or extends late into the night. Outside-of-school use can sometimes affect sleep, focus, emotional well-being, and peer relationships during the school day.
Our shared goal is not restriction for the sake of control, but balance, well-being, and belonging, so that all students arrive at school ready to learn, connect, and grow.
Maple Run Cell Phone Expectations
During the school day, cell phones are not used by students from bell-to-bell. This approach has helped create calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and more focused learning time.
Ideas Families May Find Helpful
We recognize that not every strategy works for every household. The following optional ideas are strategies some families have found helpful:
Create screen-free times, such as during meals, homework, or before bedtime
Charge phones outside bedrooms at night when possible
Encourage balance with off-screen activities that fit your family’s routines and interests
Talk openly with children about their online experiences and how they affect them
Use the optional parental controls available on most devices
Here are some parental control tools and directions you may find helpful:
For iPhone / iPad (Apple Screen Time)
Set daily app limits, schedule Downtime, and restrict web content: Apple Screen Time Guide
For Android (Digital Wellbeing & Family Link)
Set app timers, screen limits, and manage content: Google Digital Wellbeing
Family Link app for monitoring and setting limits: Google Family Link
Other Recommended Apps
Qustodio: Detailed usage reports, content filters, screen limits (qustodio.com)
Bark: Monitors messages and social media, plus screen time controls (bark.us)
FamilyTime: Set schedules, limits, filter content, and lock devices (familytime.io)
Even small changes can make a meaningful difference in children’s well-being and readiness to learn.
We’re in This Together
We know families are doing their best while balancing work, caregiving, transportation, and many other responsibilities. Children benefit most when the adults in their lives work together with compassion, trust, and shared purpose.
In the coming weeks, we will share optional, family-friendly resources: short tips, tools, and information you can use if helpful. We are also exploring opportunities to offer a family presentation focused on healthy relationships with technology, grounded in care, respect, and real-life experiences.
This work reflects our Maple Run mission, vision, and core values, putting children first, prioritizing safety and well-being, strengthening collaboration and relationships, honoring respect and diversity, remaining flexible and responsive, and upholding our commitment to equity in access to a quality education.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you support your children and our school community. We are grateful to be doing this work together.