Personal Electronic Device Policy
The Board of Education recognizes that personal electronic devices, particularly internet-enabled devices like smartphones and smartwatches, can create significant distractions in the school environment. These distractions negatively impact student mental health, contribute to disciplinary infractions, reduce student engagement, and can interfere with emergency protocols.
This presentation outlines our comprehensive policy on personal electronic devices, including storage requirements, exceptions, enforcement procedures, and the rationale behind our approach.
Policy Rationale & Concerns
Educational Disruption
Devices create significant distraction to the school environment, reducing student engagement and contributing to disciplinary infractions.
Mental Health Impact
Personal electronic devices, particularly social media access, can negatively impact student mental health and wellbeing.
The district is generally not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged personal electronic devices brought to school.
Parent Communication Protocol
To minimize distractions during the school day, parents (including persons in parental relation) who need to contact their children should do so by calling the school office. If it is an emergency, the child will be called from class to take the phone call. If it is not an emergency, the child will be called between periods to the office to contact the parent.

This protocol helps maintain a focused learning environment while ensuring parents can reach their children when necessary.
Device Storage Requirements
As required by Education Law §2803, this policy prohibits student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds, unless under specific exceptions.
High School Level Storage
  • Devices must be silenced and stored in individual pouches. The pouches will be placed in classroom device caddies at the start of each period
  • Parents are responsible for replacement costs if pouches are lost or damaged
Other personal electronic devices (not internet enabled) are discouraged but if brought to school must be:
  • Placed in the storage pouch
  • Stored in backpacks or lockers
  • Silenced for the entire school day
  • Not used without permission
Required Exceptions
Use of internet-enabled devices must be permitted in the following circumstances:
IEP/504 Requirements
Where included in a student's Individualized Education Program, Section 504 plan, or where required by law.
Emergency Situations
In the event of an emergency where device use becomes necessary for safety or communication.
Healthcare Management
Where necessary to manage a student's healthcare needs (e.g., diabetes, asthma, medication monitoring).
Translation Services
When needed to provide language translation support for students.
Family Caregiving
For students who are routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member (case-by-case basis).
Requesting Exceptions
Exception Process
Parents may request exceptions for their children to use internet-enabled devices during the school day under the previously listed circumstances.
  • Requests must be made to the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
  • Healthcare exceptions must include documentation from an appropriate healthcare professional
  • Family caregiving exceptions require review and determination by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
For students with approved exceptions, the district will examine alternative ways to achieve the purpose of the exception, including different storage or access provisions that minimize disruption.
Enforcement & Consequences
First Violation
Device held in school office until end of day. Student may retrieve the device. Parent will be notified.
Subsequent Violations
Device held in school office until parent retrieves it.
Continued Violations
Device held in school office daily for longer periods of time.
Additional Consequences
May include detention, in-school suspension, exclusion from extracurricular activities, and educational assignments about social media impacts.
The district will exercise reasonable care for held devices but cannot guarantee their security. Suspension from school solely for device policy violations is not permitted.
Enforcement Responsibility
Enforcement of this policy is primarily the responsibility of building administrative staff, but all designated employees are expected to assist in enforcement.
Students will be reminded of this policy:
  • Regularly and consistently throughout the year
  • Especially at the start of the school year
  • After returning from breaks
Administrators will discuss with students and parents:
  • The aims of this policy
  • Benefits of a distraction-free environment
  • How the district can help students contribute to a distraction-free environment
Electronic Devices and Testing
To ensure testing integrity, in accordance with state guidelines:
  • Students may not bring cell phones or other electronic devices into classrooms or exam locations during state assessments
  • Test proctors, monitors, and school officials have the right to collect devices prior to state tests
  • Admission to state tests will be prohibited to any student who refuses to relinquish their device
  • Teachers may grant specific permission for electronic device usage during tests other than state assessments
Students with IEPs, Section 504 Plans, or documentation from medical practitioners specifically requiring use of electronic devices may do so as specified.
Policy Implementation Summary
Prohibition
Internet-enabled devices prohibited during school day per Education Law §2803
Storage
High school: classroom caddies with individual pouches
Other devices: backpacks or lockers
Exceptions
IEP/504, emergencies, healthcare, translation, family caregiving
Enforcement
Progressive consequences with educational approach
This policy aims to create a distraction-free learning environment that promotes student engagement, protects mental health, and maintains safety protocols while providing necessary accommodations for students with specific needs.