To, all Robert E. Fitch Senior High School administrators, as well as Groton Board of Education members responsible for the new 2025-2026 changes in Fitch High School schedule and policies;

We, the students and community members of Robert E. Fitch High School, are deeply concerned about the proposed changes to the 2025–2026 school policies. These adjustments will have a negative impact on student life, learning, and safety.
Here's why we oppose these changes:

-Club participation will suffer. Morning meetings are inconvenient and will likely lead to a continued decline in student involvement, especially when students previously had time during the day to engage in extracurriculars.
-The new bell schedule may lead to increased absences, as students might arrive later knowing that missing CTL will not impact their attendance record, ultimately undermining overall attendance and consistency.
-Mid-day breaks are essential for mental health. Previously, having a period during the school day to decompress, eat, check in with friends, or simply take a breath helped students recharge and manage stress. Removing this break, especially when paired with stricter phone restrictions, can increase anxiety and make the school day feel overwhelming and nonstop.
-Removing phones completely, even during lunch, eliminates our only break and mental reset during the day. Lunch has been a necessary time to relax, connect with others, and mentally recharge.
-Lack of access to phones prevents students from communicating with family during emergencies, last-minute changes, or ride coordination, which increases anxiety for both students and parents.
-Coaches rely on texting athletes during the day to communicate schedule updates or last-minute changes, something that will now be disrupted.
-Dismissal will become more chaotic with hundreds of students heading to lockers just to retrieve phones, creating safety concerns and delays.
-Blanket punishments are unfair. Every student should not be punished for the behavior of a few. Responsible phone use can and should be managed by teachers with individual systems like classroom pouches or expectations. This fosters accountability and trust, not frustration.

We want to be clear: The majority of students agree that phones should not be used during instructional time. However, we also strongly believe that students should have access to their phones during personal time, such as lunch, passing periods, and study halls. Taking away phones completely throughout the day is extreme and unnecessary.

We believe students deserve a voice in decisions that affect our education, safety, and well-being. We urge school administrators to reconsider these changes and work with students, staff, and families on a more balanced and effective solution.