Slowey McManus Communications

Eight years ago, Phoenix Charter Academy made a bold decision: ban cell phones during the school day. School leaders say the results have been transformative for both students and educators.

After implementing the policy, teachers reported fewer distractions and stronger classroom engagement, while students spent more time connecting with peers instead of their screens. School leaders also saw improvements in focus, social interaction, and overall school culture.

In a recent opinion piece for CommonWealth Beacon, Beth Anderson, founder and superintendent of Phoenix Charter Academy Charter Public Schools, argues that bell-to-bell cellphone bans create healthier learning environments and help students develop the focus, patience, and emotional regulation needed to succeed.

Read the full story to learn more about how phone-free schools are helping students regain their focus, strengthen relationships, and thrive in the classroom.

We’re back with our second client spotlight of the month, highlighting the impactful coverage SMC secured for during EMS Week!

Our team facilitated 20 media placements For American Medical Response across broadcast, print, and online outlets- reaching an audience of more than 14.3 million potential viewers nationwide. We’re proud to help spotlight the incredible work EMS professionals do every day and amplify AMR’s mission through meaningful media coverage. 🚑💙

Swipe to see our top stories from this week!

Boston Public Schools passed a record high budget of $1.7 billion for next year. Despite this extraordinary investment, students achievement results are continuing to decline in reading and math.

Only 3 out of 10 Boston students across grades 3 through 8 can read or perform math on grade level. This is just one of many data points that show students are struggling.

In a recent opinion piece for CommonWealth Beacon, Mary Tamer of MassPotential argues that these poor outcomes, which have persisted year after year, should not be accepted as inevitable.

Read the full story to learn more about how we can change this trajectory by embracing the key building blocks needed for turnaround.

What does $1.7 billion get you in the Boston Public Schools? Abysmal student achievement and declining results. A majority of Boston students are unable to read or do math at grade level. In a district spending $1.7 billion a year, it should be unconscionable to rest on good intentions without the ability to show real results.

Happy birthday to SMC’s Account Executive Tom Walton!

Known for his quick thinking and collaborative spirit, Tom is always ready to jump in and support both colleagues and clients. His ability to think on his feet and build strong client relationships makes a meaningful impact every day.

Wishing Tom a great birthday and a year ahead full of continued wins!

Today, we honor the brave heros who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Happy Memorial Day to all who have served. 🇺🇸

As New Hampshire has suspended auto emissions inspections and measurement, parts of the state are under a Code Orange Air Quality Alert this week. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services expects ground-level ozone concentrations to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. And, as temperatures rise throughout the summer and more cars hit the road, air quality is expected to remain a persistent health risk. Learn more via the link below.

Rockingham County Under Code Orange Air Quality Alert For Tuesday NH DES said ground-level ozone may reach unhealthy levels Tuesday for sensitive groups in Rockingham County.

A first-of-its-kind floating fishway system is officially up and running for its second year of operation at the Tunnel Generating Station on Connecticut’s Quinebaug River!

Developed by FirstLight in partnership with fishheart, this three-year project represents a massive milestone as the first large-scale installation of this unique technology in North America.

Unlike traditional concrete and steel fish ladders, this modern hydraulic system is fully adaptable and mobile, allowing operators to optimize fish passage by adjusting its position based on changing river conditions. The floating unit utilizes a siphon principle and attraction flows to guide critical species like American Shad and river herring safely past the working dam through a 120-foot pipe. Equipped with Fishheart’s Fisheye-AI camera system, the unit automatically counts, measures, and identifies fish in real-time.

Read/watch the full feature from WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News here: https://www.wfsb.com/2026/05/12/new-floating-fishway-technology-helps-fish-migrate-quinebaug-river/

New floating fishway technology helps fish migrate on Quinebaug River A floating fishway at the Tunnel Generating Station helps species like herring and shad make their way upstream. The system is the modern-day fish ladder.