This policy has been established to ensure compliance with Section 2803 of the New York State Education Law and to promote fewer distractions in the learning environment for all students. Except as otherwise specified in this policy, the use of internet enabled devices by students is strictly prohibited during the school day on school grounds.
Definitions
As defined by Section 2803 of the Education Law:
Internet-Enabled Devices will mean and include any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the internet and/or enabling the user to access content online when the device is not supplied by the District for an educational purpose. The law specifically excludes from the definition of “internet-enabled devices” devices supplied by the District for an educational purpose.
School Day will mean the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision seven of Section 3604 of the Education Law. This includes all instructional and non-instructional time, such as homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and time between classes.
School Grounds will mean in or on, or within any building, structure, athletic field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of any school in the District.
Device Storage Guidelines
Students who choose to bring personal internet-enabled devices to school must ensure such devices are out-of-sight from the first bell of the school day to last bell of the school day while on school campuses unless a valid exception has been approved, and stored as follows:
Elementary Schools: Within backpacks stored within cubbies.
Middle School (personal devices not authorized under this policy for instructional purposes): Within backpacks stored within lockers.
High School (personal devices not authorized under this policy for instructional purposes): Backpacks or lockers.
The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices brought to school.
Procedures & Practices
YHS and MESMS students may bring their own chromebooks, laptops, or tablets and use them for the completion of teacher-authorized instructional activities and assignments during the school day, in accordance with the District’s Responsible Use for Technology Policy. The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices brought to school.
Elementary and middle school students are not permitted to use personal internet-enabled devices while traveling to or participating in field trips that take place during the school day.
Students may use internet-enabled devices during the school day in the following circumstances as outlined in Section 2803 of the Education Law:
When necessary for the management of a student’s healthcare needs based on documentation specifying why the device must be used;
In the event of an emergency as determined by the Superintendent, a Principal and/or their designees;
For translation services, upon prior authorization by the classroom teacher, Principal and/or designee;
On a case-by-case basis, reviewed and determined by a school psychologist, school social work or school counselor and with prior approval of the Principal and/or designee, for a student who serves as a caregiver routinely responsible for a family member’s wellbeing; or
If authorized by a teacher, Principal, or the District, for a specific educational purpose;
When otherwise required by law.
Students may not use these devices (e.g., cell phones) during the school day outside of these parameters.
Additional Procedures and Practices for Yorkton High School Students
In accordance with Education Law 2803, YHS students may use their personal internet-enabled devices, including their phone and/or watch, in the cafeteria during their lunch period if authorized by a teacher, administrator, or the District, for a specific educational purpose. Staff members in the cafeteria will monitor compliance with this policy.
Special Education and 504 Plans
Nothing in this policy will prohibit a student from using an internet-enabled device where such use is required by:
The student's Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
A plan developed pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §794).
Parent/Guardian Communication During the School Day
Persons in parental relation to students who need to contact their children during the school day may do so by contacting the main office of the school the child attends.
Disciplinary Considerations
The Code of Conduct will apply to disciplinary infractions related to internet-enabled devices. Students who do not adhere to this policy may have their devices confiscated, may be subject to stricter rules for storage, and/or may be subject to discipline up to and including suspension for failure to adhere to the reasonable directions of teachers, administrators, and/or other school employees; or for being disruptive. In accordance with Section 2803 of the Education Law, a student will not be suspended solely for accessing an internet-enabled device in violation of this policy.
Implementation
This policy will be implemented in coordination with school administrators, faculty, and staff.
Cross-ref: 4525, Responsible Use For Technology
5300, Code of Conduct
Ref: Education Law §2803
Adoption date: July 1, 2025
Amended date: August 25, 2025