Happy Summer, Everyone!
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far and are enjoying the extra time you get to share with your children!
The purpose of this email is to let you know that Governor Reynolds signed into law HF 782 which requires schools in Iowa to adopt policies to restrict students use of cellphones and other electronic devices (i.e. smart watches) during instructional time. The goal of this law is to reduce distractions, improve academic focus, and support safe and respectful learning environments.
I recognize that devices like cell phones and smartwatches can play a role in communication and safety—but we also know that they can interfere with learning. I also know that some of you have very strong opinions that students need to have their phones available to them at all times. It is because of this that I want you to be able to have time to digest the changes, as well as share your concerns so those can be addressed prior to the first day of the 2025-26 school year.
As we get closer to the school year, I will be sharing our new regulations to this policy as well as alternate ways you can contact your child throughout the school day.
If you have questions about the changes, please email those directly to me at cgochenour@movalleycsd.or or contact me at the District Office at 712-642-2706, ext. 4.
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your summer.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gochenour
Superintendent