What should my child not bring?

Cell phone and electronic device policy for Summer Playground and Summer Rec. Programs:

Children who are registered and participating in the Summer Playground or Summer Rec. Program are prohibited from using cell phones and other electronic devices such as iPads, iPods, smart watches, etc. during program hours.  The Summer programs offer a great opportunity to learn about and navigate social situations while not being constantly connected to and immersed within a digital/virtual world.  If a child is involved in a video game or texting friends or parents, then they’re not engaging in our wonderful array of activities.  For those parents who simply want to keep in touch, we assure you that a supervisor will contact you or your designated emergency contact with any issues that may arise that require your attention. We encourage parents and children to talk about the day’s activities at pick-up time.  Similarly, cell phones represent a tether to one’s parent and may serve as an impediment for a child to learn how to solve problems on their own in a structured and supportive environment. Please respect our policy and take the time to discuss it with your child.  Further information and explanation can be found on our website.
 
The Village of Rockville Centre Recreation Department is not responsible if an electronics item is lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen. Devices are also status symbols; we need to respect the fact that some children DO have electronics while others do not.  If children are caught using cell phones or electronics during program time, the device will be collected and returned to parents at the end of the day.  Even better, please do not send electronics with your child at all.  While it may be tempting for a parent to try and circumvent a no cell-phone policy, there are many reasons to observe and respect such rules.  Compliance with policies – not simply picking and choosing only those which we like – provides children with a good example of how to follow rules which have been designed for everyone to get along with one another.  When parents allow their child to break rules and take a cell phone to the program, they are teaching their child that the rules apply to every other family, but not theirs. 
 
In closing, we ask you to support our no electronics policy.  We assure you that there is always someone to whom your child can reach out for help or guidance, whether it be an LIT, their leader or the program supervisors- at Karen Polito at Wilson or Mariann Catanzaro at the Rec. Center.  If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to contact me by phone, email or in person.
 
Ginger Creegan, Recreation Superintendent