On Tuesday, July 29, the District adopted Board of Education policy #7315 titled “Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day.” You can view the newly adopted policy here.
This policy aligns with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Distraction-Free Schools Law. The details of the Governor’s bell-to-bell statewide policy to ban cell phone usage in public and charter schools can be viewed here. The mandate requires districts to implement a cell phone policy for student cell phone usage during the school day. We are now in compliance with that mandate.
As a district, we have worked to identify and implement a cell phone policy that works best for our campus. Details of the logistics surrounding this new policy will be communicated to you from the District, and your building principals, during the month of August. Please use this form to submit in any questions or concerns you may have regarding this new policy. We will use the information provided to distribute a frequently asked question document in the month of August.
What does this include?
“Internet-enabled devices” are defined to include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or any device capable of accessing Internet content (including social media). The definition excludes non-internet-capable devices and school-issued devices used for educational purposes.
Students must store their Internet-enabled devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day.
On-site storage areas may include but are not limited to, student lockers and secure storage areas in the school’s main office. The designated on-site storage areas must be easily accessible to students and provide adequate security to ensure the safekeeping of the student’s devices.
Under the new policy, there are exemptions for student(s) ability to access their devices. The following situations will be allowed under the current policy:
- In the event of an emergency
- For translation services
- On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member
- Students must be permitted to use an Internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student’s: Individualized Education Program (IEP)