Washington County Public Schools Unveils New Superintendent-Led Community Sessions on Digital Well-being

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) has announced a new initiative, “Community Matters,” designed to foster dialogue between the new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gary Willow, and the local community. These sessions, beginning this summer, aim to address key issues in public education and incorporate feedback from students, families, staff, and residents into decision-making processes.

The inaugural “Community Matters” session, scheduled for July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM at South Hagerstown High School, will focus on the critical topic of “Raising Responsible Digital Citizens.” This event will delve into WCPS’s strategies for managing student screen time, including a proposed reduction in device-based learning for all students and a complete removal of Chromebooks for younger learners. Discussions will also cover how digital citizenship is being integrated into the WCPS curriculum to teach students about making safe, responsible, and respectful online choices, with guidance provided for parents to reinforce these lessons at home.

Further topics for the “Raising Responsible Digital Citizens” session include an overview of parent tools available to monitor and limit screen time, helping families understand how to manage their teenagers’ usage of social media and games, and ensuring connectivity with their children throughout the school day. The session will also address the signs of screen addiction that may be impacting a child’s sleep, academic performance, relationships, or overall well-being, and will offer strategies for establishing healthy boundaries and promoting balanced technology use. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide community input on cell phone regulations, specifically in relation to the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, and understand how these state-mandated requirements will be implemented within WCPS schools.

Participants attending the first “Community Matters” session will receive a complimentary copy of Jonathan Haidt’s book, “The Anxious Generation.” The book examines the impact of smartphones and social media on childhood development, exploring the links between a phone-centric upbringing and rising mental health concerns among young people, while also offering potential solutions for adults. More information on the “Community Matters” initiative and upcoming sessions can be found on the WCPS website at wcpsmd.com/community-matters.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools.

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