Read on for details on assessing and modifying your family's tech plan. Plus, retro to-do lists and the importance of handwriting.
By Kari Luecke, MS Educational Technologist
"So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act." - Dr. Seuss
As the influx of our reliance on technology for work and school continues to embed itself in our social lifelines, revisiting our tech dependence and its tradeoffs can greatly impact the quality of our family lives.
Consider a weekly evaluation of your family’s technology plan. Perhaps you redefine digital workspaces one week, or sit down together to play an e-game (to gather the latest “intel”) as a family the next.
Take ownership of the technology happening under your roof. Let’s face it, we’ll never know it all, but our presence, interest in, and willingness to modify as often as necessary alludes a united front, which prioritizes family trust, overall health, and digital wellness.
When assessing your family tech or reaching for your device, consider:
What’s the non-tech way of doing this? Think non-app — could I easily have this conversation in person?
How does this app make me feel? Consider physical sensations like heart rate, breathing, sweaty palms, etc.
How can I use what I’m consuming as an inspiration to create something of my own as opposed to endlessly scrolling for an occasional emotional award?
Is my time management plan or strategy working for me and my family?
How is this app or service trying to keep me as a user?
Check out other ways to take control from the Center for Humane Technology.
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.