Read More
As more schools nationwide ban cell phones to improve focus and community. NEIA is taking a smarter, student-led approach, and it’s working. At NEIA, students aren’t just having their devices taken away. They’re voluntarily giving them up in exchange for “Paper Phones.”
This creative, hands-on approach eliminates phone distractions without resistance – because students actually embrace it. Developed by Tamara Smith, Director of Upper School & Interim Director of Middle School and Cynthia Bushey, Learning Engagement Lead, the Paper Phones program has become a core part of NEIA’s student culture, significantly reducing classroom distractions while fostering creativity and engagement.
“We’re grappling with social media and phones,” said Cynthia Bushey, the school’s Learning Engagement lead.