Dee Anne Thomson for LPISD School Board

Come send off the band as they head to state competition in the morning. Bring your signs and well-wishes. Buses will head North on Broadway and then turn left on Main Street. Let’s line the streets anout 10:45 Sunday morning and wish them well!

10 thoughts for families as you prepare for a device free back to school:

1. Set Daily “No Phone” Hours at Home

Start building tolerance now. Create 1–2 designated phone-free blocks each day (e.g., 10am–12pm or during dinner/bedtime). Gradually increase the length to mirror school hours.

2. Establish a Morning “No Phone Until…” Rule

Practice keeping phones put away until after a certain activity like no phone until breakfast is done or chores are finished. This mimics school structure and helps kids resist the urge to check first thing.

3. Talk Openly About the Why

Have age-appropriate conversations about how phones can hurt focus, social growth, and sleep. Frame the ban as a life skill, not a punishment. Invite their input and help them feel some control in the process.

4. Build “Boredom Muscles”

Start practicing being bored — intentionally. Limit screen time during downtime and encourage reading, drawing, journaling, or just thinking. Teens hate this at first but build creative resilience with repetition.

5. Do a “Mock School Day”

Try a phone-free half-day (or full day) simulation at home where the phone stays in a designated spot. Practice what it feels like and debrief after: what was hard, what helped, what could make it easier?

Practice Paper Alternatives

Have your child use:
• An analog watch to check time
• A paper planner or sticky notes for reminders
• A notebook for jotting down thoughts
This reinforces executive functioning skills that phones often short-circuit.

7. Create a Communication Plan

Help teens feel secure by practicing what to do if they need you. For example:
• Memorize key phone numbers
• Know where the office phone is
• Set expectations for when you’ll check in (e.g., after school only)

8. Involve the Whole Family

Make it a shared challenge. If your child is giving up phone access at school, try reducing your own phone use during the same hours. It builds empathy and shared accountability.

9. Set Social Goals

Encourage face-to-face connection now. Help them plan some in-person hangouts without phones to build comfort and social confidence without the screen as a crutch.

10. Normalize the Struggle

Acknowledge it will be hard, and that’s okay. Frame this as a skill that gets easier with practice — like lifting weights or learning to drive. Validate the challenge but stay firm.

Bonus:
Use parental controls through your cell phone provider to turn off data during the school day.

LaPorte friends, if you have not seen LPHS musical production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, I encourage you to get yourself there tomorrow evening or Saturday!
It was an incredible show!

Parents—if your child was part of this production, you have so much to be proud of! 🧡Wow, just wow!

The vocal and dancing performances were phenomenal. Applause for the directors, choreographers, the stage & light crew, the orchestra, and all of the volunteers in our community who make this musical the fantastic tradition that it is.
I’m in awe, truly. 🎭 🎶

Congratulations to Mrs. Greenwood & Mrs. Hyde! Thanks for all you do for LPISD! 🧡

I believe Education is the cornerstone of a great community. So when I reflect on
International Day of Education as that relates to the world, it more strongly solidifies my admiration for educators and their life lasting effects on students. Just think of the classrooms throughout the world that are inspiring young minds, fueling curiosity, and in essence creating our futures! To all you educators out there (present & retired), I salute you. Thanks for giving of your talents, time and so many times your personal resources to ensure not only the educational needs of your students, but the physical & emotional ones as well.

It’s school board appreciation month & take a look at this portrait drawn by a Bayshore Elementary student!
Blessed to serve.

Honored to serve!

So proud for these musician students! What a great accomplishment. Its a great day to be a Bulldog.

Proud and honored to serve! 🧡

January is Board Appreciation Month! We greatly appreciate Trustee Dee Anne Thomson for her exceptional leadership and commitment to the students, families, and staff of La Porte ISD!

Join us & cheer loud! 🎉🧡

Beautiful Veteran’s Day program this morning. 💙🇺🇸♥️