K-8 Student Device Use

August 7, 2026

Dear K–8 Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a wonderful summer! As we prepare for the start of the 2026–2027 school year, we want to share several important updates regarding student device management and the use of instructional technology in grades K-8.

Across Connecticut and the nation, school districts are reexamining how, when, and why technology is used during the school day. Over the past several months, Weston Public Schools has thoughtfully reviewed technology use across our K–8 schools through conversations with teachers, school leaders, parents, and support staff, while considering current research, child development, and the evolving landscape of educational technology. Throughout this process, one guiding belief remained constant: technology should be used purposefully, intentionally, and only when it meaningfully enhances learning.

Our District Beliefs and direction are consistent with the Connecticut State Board of Education's recently adopted Position Statement on Personal and Purposeful Technology Use in Connecticut Schools, which provides guidance to districts on using technology in developmentally appropriate, intentional ways that support student learning and well-being.

We know that some of the most meaningful learning occurs through strong relationships, rich classroom discussion, and hands-on exploration. The changes we are sharing are designed to create a healthy and developmentally appropriate balance between digital and non-digital learning experiences while continuing to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need for future success.

The district will continue to employ internet content filtering, carefully review instructional software, and maintain compliance with all student data privacy requirements as we shift to the following system of device management.

Grades K–2: To better align technology use with the developmental needs of our youngest learners.

Students will use classroom devices only when directed by their teacher or when required for district or state assessments.
Students will use only K-2-approved instructional software and applications.

Grades 3–5: Technology will remain a tool to enhance learning while reducing routine daily screen time.

Students will no longer be assigned an individual device. Instead, classroom sets of devices will be available for instructional use as directed by the teacher.
Devices will remain at school and will not be taken home.
Students will use devices when required for district or state assessments.
Students will use only grade 3-5 approved instructional software and applications.

Grades 6–8: Middle school students will access and use technology through a classroom-based model.

Students will no longer be assigned an individual device. Instead, classroom sets of devices will be available for instructional use as directed by the teacher.
Devices will remain in classrooms and will not travel with students from class to class.
Devices will remain at school and will not be taken home.
Students will use devices only when required for district or state assessments.
Students will use only grade 6-8 approved instructional software and applications.

We have also updated the technology permissions/opt-out form, which is included as part of the annual demographic update in the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is scheduled to open on August 13.

Students whose Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, multilingual learner plans, or other documented educational needs require technology will continue to receive the supports and devices identified within those plans.

What This Means for Students in Our Schools

Below is an overview of the instructional expectations for technology use in classrooms that will provide families with a clear understanding of how these changes will look in practice:

Technology is not used as a default activity. It is used for learning when it enhances a specific lesson, skill, or goal.
Technology is not used during times such as arrival, dismissal, snack, lunch, recess, movement breaks, or transitions between activities.
Technology is not used as a reward, incentive, re-engagement tool, or free-choice activity to ensure students associate technology with purposeful learning, not entertainment or compliance.
Instructional videos and media are carefully selected and vetted. Teachers will use short, previewed, and curriculum-aligned clips, free of advertisements or other unrelated content, when they directly enhance learning.
Teacher read-alouds or audiobooks will be used in place of whole-class animated digital books.
Full-length movies will not be shown unless they are part of a district-approved curriculum experience.
Students will only use district-approved tools, software, and applications that have been reviewed for alignment to curriculum and student data privacy.
Teachers will actively guide and monitor when devices are in use and ensure devices are closed and put away when not in use.
Families may notice more paper-based learning activities and homework.

Looking Ahead

As implementation progresses, we will continue to review emerging research, evaluate our practices, monitor implementation, and gather feedback to make responsive and thoughtful adjustments as necessary.

As educators, our greatest impact comes not from the tools we use but from the relationships we build, the questions we ask, and the learning experiences we create. Our goal is to ensure that every time students are asked to use a device, there is a clear educational purpose that meaningfully enhances their learning experience while preserving the curiosity, creativity, collaboration, human interaction, and authentic learning experiences that define the excellence of Weston Public Schools.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or school principal if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Erica

K-8 Student Device Use K-8 Student Device Use

K-8 Student Device Use