Why are we doing this?
In May 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all New York schools are mandated to implement a distraction-free school policy that would be required to take effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The reason for the new cell-phone policy is to create a standard for distraction-free schools to help ensure safe and productive learning environments for students and educators without the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices. The state requirement calls for schools not to allow any student cell phone use for the entire day (bell-to-bell) in school, including during class time, passing periods, lunch, recess and study halls.

What does bell-to-bell mean?
Bell-to-bell means the entire school day, from the moment students enter the school until they leave for the day.

What should you do as a parent?

Locate the School's Main Office Phone Number: Make sure you have the direct phone number for your child's school saved in your contacts.
Familiarize Yourself with the Policy: You can find our complete policy here.
Discuss with Your Child: Talk to your child about the new policy. Explain that it's being implemented to produce a safe and productive learning environment for students and teachers. It will help students focus on learning and teachers focus on teaching during the school day. Reassure your child that you can still reach them through the school office.
Plan Ahead for Non-Emergencies: For routine communications (e.g., pickup arrangements), try to finalize these details with your child before they leave for school. This reduces the need for mid-day calls.
Trust the System: We prioritize student safety and have established systems to handle communications with parents efficiently and effectively.

Are Chromebooks allowed?
Yes, district-issued Chromebooks are the preferred devices for learning and are allowed.

Are cell phones allowed on buses?
Cell phones won't be secured in pouches until students arrive at school. Students will have access to unlock their own pouches when they leave at dismissal. Therefore, students will have access to phones on buses, but they should still follow all Board of Education policies while riding on the bus.

What if my child has health needs that require them to use their phone for monitoring?
Students with verified medical needs (such as diabetes) will have a plan created to fit their specific needs during 504 or Individualized Health Plan (IHP) meetings.

If my child’s device is confiscated, will it be returned?
Parents will be asked to pick up their student’s confiscated device at the end of the school day. Students in violation of the electronic device policy will be subject to progressive disciplinary actions.

1st offense: electronic device confiscated and picked up by parent/guardian.
2nd offense: electronic device turned in at beginning of school day for 30 days.
3rd offense: electronic device turned in at beginning of school day for 60 days.
Additional offenses: 60 days plus potential additional school consequences.

Will parents be allowed to opt out or is this a mandatory requirement?
Parents are not allowed to opt out. This requirement is a New York State Law.

What are the locking and unlocking procedures?
Students will lock their electronic devices in their assigned Yondr pouches upon arrival at school starting at 6:50 a.m. They will be responsible for carrying their pouch with them throughout the school day. Students will be able to unlock devices at dismissal time at various locations throughout the school.

What devices are not permitted during the school day?
Any personal device with internet access is not allowed during the school day. We ask that students leave any personal laptops or other devices home. The following items must be stored in a student’s school issued Yondr pouch:

Cell Phones
Smart Watches
Wireless headphones
Any other personal electronic devices

Items that will not fit in the Yondr pouch (over the ear headphone) should be left at home and will not be allowed to be used during the school day. Students who are required to have headphones as stated in their IEP or who want to use headphones will need to use wired headphones plugged directly to school issued devices.

Additional Questions:
As with any big policy changes, we understand there may be questions you have regarding your child’s specific situation. Questions can be directed to the building principal, Mr. Marcus Puccioni, via email at marcus.puccioni@nccsk12.org. As questions are brought to our attention, we will continue to update this document with further information.

Shaker High School