Internet-Connected Devices

Students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans that specifically require the use of electronic or internet-enabled devices must be permitted to use them as specified or as otherwise required by law. Please visit this page for information regarding the process for requesting an exception. Once an exception is granted, all school personnel will be notified.

If the device is unable to connect to the internet then it is okay for her to store in her backpack. However, internet-enabled devices, including those that have the capability to disable internet access, are not allowed at the K-6 level and must be turned off and stored during the school day at junior and senior high school levels.

The law targets “internet-enabled devices.” If a phone cannot access the internet, it may be allowed, but still needs to be stored away during the school day.

In order to help students in grades 9-12 communicate with necessary external organizations, they will now be allowed to send and receive e-mails outside of the R-H domain. Email access for students in grades K-8 is still limited to district accounts for safety and privacy reasons. District policy and NYS law restrict personal device use during the school day, including for communication. While students cannot use personal devices, parents can contact the school office in case of urgent messages. The district is aware of concerns about after-school logistics and is working to ensure timely communication through school channels. 

Fitness trackers without internet connectivity are not considered “internet-enabled devices” under the law and, therefore, are permitted.

Smartwatches that do not connect to the internet or social media, and are used solely for parent contact or tracking, may be allowed. However, they must comply with school guidelines about use and storage during the school day, meaning they must be off and put away during school. For K-6 students, please contact your child’s principal to confirm allowance. 

The district is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal devices brought to school. Students bring devices at their own risk, and families are encouraged to consider this before sending devices to school.

Headphones are often required for instructional use with district-issued devices. The policy discourages bringing personal headphones for non-instructional use. Future communications will clarify the role of headphones to avoid confusion.

The district recognizes the need for students to receive after-school updates. Students will be able to access their devices at the end of the school day, and families are encouraged to plan accordingly. For urgent changes, contact the school office.

The new policy is mandated by NYS law and was not subject to a local vote. The district sought input from parent and student advisory councils and other stakeholders during policy development. The law was passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor, requiring all districts to comply.

Parents needing to reach students during the day should contact the main office. Office staff will use clearly defined procedures to quickly and accurately route important messages to students in class, minimizing any classroom disruption. In addition, students will be instructed on how and when they can check in with the main office or administrator if they are expecting a message from home, helping to ensure important communications reach them efficiently. Lastly, to support a smooth transition, schools will closely monitor call volume and message delivery timeliness during the early weeks of policy implementation and will make staffing or procedural adjustments as needed.

No. Per state law, devices must remain off and stored until the end of the school day.

There is no evidence from New York state or other school districts that restricting personal device use increases dropout rates. The intent is to foster a focused, supportive environment that benefits all students’ learning and well-being.

Exceptions are only made for documented medical or disability needs, as required by law. The district plans to apply the policy consistently to all students to ensure fairness and legal compliance.

Based on feedback, the high school policy has been revised to have students place their phones in their lockers.  

Any requests for exceptions should be sent to the school’s principal.

Students leaving early will be able to retrieve their devices from their lockers before dismissal. 

Devices will be stored in individual student lockers. 

The district understands and shares concerns about student safety before and after school. Any requests for exceptions should be sent to the school’s principal. 

We understand this may take some adjustment. While there is no official grace period, the first step in the progressive discipline measures is a warning. Additionally, during the first weeks of school, staff will focus on education, reminders, and supportive enforcement, which will help students adapt to the new policy.

Only secondary students (grades 7–12) are permitted to bring internet-enabled devices to school and use them on the school bus. Elementary students (PreK–6) are not allowed to bring personal internet-enabled devices to school or on the school bus. 

For junior and senior high school students, use of devices is permitted before the official start of the school day and after dismissal. Students may power on devices once they exit the academic portion of the day (e.g., after the last bell or upon exiting the building).

Students without lockers will be assigned a locker as soon as possible. During the first weeks of school, staff will work with students to ensure they know how to open their lockers consistently. In the event that a student’s locker is broken, temporary storage solutions (e.g. with the administrator) will be provided until locker issues are resolved.

The same policy applies unless otherwise stated for a specific trip. Teachers may allow device use for educational purposes if approved by the school principal. Parents will be notified in advance of any exceptions.

No. Only district-issued devices may be used for instructional purposes.

Yes, students may return to their school after dismissal to collect devices. However, they must be supervised upon re-entering the building, so school security or an administrator must be notified in advance.

School staff will incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) supports to help students build healthy device habits.

While the law applies specifically to student use, staff are still expected to model appropriate and responsible use of personal devices throughout the school day.

No. Devices must remain stored until final dismissal. Staff will assist with urgent communication via office phones if ride needs change late in the day.

You may appeal the decision by submitting additional documentation to the school principal and, if necessary, escalate to the assistant superintendent of Student & Family Services for review.

Substitutes will receive both verbal and written guidance clearly outlining the expectations to maintain consistent enforcement. 

Yes. The district will review enforcement data and stakeholder feedback annually. Adjustments may be made within the confines of the state law to improve clarity, fairness, or implementation.

Unless there is a qualifying medical or special education plan or family caregiving circumstance, requests to allow an elementary student to carry a location-tracking device for routine daily safety do not meet exemption criteria under current law or district policy. If you believe your child's situation presents exceptional circumstances, please contact your school principal with supporting documentation for further review.

While non-internet-connected devices are not banned, district policy requires that they be powered off and stored for the entire school day unless staff specifically authorizes their use. 

In the event of an emergency, the school will follow district safety protocols and procedures. Retrieval of personal property will depend on the nature of the emergency. The safety of students and staff is our main priority.

Junior and senior high school students must store devices in their lockers. Book bags are not acceptable for device storage. At the start of the school year, students will have opportunities to get accustomed to using their lockers.

Headphones or earbuds must be stored and off unless authorized for instructional use by a teacher/administrator.