Cellphones in schools, Gus Walz, Yankees' Oswaldo Cabrera

Districts, tell kids: Leave phones home

I learned early in my career, having taught middle school for 33 years, that classroom distractions sabotaged learning [“Limit cellphone use in schools,” Editorial, Sept. 4]. A bird hitting a window or a textbook falling onto the floor could damage a lesson if I let it.

Fortunately, mobile phones were not widely used when I taught; however, had they been, I’d have insisted that my students leave them in their lockers. National health experts agree that, at best, cellphones are distracting to students and at worst dangerous to their mental state “Expert tips on smartphones, social media,” News, Sept. 1]. While they might sometimes aid student interaction, generally they interfere with participation in their physical and mental development.

The major reason cellphones in schools is an issue is that “officials fear pushback from parents who want to communicate with their kids in an emergency” “Hang up the distractions,” News, Sept. 1]. Not a problem: Parents can call the school, which is entrusted with student welfare, or students can call their parents with permission from school officials. Newsday’s editorial board also agrees it’s a good idea to limit cellphone use in schools.

I propose that school districts unite to issue a joint statement to students: Leave them home.

— Hank Cierski, Port Jefferson Station

Having taught students for 34 years, I’m reminded of the time a student insisted on drinking from the water fountain at the far end of the hallway, rather than the one outside the classroom. He claimed that the water was colder. The class decided that a few simple thermometers would end the debate.

Schools should be a place for learning how to solve problems. The cellphone “issue” is an opportunity to do that. A committee of teachers, parents and duly elected students should be able to work out a practical policy while experiencing an exercise in democracy.

— Bruce Stasiuk, Setauket

Lessons learned while watching Gus Walz

The op-ed about Gus Walz’s reaction to his dad’s acceptance speech for the Democratic vice presidential nomination made me sad [“Gus Walz shows need to tackle bullies,” Opinion, Sept. 3]. Unfortunately, far too many people have disturbing negative reactions to people with special needs: learning disabled, mental health issues, physical disabilities, severe speech defects, etc.

We must learn tolerance for, and understanding of, others. As a former teacher, principal, board president of the local National Alliance on Mental Illness, and, most important, parent, I have had to deal with the lack of tolerance for special needs throughout my adult life.

If one does not understand the reasons for a person’s actions or inactions, why not ignore the person or ask if assistance is needed? For too long, people with special needs have been marginalized.

I have been trying to foster better understanding of all people for decades. Unfortunately, many just do not get it. While watching Gus Walz see his dad, Gov. Tim Walz, address the Democratic National Convention, I thought, “How wonderful it is that a young man has such pride and love for his dad.” I did not even consider special needs.

We, as a society, must foster understanding and tolerance. Our political leaders must do the same.

— David Sills, Oceanside

Why are we no longer allowed to show our emotions without being bullied or suspected of having a disability? Why are emotions not allowed? Former President Donald Trump “codified” emotions as a weakness.

Gus Walz is a beautiful soul and should not need defending. We need to bring back compassion, empathy and tolerance.

— Susan Scharf, Flushing, Queens

Folks, let’s slow down and just enjoy life

What happened to just letting them play the game? I watched the Yankees’ Oswaldo Cabrera called out on strikes because he didn’t get back into the batter’s box fast enough to beat the pitch clock [“Time is not on Cabrera’s side,” Sports, Sept. 1].

Are we in that much of a hurry to finish enjoyable things? Let’s tell Bruce Springsteen to do only a 30-minute concert or limit big-screen movies to 15 minutes.

How about we just slow down and enjoy the things in life we appreciate instead of rushing everything. Maybe that will also help slow down motorists on the Southern State Parkway and save a few lives at the same time.

— Jim Riche, Babylon