Students must keep phones stored all school day in Riverhead

What happened

Under Policy 5695, adopted July 8, 2025, students may not use phones or other internet-enabled devices during the school day, including lunch and passing time. Elementary students may not bring devices. Middle and high school students must keep them silenced in lockers or other storage. A student who breaks the rule has the device held at the office, and parents must pick it up after the first time. Students cannot be suspended only for a phone violation.

Why it matters to families

This is a daily rule for every student. Exceptions apply for IEP or 504 plans, health needs, translation and family-care duties, and parents can ask the principal for an exception. In November 2025 the board also added smartphones and smart devices to the Code of Conduct definition of electronic devices.

The evidence

The policy cites Education Law 2803 and says the district must publish an annual enforcement report starting September 1, 2026, including demographic information about discipline. The Code of Conduct change was approved after a public hearing on November 19, 2025.

The source