In this episode of Brighter Together, titled From Silent Lunchrooms to Board Games and Belonging, I sit down with Katie Joseph, Assistant Superintendent at Regional School Unit 1 in Bath, Maine. We explore the transformative journey of her district becoming phone and smartwatch-free to enhance student well-being. Katie shares the compelling impacts of this initiative, from fostering genuine connections and reducing anxiety to improving academic performance and overall mental health. Discover how a simple yet bold decision has revitalized school culture, turning silent lunchrooms into vibrant spaces filled with conversation and laughter. Join us as we discuss the challenges, successes, and the broader implications of this innovative approach in education.