The primary goal of this policy is to create a learning-focused environment by regulating the use of personal electronic devices by students during the school day and on school grounds. It aims to minimize distractions, address potential negative impacts on student mental health, reduce disciplinary issues, and improve student engagement. Additionally, the policy seeks to prevent the spread of misinformation and congestion in emergency communication systems during critical situations.

"Personal Electronic Devices" broadly includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other internet-enabled device, as well as non-internet-enabled devices like fitness trackers, headphones, e-readers, calculators, voice recorders, cameras, and music devices. Devices supplied by the district for educational purposes are explicitly excluded. The "school day" encompasses all instructional and non-instructional time, including homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time. "School grounds" refers to any district structure, athletic field, playground, or real property within the school boundaries.

The policy becomes effective on August 1, 2025. As of this date, students are generally prohibited from using internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds, unless specific approved exceptions apply. This restriction does not apply before or after the instructional day.

Students may use internet-enabled devices under several specific conditions: when authorized by school staff for educational purposes, for managing medical needs (with documentation), in situations deemed emergencies by school authorities, as a translation aid, and on a case-by-case basis for students who are primary caregivers for a family member, with a recommendation from a school psychologist, social worker, or counselor. The policy also clarifies that it does not restrict device use if included in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan.

To minimize distractions, parents are encouraged to contact their children by calling the main office of the school building. A Clerk Typist at the high school and middle school will then relay important messages to students. The district will inform parents of this communication protocol at the beginning of each school year and upon enrollment.

At the elementary level, students are discouraged from bringing devices, and any brought must be powered off and stored in a designated classroom location. For middle and high school students, each classroom will have a wall-mounted, lockable 60-slot storage cabinet for smartphones and smartwatches, with two slots per student. Students are required to place their internet-enabled devices in their assigned slots in homeroom upon arrival, where they must remain powered off or in silent mode throughout the day. Students late to school or those that require early dismissal will report to our new Device Clerks to store their devices. Wired earbuds will be provided to MS/HS students. Specific procedures are outlined for early dismissal, late arrivals, and end-of-day retrieval. Other personal electronic devices brought to school must also be silenced, stored in provided storage boxes, and not used without permission.

The policy will be published on the district's publicly accessible website by August 1, 2025, and translated into the twelve most commonly spoken non-English languages in New York State upon request. Furthermore, starting September 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the district will publish a report on its website. This report will include de-identified demographic statistics on enforcement, an analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement, and a mitigation plan if statistically significant disparities are found. The Department of Pupil Services will compile and post this report.

This policy was developed through a consultation process involving various stakeholders. These included bargaining unit representatives, parent/guardian representatives, student representatives, and school administrators and staff. Documentation of these consultations is kept on file with the Office of Pupil Services.