Practice Phone-Free Days Receive 'Mixed Reactions' From Ridge Students, Parents

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Mixed reactions are being expressed by Ridge High School students and parents following the first practice day for the phone-free pilot program, said Ridge High School Student Body Treasurer Aarya Raval at the Monday night Board of Education meeting.

After the first practice day, the student body received feedback from 200 students and 75 parents and families via Google Forms and even more shared thoughts in person.

"We learned a few things. Students definitely had some mixed reactions. Some found it challenging to adjust, while others appreciated the opportunity to regain focus. I would say it was pretty split," said Raval.

Raval added that parents also expressed concerns about communication. She reminded everyone that students in grades 9 to 12 can still receive emails from outside addresses and parents can also contact their children from the school's main office number.

Board member Janice Corrado, who sits on the Wellness Committee, said Ridge High School Principal Dr. Russell Lazovick "ensured the committee that the administrative team will be monitoring feedback from all stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, supervisors, and administrators throughout the pilot on the open Google feedback form."

"The goal of these practice days is to help students prepare for the extended pilot program," said Raval.

The extended program is set to begin in March.

This week, Ridge students will see two more phone-free practice days on Tuesday, Feb. 11 and Wednesday, Feb. 12.

The Pilot program is part of Bernards Township School District Administration's "Restoring Focus Initiative." To learn more about the district's "Restoring Focus Initiative" click here.

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