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The Milepost: Our Digital Future Discussions Kick-Off Nov. 13

Posted Date: 10/15/25 (05:00 PM)
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The Milepost newsletter logo which features the image of a mountain with the Chehalis School District compass logo rising above it like a sun

Join Us on the Journey

Telecommunications Device Policy Discussion Begins Nov. 13

October 15, 2025

Your Voice & Participation Matters

Our district-wide student telecommunication policy (you can read our K-12 policy at THIS LINK) is one piece of how we're creating healthy and safe learning environments for our students. This policy removes telecommunication devices such as cell phones, smart watches, ear buds, meta glasses and personal tablets and computers from every classroom in the Chehalis School District. Some of the reasons for this include:
  • Creating a distraction-free learning environment
  • Encouraging more personal social interaction
  • Reducing negative interactions such as cyberbullying
  • Teaching and modeling healthy boundaries with technology and social media
This year, we're kicking off a series called Our Journey to Distraction-Free Learning aimed at opening discussions about the "whys" of this important policy. Our first event will be a discussion for families of students in elementary school on Nov. 13 (see more details below). Our aim is to create a dialog that allows students, staff and families to team up to create the best possible outcomes for students.
 
A logo says Our Journey to Distraction-Free Learning, a Conversation for Chehalis Families and features the image of a map and compass

You're Invited: Elementary Family Discussion

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 13
Where: James Lintott Elementary
What: A conversation about telecommunications devices for families of students in K-5th grade:
  • Helpful information and panel discussion and Q&A with administrators, counselors and teachers
  • Sign the Wait Until 8th Pledge!
  • Childcare provided. Please call (360) 219-3657 to RSVP
  • Dessert to follow

What is Wait Until 8th?

If your student is too young for a cell phone, have you given any thought to what age is right for this transition? There's plenty of pressure out there for parents to give their children cell phones, smart watches, tablets and other app and internet-enabled devices at younger and younger ages.

Wait Until 8th believes parents should consider delaying these milestones to allow kids to be kids for a little longer. It encourages:
  • No smart phones before age 14
  • No social media before age 16
  • No screens in bedrooms

The Wait Until 8th pledge is a movement that aims to give parents a built-in support system that says it's OK to wait because they know there are other parents who feel the same.
A logo features the words Wait Until 8th and the image of a cell phone
Click Here for Wait Until 8th
 

Next Steps

The Our Journey to Distraction-Free Learning series will continue with these events this year:
  • Survey to elementary families - Oct. 14-21
  • A discussion for families of 6-12th graders - 6 p.m. Jan. 13, 2026 in the W.F. West High School Library
  • Survey to secondary families - Jan. 14-22, 2026
  • Free screening of 2025 Update of "Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age" at Midway Cinemas in Chehalis - time/date in April or May TBA
Click Here to Read More