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Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
Email: vhill@plainfield.k12.nj.us
Phone Number: (908) 731-4442 (Office)
Plainfield Public Schools Hosts Community Town Hall on “Phones Down, Minds Up!” Initiative
PLAINFIELD, NJ – May 12, 2026 – Plainfield Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall on Thursday, May 7, to discuss the district’s upcoming “Phones Down, Minds Up!” Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban initiative, a major step aimed at strengthening student mental health, improving focus in the classroom, and creating more meaningful learning environments for students in grades K–12.
The initiative follows legislation signed by then-Governor Phil Murphy requiring New Jersey school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. The new law will officially take effect during the 2026–2027 school year.
Led by Denise Shipman, Executive Director of Student Services, the town hall provided families and community members with a detailed overview of how the district plans to implement the initiative and why district leaders believe the change is necessary for students.
Throughout the presentation, district officials emphasized that the initiative is about more than simply restricting cellphone use. It is about helping students reconnect with learning, improving social interaction, reducing distractions, and supporting emotional well-being during the school day.
Research shared during the presentation highlighted growing concerns tied to excessive cellphone use among adolescents, including increased anxiety, cyberbullying, social isolation, sleep disturbances, and reduced instructional focus. District leaders also pointed to research showing that phone-free schools often report improved school climate, stronger student engagement, and better academic focus.
Under the district’s plan, students will store their phones either in their personal lockers or in district-provided secure lockers during the school day. Students will be permitted to retrieve their devices five minutes before dismissal.
Shipman acknowledged that the transition would require patience, consistency, and strong partnership between schools and families, but stressed that the initiative is ultimately about creating healthier learning environments where students can fully engage academically and socially.
The district also introduced additional communication support for families, including StudentSquare and ParentSquare messaging features that will allow students to communicate directly with parents through monitored school-supported platforms.
Community members were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback during an open discussion at the conclusion of the town hall.
Plainfield Public Schools will continue sharing updates, resources, and guidance with families throughout the coming months as the district prepares for the full implementation of the “Phones Down, Minds Up!” initiative for the 2026–2027 school year.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.