Media & Technology Philosophy

Waldorf education empowers the development of imagination and memory and the ability to entertain oneself, especially in the younger grades.

We know that many families choose Waldorf education because they want a low-technology environment for their children. While most families have some media integrated with their home culture, the COVID pandemic created a new frontier when it comes to engaging with technology. Suddenly, we have become completely reliant on screens to do our work, express our thoughts and feelings, and to make our connections with others!

While we are excited to explore the breadth of possibilities online learning presents, we also encourage families to significantly limit additional exposure to additional media sources and are here to support you in finding alternate ways to engage your child at home.

Cell Phones & Other Communication Devices

We strive to create an atmosphere in which students, staff and families are free from sensory distractions found with unnecessary use of cellular phones and other communication devices. This effort supports the work in the classroom by creating an environment in which the entire school building exists in harmony with the foundational principles of Waldorf education.

Adult Cell Phone Use

We ask Cedarwood adults to keep their cell phones put away and on silent when they’re on the school campus during operating hours, including inside and outside the school building and in the courtyard. This includes all assemblies, performances, school events, and, most importantly, the hallway areas. While Lair Hill Park is a public space, please also be mindful of how you uphold Cedarwood’s school culture while in the park. If you need to use your cell phone outside, please do so beyond campus boundaries and out of sight of students. If you need to use your cell phone inside, please step into the Front Office or the Community Kitchen. 

Recording Performances & Events

We encourage all Cedarwood community members to be attentive during live performances, not recording or photographing these events on cell phones. Teachers will designate a class photographer and/or videographer for plays, field trips, and other special events. These documents will be stored in the shared Google Drive for each class. Please be mindful that these pictures and videos are for internal use only, and parental permission is required prior to sharing images of other people's children on social media platforms.

Student Cell Phone/Wearables Use

Our preference is that all students leave cell phones and/or wearables (i.e. Apple Watch, FitBit, etc.) at home during school days, including field trips. We recognize, however, that some families rely on cell phone communication with their children outside of school hours. Students in Grades 4 - 8 who bring cell phones and/or wearables to school for purposes of communicating with their families are required to follow the Cell Phone/Wearable Policy and Procedure. Students below Grade 4 may not bring cell phones and/or wearables to school.

Cedarwood’s Cell Phone/Wearable Policy and Procedure

Download Cedarwood’s Student Cell Phone/Wearable Use Agreement