ASD Family News - JAN 26
Dear Families,
As we move into the heart of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on Archuleta School District’s new cell phone policy and thank our school community for their continued efforts to support students being device-free at school. The new policy requires that students do not use or carry cell phones or other personal technology devices during the school day–from bell to bell. While this is a research-backed strategy to reduce distractions and help students stay fully present and engaged in their learning, we knew from the outset that it would not be an easy change for everyone. These days, most of us–including our youth–are tied to our devices. We’ve had challenges along the way, but it’s been an overall success, and your partnership has made a real difference.
Research continues to show that constant access to phones and social media can interfere with focus, deep thinking, and overall well-being, especially for young people. That’s why districts across the country are re-examining the role of cell phones in schools. In fact, as of last summer, 14 states had active laws or executive orders that ban or restrict cell phone use in schools. Other states have guidelines in place for school districts about limiting the use of phones by students during education hours. Colorado only requires that schools have a cell phone policy in place but doesn't dictate the terms of that policy. However, many districts in Colorado–like ours–have chosen to implement stronger restrictions in the interest of student learning and well-being.
Now that we’ve removed that constant access, what we’re seeing every day in our schools is really encouraging. Teachers report higher levels of focus, stronger classroom engagement, and improved work completion. One teacher shared that, for the first time in her career, every student in a class turned in their first paper on time—something she directly attributes to students working more efficiently without phones. Stories like this are becoming common across our schools.
We’re also seeing students reconnect with each other. In classrooms, hallways, and at lunch, students are talking, collaborating, and socializing in ways we haven’t seen in years. Students are even reporting this same phenomenon: Many students shared that while they aren’t “huge fans” of the policy, they’ve admitted it has increased social interaction and allowed them to concentrate better.
Like any meaningful change, this policy has required adjustment, but it has been manageable. By the end of the first semester, we recorded 242 incidents involving 230 students, averaging 14 students per week, or about 1% of the student population. Most of those incidents occurred at the high school, where only about 2.4% of students were involved in any given week. Overall, this tells us that the vast majority of students are navigating the policy successfully.
I am deeply grateful to our educators for their consistency and care, and to our families for reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we are creating learning environments where students can focus, connect, and thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Rick Holt
Superintendent
Archuleta School District 50JT
January 9 was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - a great opportunity to publicly thank our School Resource Officers: Brandon Bishop from the Pagosa Springs Police Department and Dylaina Gauvey from the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office.
Our SROs play a critical role in keeping our schools safe through daily presence, proactive communication, and close collaboration with staff and administrators. They help identify and address concerns early, support emergency preparedness, and create a secure learning environment where students can focus on learning and growing. Beyond safety, they also build trust and positive relationships, bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement through connection, understanding, and support.
Their work is essential to Archuleta School District’s mission to empower students and staff to achieve personal and academic success in a safe and appropriate learning environment. We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment in keeping our schools and community safe.
Terri Lindstrom: PSMS Math Teacher
"Terri keeps students excited and engaged in every math lesson. At the end of class, most students can't believe class is already over. She is the most outstanding teacher I've ever worked with."
PSMS Paraeducators
“The Pagosa Springs Middle School Paraeducators have shown such commitment and dedication to supporting students who have the most needs. I appreciate their efforts in the classroom to support students academically every single day. Our Paraeducators are the steady support that helps our middle school students succeed every day. Their patience, dedication, and care make a real difference in classrooms, hallways, and hearts. Thank you for the vital role you play in helping students grow academically and socially.”
