As soon as Radnor High School and Radnor Middle School students arrived at school on March 2, they knew the day would be a little different than what they -- and most people in the year 2020 -- are used to.
That's because each student was immediately handed a "cell phone sleeping bag" and invited to slip their devices inside, a strategy meant to encourage a break from screens to allow time for reflection on the impact of technology in our lives and a focus on "unplugging and connecting" with each other.
The activity was just one of many held throughout the district on March 2 as the entire Radnor community celebrated a day of unplugging. The official national celebration took place March 6, however RTSD was closed that day to K-5 students and the district wanted to make sure all students had a chance to participate. March 2 was also Read Across America, which was a perfect fit for a day without devices.
The cell phone sleeping bags are microfiber pouches sized for a smartphone and built to block its distracting light.
The day also featured a variety of tech-light activities, including a Device-Free Game Zone and photo booth (equipped with Polaroid cameras) organized by RHS sophomores Josh Gottlieb-Nichols, Michael Shea and Jude Wallin; games in elementary school classrooms; and a performance by the 8th-grade Music Technology class at Radnor Middle School.
The celebration extended beyond RTSD, with community groups such as the Radnor Police Department using the day as an opportunity to educate community members. The police also placed a digital message board at the intersection of Rt. 30 and Rt. 476 telling drivers to "Put Their Devices Down: It's the Day to Unplug" and created a public service announcement (PSA) about the dangers of texting and driving.
Community members also were invited to show their support for the Day of Unplugging by taking a pledge to unplug from technology at NationalDayofUnplugging.com; printing and completing an official poster stating their reason for unplugging; playing Day of Unplugging BINGO; and talking to friends and family about their relationship with technology using conversation prompts.
The district's day of unplugging conveniently fell on the national Read Across America celebration, an annual event is sponsored by the National Education Association that encourages every child in every community to embrace the joy of reading.
Elementary and middle school students participated in special reading events hosted by teachers and librarians and heard from guest readers including administrators, School Board members, Radnor High School students, and officers from the Radnor Police Department.
