Spokane School District officials say banning cell phones during the school day was a highly successful move this academic year. So was encouraging students to get involved in school activities.
They celebrated the benefits of the district’s Engage in Real Life initiative today. Superintendent Adam Swinyard told a gathering of school and community leaders at Madison Elementary School that school attendance was up in all three groups: high school, middle school and elementary schools. About 60% of all students are participating in activities such as clubs and sports. Grades and student behavior are generally better.
“We know that we can have the best instruction in the world, but if kids don’t feel engaged, if they don’t feel like they belong, if they don’t feel connected, then all the best teaching and learning in the world isn’t going to help them reach their potential,” he said. “This is the right investment and the right focus for our community and we should be incredibly proud.”…