In today’s digital age, smartphones have become nearly ubiquitous among students. While technology can offer valuable educational tools, its overuse in the classroom is proving to be a significant distraction from learning. Research highlights how pervasive smartphone use can negatively impact student focus, participation, and overall educational outcomes.

A recent study by Common Sense Media revealed that 97% of students use their phones during school hours, with an average usage of 43 minutes per day. The Journal of Media Education reported that nearly 60% of students admitted to spending over 10% of class time on their phones, a trend that can significantly diminish engagement in academic activities.

The sheer volume of distractions is staggering. More than 50% of students receive an average of 237 notifications per day, with some students receiving as many as 4,500 notifications daily, according to the Common-Sense Media report. Shockingly, 23% of these notifications occur during school hours, further disrupting the learning environment.

The impact of smartphones extends beyond academics. Social media usage is nearly universal, with 40% of 8-12-year-olds and 95% of teenagers active on platforms, according to the Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Teenagers spend nearly five hours a day on social media apps, as cited by the American Psychological Association, raising concerns about mental health and well-being.

With these alarming statistics in mind, Pullman Public Schools is actively working on a revised cellphone/smartphone policy aimed at minimizing distractions, promoting positive behavior, and improving student educational outcomes. By reducing unnecessary phone use in the classroom, we hope to create a more focused and supportive learning environment. As part of this process, we are seeking input to ensure the policy reflects the needs and concerns of our community. 

The potential changes aim to restrict student mobile device use in the classroom except in the following situations:

We are seeking your thoughts and feedback on these potential changes to our Students and Telecommunications Devices Policy and Procedure and encourage all staff, families, and high school students to participate. The survey will close at 11:45pm on Monday, October 7.

To view the proposed drafts of the policy and procedure and participate in the survey, please click the link below:

Together, we can work toward enhancing our students' academic success, well-being, and future potential by reducing the distractions that smartphones bring into the classroom. Thank you for your continued support in helping us shape a positive learning environment for our students.

-Bob Maxwell, Superintendent

Like many districts across Washington, Pullman School District is facing financial challenges as the cost of meeting student needs continues to rise while state funding falls short.

The Washington School Funding Coalition has launched a new website, www.waschoolfunding.org, designed to provide clear and comprehensive information about how public schools in Washington are funded. The site offers insights into key funding challenges, legislative priorities, and advocacy efforts to support equitable education for all students. We encourage you to explore the site and stay informed about the important work being done to ensure adequate funding for our schools.

Additionally, we have added a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on our district website to answer some of the questions you may have.

On September 24, 2024, our Board of Directors, together with other Whitman County educational leaders, had the opportunity to host District 9 legislators and legislative candidates for a collaborative discussion on key issues affecting K-12 education. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who attended and contributed to this important conversation! 

(as of September 25, 2024)

Unity Day, started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center as the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month continues to grow every year as a tangible representation of the universal message that our society wants to promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion to prevent bullying. Plan to support the event by participating in the simple call to action—wear and share the color orange.

Why the color orange? Unity Day is celebrated in October, and orange is a color commonly identified with the month and the autumn season. It is also a color that is associated with safety and visibility. It is a color described as warm and inviting, and its vibrancy makes an impactful statement.

We are in need of:

Coaches:

For more information, please visit our website at:

https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources.

We welcome all interested applicants and are committed to hiring the most highly qualified and professional teaching and support staff to serve the students of Pullman. 

 

To submit an employment application, click the button below.

For more information, please visit our website at:

https://www.pullmanschools.org/departments/human_resources.

​If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:

Please apply for these positions online at: 

If you or anyone you know would be interested in subbing for Pullman Schools as a:

Please pick up an application at the District Office (240 SE Dexter St).

Questions about employment with Pullman School District?

Contact: Dagny Myers

Phone: (509) 332-3581 | Email: dmyers@psd267.org

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The Pullman School District Board of Directors and the Pullman School District shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities programs without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org. 240 SE Dexter Street, Pullman, WA 99163. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application process by contacting the Personnel Coordinator at (509) 332-3584. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: https://www.pullmanschools.org/families/hib-and-discrimination/discrimination_sexual_harassment.