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Cell Phone Policy 25-26-Distraction-Free Learning Environment

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you well and that you and your family are enjoying the final days of summer. As we prepare for a strong and focused start to the school year, we want to take a moment to inform you about important updates regarding our school’s expectations for student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.

In alignment with Governor Kathy Hochul’s legislation that bans internet-connected devices in school to ensure a distraction-free learning environment, our school will continue to strictly enforce our cellphone and personal device policy. This includes cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and any electronic devices not issued by the school. 

For your reference, please refer to the POB Board of Education’s Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy 5696.  

School Policy Expectations:

  • All student cellphones must be silenced and stored in lockers during the school day.
     
  • Cellphones and personal electronic devices may not be kept on the student’s person, unless specifically permitted due to documented medical, IEP, or 504 plan accommodations.
     
  • Smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and other non-school-issued devices are also not permitted for use during school hours.

Accountability and Communication:

  • Any violation of this policy will be logged and communicated with families.
     
  • Repeated offenses will result in the device being confiscated and held in the main office until the end of the day, to be returned either to the student or directly to a parent/guardian.
     
  • Our goal is to partner with families to support students in making responsible choices that promote learning.
     

We recognize that families may occasionally need to reach their child during the school day. To support this need, we have added additional phones to our main office for student use. As always, if you need to communicate an urgent message, please call the main office directly, and we will ensure your child receives the message promptly.

We ask for your partnership in discussing this legislation and policy with your child and to support our teachers and administrators as they carry out their responsibility to enforce it. We appreciate your continued support in fostering a safe, respectful, and focused school environment. Together, we can help our students minimize distractions and maximize their learning potential every day.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this policy further, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Dr. Coladonato
Dr. Talento
Mrs. Krowles