Screen Smart Bloomington is a parent-led effort of families in Bloomington Public Schools who believe it's time for a thoughtful reset around screens and technology in our schools. Inspired by Screen Smart Tonka, a group of families in Minnetonka Schools, we are advocating for changes to our technology strategy.
We are not affiliated with any political party, outside advocacy group, or national organization. We are simply a group of Bloomington parents who started talking and realized many families were seeing similar concerns. Bloomington has strong, caring leadership, teachers, and administrators who want the best for students. Our goal is to give parents a seat at the table and work collaboratively with the district, school board, educators, and families to recalibrate how screens and technology are used in Bloomington Public Schools.
We want to be clear that this effort is pro-teacher. Teachers are essential partners in this conversation. They understand the day-to-day classroom reality better than anyone, and they should be trusted, supported, and included as the district thinks through what technology use should look like going forward. A better technology approach should make teaching easier, not harder, and should give teachers more room to do what they do best: build relationships, teach deeply, and help students grow.
Across the country, districts are rethinking school technology, and similar conversations and technology transformations are happening in nearby communities. Bloomington has an opportunity to take a thoughtful look at how screens and technology are affecting student outcomes and the use of district resources. A smarter approach can bolster the district's goals of academic excellence and well-being, make better use of limited financial resources, and support a school culture families feel good about.
screensmartbloomington@gmail.com