We, students, teachers, and parents of the RCDS community, respectfully request the removal of the phone ban on our upcoming DC trip. We believe this is essential for the following reasons:

1. The bus ride. The bus ride to DC is expected to take over five hours. Without phones, a calm, quiet, and clean ride is simply not feasible. Instead of the connection you hope to achieve, there will be restlessness, mess, and chaos. This will make the ride more comfortable for both students and teachers.

2. Communication. Although you have provided the option of communication facilitated through chaperones, this does not offer the privacy and flexibility students and parents are entitled to. Necessary communication often includes topics that children are uncomfortable sharing or explaining with their teachers, or at unreasonable hours where they might feel uncomfortable waking somebody up. Parents and guardians have the right to easily communicate with their children throughout the trip.

3. Safety. Although we trust that the trip will be secure, phones provide an additional layer of safety and peace of mind for parents and guardians. In a familiar and crowded city like DC, the possibility that a student could be separated from the group is always present. Additionally, as our nation’s capital, DC is subject to political turmoil and access to real time communication could be critical.

4. Memories. As middle school comes to an end, and we finish this chapter of our lives students would like to be able to document their trip with their friends to look back on as we grow. Phones can help us do this in a way that is meaningful and easy.

The undersigned community asks you to reconsider this rule. Students agree to the following restrictions:surrendering phones if used excessively or inappropriately during the day and turning them in at curfew. We point to the successful trips of the past few years as evidence to support that devices can be allowed while students remain engaged, respectful, and safe.

Thank you for your time, leadership and consideration of the voices you represent.

Sincerely,

The Student Leadership Council and the Eighth Grade Community