Spin zone: School districts deal with popularity of new gadget

The Citizens' Voice - 5/20/2017

May 20--The popularity of a new gadget children love is spinning out of control, and schools in Northeast Pennsylvania are figuring out how to deal with it.

Fidget spinners -- three rounded blades that spin on a bearing -- are the newest fad toy that promises to be more than just a distraction. The palm-sized toys purportedly help relax children with hyperactivity, anxiety and autism.

"Our kindergarten and primary principal asked parents to refrain from allowing the items in school," Wyoming Area Superintendent Janet Serino said. "Our intermediate and secondary schools are dealing with any distractions on a classroom basis. The teachers are aware of the items and any distractions the item may present. They will address the situation individually."

The spinners are allowed in Dallas schools and have caused "minimal isolated disruption," Superintendent Thomas Duffy said.

"Our teachers do an excellent job in managing classrooms regardless of the latest fad is with students," Duffy said.

Students at the Greater Nanticoke Area elementary center and educational center are not allowed to have them, Greater Nanticoke Area Superintendent Ronald Grevera said.

"Issues started this winter, and the building principal determined that they were a distraction to the educational process," Grevera said. "No parents have objected to the ban on them."

Principals at the Pittston Area intermediate center and middle school banned the spinners, while the primary and high school "have not had issues with them," Pittston Area Superintendent Kevin Booth said.

While opinions on the toy vary, there's no denying it's popularity. Faith Houdek, 44, of Scranton, was arrested April 30 for attempting to steal 39 fidget spinners from Wegmans in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

Legend's Saloon in Dickson City is selling fidget spinners in local schools' colors.

"I think they're absolutely fantastic and stress-relieving," said Craig Sweeney, Valley View Middle School principal, as he spun his own fidget spinner.

The device is banned from Carbondale Area classrooms.

"They're metal ... and a huge distraction," Carbondale Area business manager Dave Cerra said.

At North Pocono, Superintendent Bryan McGraw sees students as old as seniors playing with the devices.

"It seems to be a trend," he said. "As long as they're not disrupting the educational process, we're fine with them."

Scranton Superintendent Alexis Kirijan said her district "banned them because they are a distraction, serve no educational value and cause conflicts among students."

Abington Heights Superintendent Mike Mahon witnessed students using fidget spinners "respectfully" in the middle school. One student even showed Mahon what the hype was all about.

He, agrees though, that the toy is just a fleeting fad.

"This too shall pass," Mahon said.

Contact the writers:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com

570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT

mbuffer@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2073, @cvmikebuffer

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