Examples include, but are not limited to, any personal internet-enabled phone, tablet, any device similar to phone or tablet, smart watch, personal computers, handheld gaming devices, smart glasses, and wireless ear buds or headphones that connect to the internet or are used for communication. Students in grades K-12 are issued an iPad (grades K-1) or Chromebook (grades 2-12) for educational use.
From the first bell at the start of school to the last bell before dismissal. This includes, but is not limited to, all instructional time, non-instructional time, lunch, study halls, recess, passing time, and field trips. At this time, personal devices can continue to be used on school buses before and after school.
Do Not Disturb mode allows the device to continue receiving messages without notifying the user with any vibrations or sounds.
Do Not Disturb mode allows parents/guardians and others who use Find My Phone, Life 360, or other apps to monitor the location of their child. Airplane mode restricts this option.
Silent mode, unless changed in settings, will continue to vibrate. These vibrations are distracting and can be anxiety provoking for the user to be aware of new messages throughout the day without being able to access them.
Students may use phones available in all school offices. Families needing to get a message to students can call their child's school and we will get a message to that student.
Teachers and coaches will be using Student Square/Parent Square and email to communicate with students and families. Students are going to need to check these more regularly to receive updates.
Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary or remedial action, progressive in nature. Examples include a warning, parent/guardian meeting, confiscation of devices, detention, and alternate storage areas, in accordance with District code of conduct. The District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy.
Yes, devices can and will be confiscated during the school day if you are violating the law and/or the board of education policy.
Refusing to hand over a personal electronic device when directed to do so by a staff member is insubordination, which will be dealt with separately, in addition to the use of the Internet-enabled device.
This policy applies across all teachers and settings in our schools, and discipline consequences do not reset if a phone has been confiscated and then returned.
We will have rare exceptions for students with approved medical exemptions. Medical exemptions are not granted automatically with a medical note, however a medical note will be required. The request will be reviewed by our district medical director and school administration before an exception is granted.
Our school has well-established emergency protocols and communication systems in place that do not rely on student personal devices. We will communicate with families directly through our official channels (e.g., ParentSquare, district website, local media) as per our emergency plan. Using personal devices during an emergency can interfere with official communication and response efforts.
Not having access to social media and texting could keep students safer during an emergency: This prevents students from messaging locations, creating vibration and chime sounds that give away locations, or other information that could compromise safety. Students will be able to more clearly focus on instructions and directions from school administrators, trained adults, and first responders during an emergency situation. This plan allows the district to communicate accurate information to families regarding a situation, reunification, and other announcements.
This policy is a mandate from New York State and applies to all K-12 public schools, charter schools, and BOCES programs statewide. The state enacted this law based on compelling evidence that personal internet-enabled devices can significantly distract from learning, contribute to mental health challenges, and impact social interactions within schools. At Webster CSD, we fully support the spirit of this law. We believe a distraction-free school environment will:
Enhance Student Focus and Engagement: Allowing students to fully concentrate on instruction and classroom activities without constant digital interruptions.
Promote Deeper Learning: Uninterrupted learning time leads to better comprehension, critical thinking, and academic achievement.
Improve Mental Health: Reducing the pressures of constant connectivity, social media, and comparison, thereby fostering a calmer and more present mindset for students.
Strengthen Social Connections: Encouraging face-to-face interactions, collaborative play, and genuine relationship building among peers.
Create a Safer Environment: Minimizing opportunities for cyberbullying and inappropriate content sharing during school hours.