Middle School Holds Inaugural Screen-Free Week

John Glenn Middle School recently held its first Screen-Free Week, an initiative aimed at reducing students' reliance on electronic devices and encouraging more face-to-face interaction and physical activities. The event, which took place from May 6th to May 10th, was met with enthusiasm from both students and faculty, fostering a greater sense of community and highlighting the benefits of unplugging in today's digitally saturated world.

The Initiative: Screen-Free Week is a national event celebrated by schools, libraries, and community groups across the United States. It encourages participants to turn off screens and engage in activities such as reading, playing outside, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. At John Glenn Middle School, the week was packed with a variety of screen-free activities designed to entertain, educate, and engage students.

Activities and Events The school organized a wide array of events to ensure that students had plenty of alternatives to screen time. Highlights included:

• Reading Marathons: Each grade participated in a reading marathon, where students were challenged to read as many books as possible. Special reading corners were set up around the school to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for young readers.

• Outdoor Adventures: The school grounds were bustling with outdoor activities, including scavenger hunts, nature walks, and sports tournaments. These activities aimed to get students moving and appreciating the great outdoors.

• Arts and Crafts Workshops: Creative minds were engaged with various arts and crafts workshops. Students had the opportunity to paint, sculpt, and create their own jewelry. These workshops not only provided a fun, hands-on experience but also encouraged creativity and expression.

• Board Game Bonanza: Classrooms were transformed into board game hubs where students could play classic games like chess, checkers, and Monopoly. This fostered social interaction and strategic thinking.

• Guest Speakers and Workshops: Throughout the week, guest speakers were invited to discuss topics such as the importance of balancing screen time with other activities, and the benefits of mindfulness and physical fitness. Workshops on yoga, meditation, and stress relief techniques were also offered.

Student and Faculty Reactions The response from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many reported feeling more relaxed and less stressed without the constant presence of screens. Eighth-grader Emily Rodriguez remarked, "It was really nice to just hang out with my friends without our phones. We talked more and I felt like we were really connecting."

Teachers and staff also noticed a positive shift in the school environment. "The students were more engaged in their activities and seemed to enjoy the break from their screens," said Mrs. Johnson, a sixth-grade teacher. "It was wonderful to see them interacting and being creative."

Challenges and Solutions Despite the overall success, the week did present some challenges. Some students found it difficult to adjust to life without their electronic devices initially. To address this, the school provided additional support and resources, including counseling sessions and workshops on managing screen time effectively.

Looking Forward Encouraged by the success of this first event, John Glenn Middle School plans to make Screen-Free Week an annual tradition. The school is also considering implementing regular screen-free days throughout the school year to maintain the momentum and promote a balanced approach to technology use.

Conclusion John Glenn Middle School's first Screen-Free Week was a milestone event that highlighted the importance of unplugging and engaging in diverse, enriching activities. It brought the school community closer together and provided students with valuable experiences that they will carry with them beyond the classroom. The success of this initiative sets a positive precedent for future efforts to promote healthy, balanced lifestyles in an increasingly digital world.