I have a long talk with my students about doing nothing else during the first 1000' of the tow except focus on the tow plane, and emergency options. Then, during the first 1000' I ask them to toggle the radio. Then I YELL at them for doing it, and we have another long discussion during post flight about killing tow pilots. I repeat this until they do nothing except focus on the tow plane, and emergence options.
Also, I disagree with holding the release during tow. Turbulence can cause a premature termination of the tow if you are holding the release.

Boggs