Staff report
“It’s not every day that a middle or high school student—and their school and family—get to participate in a study that contributes to academic research on both a national and global scale,” wrote interim principal of Woodstock Union High School/Middle School (WUHSMS) Aaron Cinquemani. “In partnership with the University of North Carolina (UNC) and the Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development, we will be taking part in an anonymous longitudinal study to explore the effects of a cell phone-free learning environment.”
Parents received an informed consent form that provided detailed information about the study and the option to grant or withhold permission for their student to participate in the anonymous questionnaire. Participation is entirely voluntary but Cinquemani strongly encouraged parents to fill out the form as each person who completes the informed consent, whether granting their student permission or not, will earn $5 via an Amazon gift card or can be donated to the school.
“By participating in this research, your family will contribute valuable insights that could help shape the future of education at both a local and national level,” Cinquemani wrote. “This is a chance for our community to be at the forefront of discovery, as we explore how reducing cell phone use can enhance learning, increase focus, and improve overall well-being for our students.”
