Old Quarry Middle School "The Great Reset"

Moms Unmuted: The Great Reveal

In this special bonus episode of The Great Reset, we step away from the student experience and hand the microphone to the moms. Hear firsthand what the past four phone-free days looked like from home—how routines shifted, what emotions surfaced, and the surprising (and sometimes hilarious) observations only a parent would notice.

Our panel of mothers shares honest reflections on their children’s relationship with technology, the impact of going without a phone, and the conversations this challenge sparked in their homes. From unexpected calm to newfound awareness, these parents offer powerful insights on raising middle schoolers in a digital world.

Episode Description – The Great Reveal

After four phone-free days, the moment everyone has been waiting for is finally here. In The Great Reveal, our student panel reflects on their biggest takeaways, surprising challenges, and what they learned about themselves without their devices. We dive into how their habits changed, what they missed (and didn’t miss), and how they plan to use their phones differently moving forward.

And then… the moment of truth. For the first time since Monday morning, students power their phones back on. Notifications, emotions, and honest reactions fill the room as we close out this unforgettable challenge.

This is the finale of The Great Reset — a powerful look at what happens when students step away from their screens and step into real connection.

Day #2 is officially in the books!
In today’s episode, our student panel reflects on their second full day without their cell phones—and the insights are getting deeper. Students talk honestly about the moments that felt easier, the moments that were harder than expected, and what changes they’re noticing in their stress, friendships, sleep, and schoolwork.
We also check in on how their relationships, routines, and self-awareness are shifting as the reset continues.
Tune in for another powerful conversation as our students continue to unplug, reset, and rediscover life without constant connectivity.

In this episode, Dr. Sweeney checks in with students after their very first night without their phones. Hear their honest reflections on what they missed, what they didn't, and how it felt to unplug. Night one is officially in the books-and the journey is just beginning!

🎙️ Episode #2 — The Turn-In

The moment has finally arrived. In this episode of The Great Reset, our 8th graders hand over their phones and begin their four-day digital detox. From nervous laughs to wide-eyed panic, we capture the real emotions as students place their devices in the bin and walk away—some confidently, others… not so much.

This episode kicks off the true beginning of the reset—no screens, no scrolling, just real middle school life.

📵 The Great Reset starts now.

Follow along all week as students reflect on the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the unexpected moments of going phone-free.

📢 Episode #1 of The Great Reset is now LIVE!

Today, our 8th grade students sat down to talk about how they’re feeling heading into next week’s phone-free challenge. They shared their worries, their predictions, and why they’re choosing to participate in something bigger than themselves.

Each day next week, we’ll release a new episode as students reflect on what it’s really like to go without their phones—from the challenges to the unexpected wins.

And to make it even more meaningful, we’re raising awareness and support for Make a Wish, an organization who makes wishes come true!