Connecticut

As more school districts consider cell phone restrictions, Waterbury rolls out new policy

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2024

Press Room

As more school districts consider cell phone restrictions, Waterbury rolls out new policy

More school leaders are considering restricting cell phones in the classroom.

It comes after the state recently urged districts to come up with rules for the devices.

Students in Waterbury are already joining the list of communities where access to cell phones is limited, and it seems to have been met with mixed reaction.

“There’s benefits, but there’s there’s ups and downs,” Imaje Pitt, a Kenney High sophomore, said.

Students in Waterbury began the new year with a new policy that requires cell phones to be locked up in a pouch for the day at the middle and high schools.

“Nobody was OK with it. Like at all. Everyone was like, ‘No, I don’t want to put my phone in this,’” Jayleyah Harris, a Kennedy High sophomore, said.

Students were missing the devices and everything they use them for, but they were also seeing the positives like not having the distraction in class and connecting with others.

“To see people who were like interacting with each other where they were like, I don’t know. People were making new friends,” Pitt said.

There’s also a learning curve for parents, according to the interim superintendent.

“It’s kind of reteaching parents how to contact their child during the school day, which is through the main office,” Dr. Darren Schwartz, the Waterbury Public Schools interim superintendent, said.

“The reality is that also, you know, texting and using the phone during a real emergency actually could be putting their child in danger. And so removing that opportunity for students is actually going to make them safer in many cases,” he continued.

Waterbury joins districts around the state finding ways to limit access, including in Hartford and Ellington. Now, it appears other communities are taking action.

This comes after Governor Lamont last week urged schools statewide to come up with rules to restrict the use in classrooms to help improve learning and mental wellbeing.

“I think at this point virtually every board in the state has started a conversation or will be doing so,” Patrice McCarthy, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education executive director, said.

Those talks can take a while and it’s suggested everyone gets involved. Potential solutions can range from pouches to just leaving a cell phone in a designated area in class.

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Connecticut

Mary Ball Tomolonius Obituary

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2 hours ago

July 5, 2026

Press Room

Mary Ball Tomolonius, 74, of Canton, Connecticut, died on June 30, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on May 10, 1952, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Mary’s life was defined by creativity, deep empathy, and a broad interest in all people. She…

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Connecticut

Bushnell Carousel offers free rides as Hartford celebrates America’s 250th

Published

13 hours ago

July 4, 2026

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Bushnell Carousel offers free rides as Hartford celebrates America’s 250th

As Hartford celebrated America’s 250th birthday Saturday, one of the city’s oldest attractions welcomed visitors for one of the few days each year when admission is free.

The Bushnell Park Carousel opened its doors at no cost as part of the city’s Independence Day festivities, giving families a chance to experience a piece of Hartford history while escaping the summer heat.

“It’s one of the most incredible pieces that we have here in downtown Hartford,” said Morgan Fippinger, executive director of the Bushnell Park Conservancy.

The carousel itself is older than many visitors realize.

“It is a 1914, so it’s a true antique carousel,” Fippinger said.

For many Hartford residents, the carousel has long been a fixture in Bushnell Park. For others, including newcomers to the city, it offered a chance to experience one of Hartford’s most recognizable landmarks for the first time.

Fippinger said the free ride day is one of the conservancy’s ways of participating in Hartford’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

“The free days when we have thousands of people in the park, it can be a lot,” Fippinger said. “It’s a lot of impact on the park and the infrastructure of the park. But also it’s an amazing time for so many people that are not necessarily always from Hartford, get to come in and see the amazing resources that Hartford has.”

While the Bushnell Park Conservancy cares for much more than the carousel, Fippinger said the attraction often serves as an introduction to the city’s rich history.

“There’s an amazing amount of history here, resources here,” Fippinger said. “And, you know, so we are kind of the eyes and ears for the City of Hartford.”

The air-conditioned carousel building also offered visitors a chance to cool off as temperatures climbed during the holiday celebration.

“We do want to make sure that everybody stays hydrated,” Fippinger said. “And the carousel building is air conditioned. So if people are feeling hot or feeling like they need to get cool, they can come in and take a ride. Plus, when you’re on the ride, it feels amazing.”

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