All districts across New York State are required by a new law to create a policy, with input from district stakeholders, that eliminates student use of certain technology devices that are internet capable during school hours. Here is a link to more information (Distraction Free Classrooms) As such, the District is seeking input from stakeholders prior to finalizing the policy.  A draft policy has been created and it is included for you to review.  Please read the draft policy prior to answering questions below.

DRAFT POLICY 7316 USE OF INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY 

The District consulted with local stakeholders including employee organizations representing each bargaining unit, parents, and students to develop this policy to prohibit the use of Internet-enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

a)      "Internet-enabled devices" means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications;

"Internet-enabled devices" does not include:

1.      Non-Internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the Internet or enabling the user to access content on the Internet; or

2.      Internet-enabled devices supplied by the District, charter school, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) that are used for an educational purpose.

b)      "School day" means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of the Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional time and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

c)      "School grounds" means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a district elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school, a charter school, or a BOCES facility.

Students are generally prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds.

However, students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds:

a)      If authorized by a teacher, principal, or the District for a specific educational purpose;

b)      Where necessary for the management of a student's health care;  

c)      In the event of an emergency; 

d)      For translation services;

e)      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; or

f)       Where required by law.

Students must be permitted to use an Internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student's:

a)      Individualized Education Program (IEP); or

b)      Section 504 Plan.

On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices Including Cell Phones

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, sealable pouches, backpacks, student lockers, designated storage bins in classrooms, or 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. The District will communicate the procedures for storing and retrieving devices, ensuring that students understand their responsibilities in using the on-site storage facilities provided.

Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day

To accommodate necessary communication, parents or persons in parental relation may use the following methods to contact their student during school hours while adhering to this policy:

a)      School Office Phone: Parents or persons in parental relation may call the school's main office, and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent or person in parental relation.

b)      School Messaging Application: Schools may use a secure messaging application or platform where parents or persons in parental relation can send messages to the school to get to their student. The messages can be monitored and delivered by school staff.

c)      Written Notes: Parents or persons in parental relation can drop off written notes at the school's main office, which can then be delivered to the student by school staff.

Parents and persons in parental relation will be notified in writing of the methods that are available for contacting their student during school hours upon enrollment and at the beginning of each school year.

Student Discipline for Accessing Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary or remedial action, as determined appropriate by the District, including but not limited to potential confiscation of devices, lunch detention, in accordance with district guidelines.

While students may not be suspended from school where the sole reason is that the student accessed a personal electronic/internet enabled device on a single occasion in violation of this policy, a pattern of insubordination in violation of this policy and/or engaging in other misconduct while utilizing a personal electronic/internet enabled device in violation of the Code of Conduct or Board of Education policy may result in discipline, up to and including suspension from school.  

Posting and Translation of Policy 

The District will post this policy in a clearly visible and accessible location on its website. Translations of the policy into the 12 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state will be provided upon request by a student or other persons in parental relation to a student.

Reporting and Mitigation Action Plan

Beginning September 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, the District will publish an annual report on its website detailing enforcement of this policy within the District in the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement of this policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, the report will include a mitigation action plan.