Thank you to all the students, staff, and parents who participated in our recent ThoughtExchange focused on the upcoming New York State law that requires personal smart devices to be put away during the school day, beginning in the 2025–26 school year.
We appreciate your thoughtful feedback, ideas, and concerns. Your voices are essential in helping us understand the perspectives within our school community and will help guide our next steps as we work to create a learning environment that limits distractions and supports student well-being.
We are sharing the results of the ThoughtExchange to ensure transparency and to help our community see the broad range of perspectives shared. These results will help inform how we communicate expectations, educate students and families, and roll out procedures across our buildings.
It is important to note that this change is not a local decision—it is a statewide mandate. As a district, we are responsible for implementing the law in a way that is practical, consistent, and supportive of our students and staff. While we do not have the ability to opt out of the law, the district has been charged with developing local policy and administrative regulations regarding the implementation of this new law and how we approach its enforcement as well as supporting students in adapting to these changes.
By August 1, 2025, the district will communicate the new internet-enabled device policy to all students, staff, and families.
Thank you again for being engaged. We appreciate your thoughtful feedback, ideas, and concerns.
Supporting Student Wellness in a Distraction-Free School Day ThoughtExchange results