Bell-to-Bell Ban

General Policy

What is the new policy on personal electronic devices?

Students are prohibited from using personal internet-enabled devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches) anywhere on school grounds during the school day.  Devices must be powered off and away.

Which devices are included?

"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. This does not include internet-enabled devices supplied by the District that are used for an educational purpose.

Can my child use their phone during lunch or passing time? 

No. This bell-to-bell ban requires internet-enabled devices to be off and away for the entirety of every instructional day, during instructional time and non-instructional time. This includes but is not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls and passing time.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Are there exceptions for medical or special education needs?

Students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day if authorized by the principal, teacher or school district for a specific educational purpose for the management of a student’s healthcare, in the event of an emergency, for translation services, or on a case-by-case basis upon approval by school personnel or in a student’s IEP or 504 plan.  

How do I request an exception for my child?

Contact your school principal and submit documentation from a healthcare professional or relevant specialist if required.

Can my child use their device for translation or family caregiving responsibilities?

Yes, exceptions may be made for translation needs or caregiving responsibilities, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Communication and Emergencies

How can I contact my child during the school day?

To accommodate necessary and/or emergent communication, parents or guardians may use the following methods to contact their student during school hours:

• School office phone

• Designated contact email - parents or guardians of students in grades 9-12 may use their child’s school email address

• School messaging application - parents or guardians may reach out to teachers through established messaging apps

• Written notes 

What happens during an emergency?

The school will follow established emergency protocols. Staff will facilitate communication with families as needed. Personal device use during emergencies is generally not permitted to avoid interfering with safety procedures.

What if my child feels anxious not having their phone?

Staff are available to support students who feel anxious. If your child has a documented anxiety disorder or similar need, contact the school to discuss possible accommodations.

What if my child needs their phone for after-school plans?

Students will be permitted to use their devices after the school day. Parents are encouraged to coordinate plans before or after school hours. If parents need to contact their child during the school day, they should follow the guidelines described above.

What if my child needs to check in with me about a health issue (e.g., medication reminders)?

Discuss your child’s needs with the school nurse or counselor to arrange appropriate support or accommodations.

Enforcement and Consequences

How will the policy be enforced?

Students in grades 5-12 will be issued zippable pouches and are encouraged to place these pouches in lockers before going to their first class. If pouches are not placed in lockers, they need to be in student bookbags and out of sight for the entirety of the school day.

Students at the elementary level are encouraged to either leave their internet-enabled devices (cell phones or smartwatches) home or they will need to be placed in the designated storage location at each building.

There will be progressive consequences each time there is an infraction, beginning with a phone call home and device confiscation for student pick-up at the end of the day. As infractions continue, administrators will contact parents and may schedule in-person meetings. Parents will also be required to pick up phones at the end of the day after the second infraction. After the third infraction, students will be required to use a yonder pouch/locked storage device upon arrival at school each day.

What if my child refuses to give up their device?

Further consequences under the district’s Code of Conduct may apply.

What if my child forgets to store their device or accidentally leaves it on?

An initial violation of the policy will result in a confiscation of the device for the student to pick up at the end of the day and the student's teacher contacting home.

Will the policy be enforced consistently?

The district is committed to fair enforcement and will report annual data to monitor for disparities.

Instructional

Can my child use their device for classwork or educational purposes?

Only if the device is registered and approved by administration for a specific activity. Otherwise, personal devices must remain stored and off.

Are devices allowed during tests?

No. Devices are prohibited in testing locations. Proctors may collect devices before Regents and AP exams. Only students with documented needs (IEP/504/medical) may use approved devices.