June 30, 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
As a Lasallian Catholic school, Christian Brothers High School is committed to forming young people intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Our mission and Five Core Principles call us to create an environment where students can be fully present to learning, faith, personal growth, and community.
After careful study and consideration, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, we will implement a phone-free school day. During the school day, students will keep their phones, smartwatches, and smartglasses powered off, stored away and inaccessible for the entire school day.
This change reflects our commitment to fostering a learning environment where students can engage and focus more deeply in their classes, strengthen relationships with peers and teachers, and participate more fully in the life of our school community. This change is aligned with similar changes happening in all kinds of schools in the area as well as throughout the country and world. Many of our fellow Lasallian and various Catholic high schools have either already implemented this policy or will do so in the fall semester.
Research and our own experience suggest that constant access to phones can compete with attention, reduce meaningful social interaction, and make it more difficult for students to be fully engaged in the present moment. By creating a phone-free school day, we hope to provide students with the opportunity to experience:
- Increased engagement and focus in the classroom.
- Meaningful connections with friends and teachers.
- Stronger mental health and well-being.
- Building healthy habits around technology use.
- Deeper participation in school life.
- The Lasallian value of respect for the dignity and presence of every person.
This initiative is not intended to reject technology. Technology remains an important tool for learning and communication. Rather, this effort recognizes the value of setting aside distractions so that students can fully participate in the educational and faith-filled experiences that define our school.
In May we surveyed families on this topic and greatly appreciate the 500 plus responses. The majority of responding families stated their support for a phone-free school day. We have addressed the questions raised in our attached Phone Free CB Policy & Family Resource Page.We understand this change will require adjustment for all of us. While there may be initial challenges, we firmly believe the benefits to our students’ academic, social, and spiritual development far outweigh any temporary inconvenience.
We look forward to partnering with students and families as we begin this important initiative.
Live Jesus in our Hearts,
Cecilia Powers, Principal
Dave Perry, President