BKW Families,
Earlier this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul presented details on a bell-to-bell statewide Distraction-Free Schools policy to restrict cell phone usage in public and charter schools. You can view the official announcement from Gov. Hochul here. This ban goes into effect on August 1, 2025, and requires districts to implement a cell phone policy for student cell phone usage.
As a district, we have worked to create and implement a cell phone policy that works best for our learning community. You can review the policy recently adopted by our Board of Education here.
What does this include?
“Internet-enabled devices” are defined to include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or any device capable of accessing Internet content (including social media). The definition excludes non-internet-capable devices and school-issued devices used for educational purposes.
Students must store their Internet-enabled devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day.
On-site storage areas may include but are not limited to, student lockers, designated storage bins in classrooms, or secure storage areas in the school’s main office. The designated on-site storage areas must be easily accessible to students and provide adequate security to ensure the safekeeping of the student’s devices. Our district policy is that students will store their devices in their lockers.
Under the new policy, there are exemptions for student(s) ability to access their devices. The following situations will be allowed under the current policy:
- In the event of an emergency;
- For translation services
- On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member
- Students must be permitted to use an Internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student’s: Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- As needed for a student’s health management
What to know about the Bell-to-Bell Distraction Free Learning Policy at BKW:
- Students will be required to store their Internet-enabled devices (excluding their school-issued Chrome Books) in their locker from the start of school (7:45AM) to the conclusion of the school day (2:17PM).
- To reach their student during the school day, parents/guardians may call the main office of each respective school building that their student attends. Students may also utilize the phone in the main office, should they need to contact a parent or guardian.
- Students will have access to an assigned locker and a combination lock, available in the main office.
We recognize that this change may feel significant for many students, and we are fully committed to supporting them through the transition. The policy will be reviewed with students during the first week of school to ensure clarity and understanding. If you or your child have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your building principal.
In partnership,
Mrs. Kane