Dear Dr. Martha Cohen School Families,

Welcome back, and happy New Year. I hope the winter break provided your family with time to rest, recharge, and reconnect. As we begin the new term, thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students at Dr. Martha Cohen School.

As we return to school routines, I want to remind families of an important expectation regarding cell phones and personal devices. Dr. Martha Cohen School remains a cell phone free learning environment during the school day. Students are expected to keep phones and personal devices turned off and stored away while at school.

It is also important for families to understand that the school cannot be responsible for lost, misplaced, or stolen cell phones or personal devices brought to school. If a student chooses to bring a phone to school, they do so at their own risk, and families should carefully consider whether a device is necessary during the school day.

Our full Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy is available on our school website here:
[DMCS Cell Phone Policy link]

In addition, monitoring cell phone use is the responsibility of parents and caregivers. This includes:

  • Ensuring apps, games, and social media platforms are age-appropriate
  • Being aware of who your child is communicating with online and through messaging apps
  • Reviewing privacy and safety settings regularly
  • Blocking or reporting unwanted contacts, including individuals who may be unkind, inappropriate, or engaging in harmful behaviour
  • Supporting your child in stepping away from online interactions that may involve mean or hurtful behaviour, even when it involves peers or classmates

Online interactions can have a very real impact on students’ well-being, learning, and relationships at school. When issues occur outside of school hours and platforms, they often follow students into the building the next day. Clear boundaries and active parent monitoring play a critical role in preventing challenges from escalating at school.

We recognize that navigating technology with adolescents can be complex, and we appreciate the ongoing conversations families have with their children about digital responsibility, respect, and kindness.

Thank you for your continued support as we begin 2026 together. We look forward to a positive and productive term ahead.

Warm regards,
Jason Hartl