A stack of cell phones, headphones, and airpods are stacked on a table of students at Two Rivers High School on March 19 in Mendota Heights. who signed up to give up cell phone use during lunch in the school’s cafeteria. Tables marked by orange cones indicate the students have agreed to give up their phones. All students who participate in the Log Off Lunch Challenge are entered in a raffle to receive free pizza the following Wednesday.

2023 EdMN legislative agenda

The AFT has always been a solutions-driven union, and our new campaign, launched during TEACH on July 21, proves it once again with a fresh, practical approach to strengthening public education. As AFT President Randi Weingarten pointed out during her keynote speech, the $5 million, yearlong campaign, “Real Solutions for Kids and Communities,” stands up against attacks on public schools and offers real-world solutions to build up, rather than break down, our communities.

Summer is upon us, and parents, children and teachers are winding down from what has been an exhausting and fully operational school year—the first since the devastating pandemic. The long-lasting impact of COVID-19 has affected our students’ and families’ well-being and ignited the politics surrounding public schools. All signs point to the coming school year unfolding with the same sound and fury, and if extremist culture warriors have their way, being even more divisive and stressful.