Technology at New School

At Hood River New School, we embrace technology as a tool for learning, creativity, and connection. While each student has a school issued iPad, we are intentional about ensuring that technology use is purposeful and aligned with our educational values. Our goal is to empower students to be responsible digital citizens while minimizing distractions and passive screen time.

How We Use Technology in the Classroom

We strive to balance digital and hands-on learning. iPads are used strategically across subjects, with a strong emphasis on creation and collaboration rather than consumption.

  • Math – No iPad use.

  • Reading – 90% on paper (book clubs, nonfiction, note-taking).

  • Science – Paper textbooks (digital versions available for reference or extension materials).

  • History – 50% online (research, essay writing), 50% hands-on (simulations, discussions, projects).

  • Electives – No iPad use, except for Yearbook and Programming which teach digital creation skills.

A Phone-Free School Day

To help students stay present and engaged, Hood River New School maintains a phone-free school day:

  • Cell phones and smartwatches must be stored at the front desk each morning and turned fully off.

  • Students retrieve their devices at the end of the day.

  • If a student needs to contact home, they may use the school phone.

Additionally, iPads and phones are not allowed outside the front door before school. Students are encouraged to chat with friends or read a book while they wait.

Technology for Learning: The Right Balance

We guide students toward valuable uses of technology:
✅ Coding & engineering
✅ Research & project collaboration
✅ Developing typing skills
✅ Staying connected when absent

At the same time, we work to minimize harmful digital habits:
🚫 Distracting notifications
🚫 Exclusionary chats
🚫 YouTube rabbit holes
🚫 Passive consumption

We continually evaluate how to best support students in developing healthy tech habits and partner with families to provide guidance on parental controls.

Note-Taking: Digital vs. Paper

Students are usually given a choice between digital and handwritten notes, though teachers educate them on research showing that handwriting is often a more effective learning tool. Parents may request that their child take notes by hand.

Layers of Digital Protection

We use multiple layers of security to ensure student safety and responsible tech use:

🛡 Screen Monitoring – Teachers monitor student iPad screens in real-time on campus, and parents can set additional restrictions for home use.

🛡 BARK Monitoring – Alerts staff to concerning content in student emails, chats, and Google Suite files.

🛡 NextDNS – A content filter that works all the time, everywhere, to block inappropriate or distracting sites.

By creating a thoughtful, structured approach to technology, we ensure that students are developing the skills they need while staying engaged in meaningful learning experiences.