Legacy Ledger

Dear Legacy Families,

As we close out 2025, I was reflecting on the hottest topics in education for the past year. I would say that the biggest buzz is definitely around cell phones and cell phone policies for schools. School districts, states, and even whole countries around the world have created policies and legislation banning phones from the classroom.

As technology and the use of smartphones becomes more prevalent, we now are able to look at data from studies that are providing clear evidence. In particular, there were two major studies conducted during 2025, one in India (Removing Phones From Classrooms) and another in Florida (The Impact of Cell Phone Bans in Schools). In short, these studies, as well as others, are providing data that shows phone bans result in higher academic achievement and test scores. Of course there still lies the argument “Should students be allowed cellphones for safety?”.

Award winning author and author of the best selling book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance", Angela Duckworth has begun her own study under the “Phones in Focus” initiative. In the course of her work, she is discovering that it is not just restricting phone use, but productivity and academic performance is also related to how far a student is away from their phone. How does this information play into the argument for cell phones availability in regard to safety?

Certainly there is discussion to be had around the risks that come with proximity or possession and a potential exposure to negative influence. Student cell phone (or other device) addiction is high because kid’s developing minds are not good at navigating impulse control but are very responsive to dopamine highs. Two areas that fully developed adult brains are better at managing, but areas that even some adults can still struggle with.

I am in no way proposing policy changes or speculating school and district decisions on devices or cell phones, but I reflect on this as a long-time educator that is interested in current research around the impacts on student learning for the world we live in. As parents, I do believe we should be proactive in having discussions with our kids about cell phones, teaching responsible use, and monitoring their access. Interesting for sure and I am sure more will be coming in 2026!

I wish all of you out there a Happy Holidays and may your family have a blessed season. Thank you so much for being a part of Legacy Academy!

Sincerely,

Tony Vruggink

Principal

Please send your child with winter clothing such as coats, gloves and hats. Don’t forget to label clothing with their name so that it can be returned to your child easily. Our lost and found is overflowing- please look through the items while you are at the school for the winter concerts.

After school care will not be offered on December 19th due to the staff Christmas Party. Please make arrangements to pick your child up after school at 3:15pm

In this season of gratitude, we want to thank our wonderful school community for your continued support and partnership - your time and donations make a difference for our students and school. A special thank you to those who have already surpassed their volunteer hours. We are so grateful for our families. PTCO supports many events and extra support for our teachers.

Please use the links below to volunteer your time to support our school.

We couldn’t do it without you. Our volunteers are what makes Legacy a great school.

Cookies and Canvas will be December 12th from 5-7pm and Saturday, Dec 13th from 1-3pm. If we do not have enough participation to host two days, we will combine the classes on Friday (no class will be held on Saturday).

Cost is $25 per person and will be filled on a first come basis as space is limited. We will need a few volunteers to help set up and clean up. Please use the link to sign up below.

Our after school club program is expanding to include more opportunities for students to explore new interests. After school clubs give students the opportunity to strengthen friendships, develop new talents and engage in a fun academic manner. Through hands-on activities, teamwork, and problem solving, students strengthen their academic and social emotional skills as well as leadership skills.

Reminders of clubs/extracurricular policies:

Permission Slips: Students must have a signed permission slip form before they can participate.

Payment Policy: Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. You are not registered until payment is received and the instructor has verified your application has been received. Refunds will not be given. Example: Your child registered for one club, then decided they want to attend a different club - we will not give a refund.

Date Cancellations: If we have to cancel a date due to weather or other reasons there will NOT be a makeup day.

Pick Up: Please make sure your child is picked up promptly at the end of the scheduled club time. If you are late, your child will go to aftercare and you will incur a fee from after care. Your teacher will let you know where to pick up your child and the time.

Snacks: You may want to send your child an extra snack on club days.

We look forward to providing our students with after school enriching experiences. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the leader of your club.

Monday Permission Slip for Jan/Feb Minecraft

Wednesday Permission Slip for Jan/Feb Minecraft

Dec 9: LABOD Meeting 6pm

Dec 10: Christmas Concert (K-3rd) 6pm

Dec 11: 2nd Grade Field Trip to Elizabeth Fire Station, Christmas Concert (Band & 4th-8th) 6pm

Dec 12: 1st Grade Polar Express Day. All School Dress of Choice, PTCO Cookies & Canvas 5:30pm

Dec 15: All School Spirit Week- Cozy Monday: Christmas Flannels, Athletics Registration Opens for Late Winter Season (Coed Cheer & Boys Basketball)

Dec 16: All School Spirit Week- He's a Mean One, Mr. Grinch: Crazy Hair

Dec 17: All School Spirit Week- Holly Jolly Favorite Christmas Character

Dec 18: All School Spirit Week- Ugly Sweater & Christmas Socks, K-5th R.O.A.R. Assembly 8:30am

Dec 19: All School Spirit Week- Sleigh Your Wildcat Christmas Shirts(Decorate Your Wildcat Shirt/Hoodie & Wear a Santa Hat), No After Care (Staff Christmas Party), End of Second Marking Period

Dec 22-Jan 2: No School Winter Break

Jan 5: No School Teacher In-Service

Jan 9: First Grade Character Day

Jan 10: PTCO Dash Prize Dodgeball (Time TBD)

Jan 24: PTCO Mother & Son Event 3pm

Mar 5: PTCO Science Fair 4pm

See more events and club schedules HERE