School day phone ban: student devices must stay silenced and stored

What happened

District Policy 5695, adopted July 23, 2025 under New York law, bars student use of phones, smartwatches and other internet devices all school day, including lunch, recess and passing time. Elementary students are discouraged from bringing devices (kept in cubbies); middle and high school devices go in lockers. Exceptions cover IEP or 504 plans, health needs, translation and caring for a family member. Parents reach children through the school main office.

Why it matters to families

This is the rule families live with every day. Parents cannot text or call students during the school day and must use the school main office instead.

The evidence

The policy document states the adoption date of July 23, 2025, the all-day ban and the exceptions. At the Nov. 12, 2025 meeting the superintendent said he was happy with how the rollout was going.

The source