Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District outlined their distraction-free schools policy changes as part of a new state law banning personal internet enabled devices during the school day, including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, personal laptops and similar electronic devices.
Starting this September, all students in New York schools have to store their electronic devices and their backpacks in lockers and cubbies for the duration of the school day.
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The only electronic devices allowed are those issued by the district, like school-issued iPads and Chromebooks for classroom instruction. Exceptions will be made for those who need electronics for medical or special education purposes.
The district is also implementing violation procedures for students who do not follow the new rules:
- First Violation: The device is collected by school administration, stored in the main office, and returned to the student at the end of the day.
- Second and Subsequent Violations: The device is collected by school administrators, stored in the main office, and must be picked up by a parent or guardian at the end of the day.
- Optional Consequence: At an administrator’s discretion, the school may require the student to store their device in the main office each morning for a specified period of time.
The district shared several ways for families to communicate with students during the school day:
- Phone Calls: Parents and guardians can always call the main office of their child’s school for immediate assistance.
- District Communication Platforms: ParentSquare and school emails allow parents and guardians to message school staff and receive timely updates.
- School Intercom System: In the event of an emergency, school staff are able to communicate with students through the building’s intercom system to deliver urgent messages.
- Written Notes: Parents may send in written notes to the main office with instructions or information to be shared with their child.
For more information on the draft policy, parents are asked to visit the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District’s website.
