Distraction-Free Schools Law
Poland Central School District Cell Phone/Personal Internet-Enabled Device Policy
As required by N.Y. Education Law § 2803, a district-wide prohibition on student use of personal electronic devices during the school day is established to comply with applicable law and regulations.
Student Use of Personal Internet-Enabled Devices
Such devices include but are not limited to phones (both smartphones and call/text only phones), tablets, smart watches, wireless headphones and earbuds, internet-connected accessories, e-readers, voice recorders, cameras and music devices.
The district is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged personal electronic devices brought to school. Some uses of personal electronic devices may constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct, and in some instances, the law. Any use of district computer equipment or software, or Internet access from district equipment or from school property, which violates federal or state law may be reported to appropriate law enforcement officials. The district will cooperate with law enforcement officials as appropriate and may take action to include, but not limited to, disciplinary action and denial of prospective use of such equipment and of Internet access, and in civil action to recover any judgment, settlement, fine, or penalty imposed upon the district because of such statutory violation.
Parents or guardians to a student may contact the main office of the building when communication needs arise. Each main office has a designated phone line established for student use. At the beginning of each school year, written notification of how to contact students during the school day, to include the main office numbers, will be communicated in the calendar. The notification will occur annually and upon enrollment.
Definitions
Internet-Enabled Devices shall mean any device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet, including but not limited to social media applications. Such devices shall include, but not be limited to smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and other portable electronic communication or computing devices. Internet-enabled devices supplied by the school district that are used for an educational purpose are not included in this definition.
School Day shall mean the entirety of every instructional day, including during instructional and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study hall and passing time.
School Grounds shall mean in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of the district.
Personal Internet-Enabled Device Storage
At the elementary school level, personal internet-enabled devices may not be brought to school.
At the middle and high school level, student personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and stored in student lockers from the beginning of the instructional school day until the end of the school day, including time spent in class, lunch, study hall, detention, in-school suspension, and between classes. Exemptions may be granted as outlined below.
Exemptions
Parents or persons in parental relation may request an exemption for their children to use personal internet-enabled devices during the school day for bona fide medical, educational, or disability-related reasons. Exemptions must be requested upon review and determination by a school social worker or school counselor and must include documentation from an appropriate medical or educational professional. The district must first determine that a district-issued device cannot reasonably be used instead of the student’s personal internet-enabled device. The least disruptive device possible may be used. If an exemption is granted, personal devices may only be used for the purposes outlined in the exemption, and the device must be silenced and put away when not in use.
In emergency situations, exceptions to the prohibition of the use of personal internet-enabled devices may be granted by administrators.
Student Use of District-Provided Technology, Resources, Software, and Email
No person using district computer equipment, faxes, software owned, leased, or controlled by the district, or websites or Internet access provided by the district has a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such equipment, software, and websites, e-mail, or internet access provided by the district.
The district reserves the right to monitor the use of its equipment and software, and to monitor e-mail, websites and Internet access using school district equipment without prior notice or consent.
No person shall knowingly add any program or hardware attachment (including wireless apparatus) to any district equipment without the express written consent of the District’s Technology Leadership Team; nor shall any person knowingly or intentionally use any proprietary software on district equipment unless a valid license has been issued for such use on such equipment; nor shall any person intentionally expose District equipment to any computer virus, worm, malware, or other technological invader.
District equipment, the internet, and district computer network is supplied in order to facilitate learning, teaching and daily operations through interpersonal communications and access to information, research and collaboration (see District Policy 5302).
Enforcement and Consequences for Personal Internet-Enabled Device Violations
Enforcement is the primary responsibility of building administrative staff; however, all designated employees are expected to assist in enforcement. Consequences apply to the total number of school-year offenses, not to the number of incidents with a specific device or type of device, and are progressive in nature.
If a personal internet-enabled device is seen (or heard) on school grounds during the school day, and the incident is the
1. First Offense:
The student immediately gives the device to the district employee. The employee will turn the device over to the building administrator. The student will be able to collect the device from the school office at the end of the school day.
If the device is not immediately given to the district employee, the device will be confiscated by the building administrator, and the device will remain in the school office until a parent/guardian comes to retrieve the device.
A student’s failure to turn over a device to the building administrator at any offense will be deemed insubordination and shall result in appropriate discipline, as determined by the school administration.
