Tully Central School District Distraction-Free Schools

Tully Central School District Distraction-Free Schools

New York State's Distraction-Free Schools policy (passed in 2025) requires all public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES across New York State to enforce a statewide, "bell-to-bell" ban on personal internet-enabled devices during the school day.

Requirements

• Bell-to-Bell Prohibition: Unsanctioned use of smartphones, smartwatches, and other personal internet-connected devices are prohibited from the start of the school morning bell until the final dismissal bell.

• Local Policy Adoption: Every school district was mandated to adopt a formal written policy outlining storage, enforcement, and consequences.

• Storage Solutions: Districts determine their own storage method. At Tully JSHS and TES, students must store devices in their locker.

Allowed Exemptions

• Medical Needs: Students who require devices to monitor health conditions (e.g., continuous glucose monitors for diabetes).

• IEPs & 504 Plans: Students with individual educational or accommodation plans that specify assistive technology or personal devices.

• Instructional Use: Teachers may permit device usage for specific, sanctioned classroom assignments, or educational activities.

• Emergency Situations: Protocols allow access during verified emergency situations or active safety events.

Tully Central School District Policies

Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day

Internet Access and Acceptable Use Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff

Student Cell Phone and Personal Use of Technology Policy in Our Schools

Policy 7316 Student Use of Personal Technology can be found on the website. In the event of a violation in the JSHS, the steps below will be taken:

● First offense: The classroom teacher will direct the student to place their cell phone in a designated area. Administration is notified and the student is escorted to his/her locker to place phone inside until the end of the day. The classroom teacher sends the parent an email about the violation and copies the principal on the email.

● Second offense: The teacher will send the student with the phone to the principal’s office. The principal will notify the parent regarding the current incident and also inform them that the next offense will require the parent to pick up the phone from the main office. The offense will be documented. The student can pick up their phone at the end of the day from the main office. 

● Third offense and all following offenses: The teacher will send the student with their phone to the principal’s office where the student’s phone will remain in the office until the end of the day. The principal will notify the parent and document the offense. The parent can pick up the phone at the end of the day from the main office.

Tully Distraction Free Report 2025-2026