New Paltz for Distraction-Free Schools

Let each family choose

Right now the district hands a take-home Chromebook to every child by default. We think families should get to decide.

What you are signing

Opting out should be simple, supported, and free of penalty. We ask the district to provide homework on paper, keep Chromebooks out of study hall, and put no student at a disadvantage for this choice.

Declining a Chromebook is technically permitted today. In practice it means a parent making a special request and a teacher improvising a paper version on their own time, which is why almost nobody does it. We are asking for that burden to be carried by the district instead of by individual families and teachers. And if a child's homework is on paper, there is no need for the Chromebook during study hall either, so we include that in the ask.

You do not have to be against technology to sign this. Plenty of families will keep the device, and that is fine. The point is that every family should get a real choice.

When you sign, tell us where you stand

Optional, and it helps show the real demand:

  • I would like to decline the take-home Chromebook for my child this fall.
  • I think families should have a supported alternative.
Your privacy. We ask for your name, email, town, your connection to the district (parent, teacher, resident), and your children's grade levels. We never ask for a child's name. We will not publish your name or share your email. We use this to organize and to keep you posted, and we will tell the Board how many families signed.
Sign here

Add your name

It takes about a minute. Only your name and email are required.

Sign the petition

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Would rather not use a form? Write to us at distractionfreenp@gmail.com with your name, your town, your connection to the district, and your children's grade levels, and we will add you.