Beginning this school year, our District will implement a unified, District-wide policy regarding student use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar items. This policy aligns with recent changes to New York State Education Law (§2803). Below, you will find an overview of the policy and what it means for students, staff, and families.

While we are required by law to implement a "bell-to-bell" restriction regarding the use of cell phones and all personal electronic devices during the school day, we are fortunate to include your feedback from our ThoughtExchange survey to create a more focused, supportive, and distraction-free learning environment in shaping our policy. The survey responses included the following bullet points from students, families, and staff:

• Consistency Across Schools: The need for clear and fair enforcement across all grade levels. 
• Emergency Communication: Concerns about staying connected in emergencies. 
• Balanced Enforcement: A desire for thoughtful, educational approach. 

Policy Overview – Effective September 1, 2025

To promote a focused and distraction-free learning environment, the use of internet-enabled personal devices by students will be prohibited throughout the entire school day, including during lunch, recess, passing periods, and study halls. This policy applies to all students in schools and/or on school grounds. While some districts have implemented locking bags, we are confident in our community’s shared commitment and responsibility, and do not find them necessary at this time. (We are investigating the use of such devices should we have repeat offenders who violate this law).

General device expectations are outlined below, with school-specific details to be provided by your child’s principal.

• Grades PreK–5:
  If students bring personal devices to school, power off their personal devices or place them in airplane mode before the start of the school day. Devices must be securely stored in designated classroom cubbies or lockers, as determined by each school.
• Grades 6–12:
  Students must power off their personal devices or place them in airplane mode before the start of the school day. Devices must be securely stored in lockers or bookbags and may not be accessed until dismissal.

Exceptions Permitted by Law 

BCSD may grant limited exceptions as permitted by Education Law §2803 such as: 

• Health-Related Needs: For medical devices (e.g., blood glucose monitors) with documentation from a licensed healthcare provider. 
• Translation Assistance: For multilingual learners requiring support with communication and learning. 

All requests must be submitted in writing to your child’s school principal. Documentation will be reviewed by designated staff, and appropriate arrangements as required by law will be made with nurses, teachers, and support staff to ensure non-disruptive use. 

Communication During the School Day

To maintain effective communication with your child during school hours:

• Contact the school’s main office directly for urgent or time-sensitive matters. (Students may use a school phone to call home when necessary).
  • Ginther: 637-1830
  • Barclay: 637-1840
  • Hill: 637-1850
  • OMS: 637-1860
  • BHS: 637-1870
• Stay informed through ParentSquare, the district’s primary and most dependable communication platform. Real-time updates are delivered via the app, text message, and email.
• District social media accounts may be used to share additional updates, especially during emergencies, but should not be relied upon as the primary source.
• While parents may understandably feel apprehensive about not being able to immediately contact their child during an emergency, the safest course of action is for students to remain fully attentive to the directions of teachers and administrators. As soon as everyone is safe, students will be provided with the opportunity to contact parents on their personal devices.

Enforcement & Progressive Discipline 

As typical, our District will follow a progressive discipline model when addressing violations of this policy: 

• First Offense: A reminder of the procedure and directive to store the device. 
• Second Offense: The device will be confiscated and stored in the main office and the device will be returned at the end of the day. (Refusal to surrender device may include further disciplinary steps according to the BCSD Code of Conduct).
• Third Offense and Beyond: The device will be stored in the office until a parent or guardian retrieves it in person. (Refusal to surrender device may include further disciplinary steps according to the BCSD Code of Conduct).
• Additional Offenses: May include further disciplinary steps according to the BCSD Code of Conduct. (Please know that we are also investigating the use of locking bags as an option, should we have repeat offenders who violate this law).

School staff will ensure that all incidents are documented, expectations are clearly communicated, and responses are consistent and educational in nature. 

Thank you for your partnership! We understand that these changes represent a significant shift, and we appreciate your support as we implement them. Each update to our procedures for student use of personal internet-enabled devices is grounded in our shared commitment to fostering a focused, respectful, and academically supportive learning environment preparing students not only for success in school, but in life. We also truly appreciate your input, which has been instrumental in guiding this policy and shaping our path forward as a District.

If you have any questions or concerns about these updates, please feel free to reach out to me or your child’s school administrators directly. We look forward to a year of meaningful learning, strengthened collaboration, and continued growth together.