For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Shanley, Communications Director
PPPS Strengthens “Disconnect to Reconnect” Initiative Further Reducing Screen Time for Students
Paw Paw, MI – When Paw Paw Public Schools (PPPS) launched its “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative during the 2024-25 school year, the goal was to help students reconnect with each other, strengthen learning, and reduce distractions caused by cell phones and social media. The initiative coincided with the U.S. Surgeon General’s widely publicized advisory on social media and youth mental health, which increased awareness of the potential impact excessive screen time can have on young people.
Building on the success of the initiative, PPPS is expanding its efforts to reduce unnecessary screen time on school-issued Chromebooks to encourage greater student engagement, and create classrooms where face-to-face interaction, collaboration, and focused learning can thrive.
Recent research, including the 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study “Association Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among U.S. Teenagers,” found that adolescents with higher levels of screen use were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, lower quality of life, and weaker social connections. Based on these findings and a commitment to student well-being, PPPS is taking a proactive approach by adjusting technology practices to further support student success.
“As a district, we are encouraged by the positive response from students, staff, and the strong support from families for our ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ initiative,” said Superintendent Jeremy Davison. “Technology is a valuable tool when it enhances instruction, but there must be a healthy balance. By reducing unnecessary distractions, we are creating classrooms and schools where students are focused, engaged in learning, connected through collaboration, and building relationships that strengthen our Pack.”
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, Paw Paw High School and Paw Paw Middle School will transition from a 1:1 Chromebook model to classroom Chromebook carts, supporting a more intentional approach to technology use. This shift will allow teachers to provide access to devices when they directly enhance instruction while encouraging greater student engagement. The use of Chromebook carts will help reduce unnecessary screen time and distractions, promote responsible technology use, and ensure devices are available when they have the greatest impact on student learning.
Superintendent Davison concluded, “Our goal is to help students learn how to use technology in a healthy, responsible way while ensuring they have opportunities to connect face-to-face with others, collaborate, and engage in experiences that help them grow academically, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills they need to thrive.”
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