2. Second Offense:
The student immediately gives the device to the district employee. The employee will turn the device over to the building administrator AND the student will serve one (1) detention from 3:00-5:00 pm on that day, and a parent/guardian will need to make arrangements to retrieve the device from the office. Any day a 5:00 pm bus is not available, the parent/guardian must provide transportation.
If the device is not immediately given to the district employee, the device will be confiscated by the building administrator AND the student serves two (2) detentions from 3:00-5:00 pm, with the first occurring on that day. The device remains in the main office until the parent/guardian comes to retrieve the device. Any school day a 5:00 pm bus is not available, the parent/guardian must provide transportation.
3. Third Offense:
The student immediately gives the device to the district employee. The employee will turn the device over to the building administrator AND the student will serve two (2) detentions from 3:00-5:00 pm on that day, and a parent/guardian will need to make arrangements to retrieve the device from the office. Any day a 5:00 pm bus is not available, the parent/guardian must provide transportation.
If the device is not immediately given to the district employee, the device will be confiscated by the building administrator AND the student will serve two (2) detentions from 3:00-5:00 pm, with the first occurring on that day AND the student will be restricted from attending clubs, sports, dances or any extracurricular activities on the day of the occurrence. The device will remain in the main office until the parent/guardian comes to get the device. Any school day a 5:00 pm bus is not available, the parent/guardian will provide transportation.
4. Additional Offenses:
Additional offenses will be addressed using the range of appropriate interventions included within the Code of Conduct.
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All internet-enabled devices used while within district vehicles must comply with the bus driver’s directions when the device poses a concern for distraction of the driver’s attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this policy being implemented? This is a New York State mandate that requires a bell-to-bell cell phone and personal electronic device ban. While this is not a district initiative, we support the regulation due to the growing concerns around student mental health, focus, and well-being. Research and school-based evidence show that limiting access to personal devices during the school day reduces distractions, improves student engagement, and supports a healthier learning environment.
What devices are included in the ban? All personal electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, are included. Smartwatches have become just as distracting and often serve the same function as phones.
Where will students store their phones? Students will store their phones and devices in their lockers. Students should plan accordingly to ensure they have what they need for the school day, including lunch funds or supplies. Elementary school students do not have secure lockers and should not bring devices to school.
What if a student needs to contact a parent during the school day? Students may use the phone in the main office. We understand concerns around privacy, and our staff will provide support to help students feel comfortable making necessary calls.
Can students use their phones at lunch? No. The mandate is bell-to-bell, which includes lunch periods. Students will have an opportunity for recess during lunch, but students are welcome to remain in the cafeteria.
Is there flexibilities for emergencies? Yes. In case of emergency, the main office phones are available. Additionally, the belief that personal devices make emergency situations safer is often inaccurate. During real emergencies, mass personal device use can lead to confusion, spread misinformation, interfere with first responders, and overwhelm communication systems
What happens if a student violates the policy? On a first offense, the phone will be taken to the office and held until the end of the day. For repeated violations, a parent or guardian will be required to pick up the device and the student will be required to stay after school.
What if students don’t have anything to do during study halls without their phones? Study halls are intended for academic work. Students can read, write, complete assignments, or access school-approved content on Chromebooks. If all work is done, they can also request library access.
What about communication for after-school plans, sports, or clubs? Students will have their phones at the end of the day and can coordinate plans then. Additionally, teachers and coaches can communicate via Parent Square. Families should ensure students are clear on after-school expectations in the morning.
Why can’t watches with limited function be allowed? Smartwatches, even with limited features, still allow discreet communication and can be used inappropriately. At this time, all smartwatches are included in the ban to ensure consistency and minimize distraction.
What if a struggles with anxiety or needs a phone for comfort? We understand that separation from devices may initially be difficult. Staff will be available to support students in the transition. If a student has a documented need, families should work with our student support team to explore appropriate accommodations.
Is the school considering exceptions for lunch or study halls? No. The policy is required by the state to be enforced consistently throughout the instructional day, including study halls and lunch. This clarity helps ensure fairness and effectiveness.
How will the school handle updates about schedule changes for sports or clubs? Parent Square will continue to be used for communication, and we encourage families and students to check messages at the end of the day. Staff will work to provide timely and accessible updates.
How can parents ensure they can reach their child in a real emergency? Parents can always call the main office. We will ensure that students receive important messages in a timely and discreet manner.
What if students don’t use or know how to use their lockers? Support will be provided at the beginning of the school year to help students learn their locker combinations and build locker-use routines.