Important update regarding our school’s policy related to students and personal electronic devices
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Hello Hempstead Family,
We are writing to inform you about an important update regarding our school’s policy related to students and personal electronic devices. This policy will take effect at the start of the new school year in September 2025. As required by Education Law 2803, and as a part of Governor Hochul’s Distraction-Free Learning Initiative, student use of personal internet-enabled devices is prohibited from “bell-to-bell.”
This change to law was made in an effort to increase academic engagement and achievement, to decrease the levels of anxiety amongst students, and to minimize disruptions in classrooms and hallways. As a part of this policy, schools must provide methods for parents/persons in parental relation to contact their children during the school day. Starting in September, students may not use smartphones, smartwatches with communication functions, wireless earbuds, or any internet-enabled personal devices at any time during the school day. This includes use at lunch, in classrooms, hallway transitions, and study periods; unless expressly permitted by a staff member for educational purposes.
All devices must be powered off and out of sight from arrival until dismissal. Devices should be safely stored in classroom bins, lockers or put away and not carried on the person during the day. Smartwatches with calling or texting capabilities will be treated the same as cell phones.
The district is in the process of reviewing all elements of the proposed policy related to this matter including special exemptions and potential consequences for infractions. Consequences may include:
- Collection of the device by school staff
- A parent or guardian may be required to pick the device up from school
- And, further violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.
We understand that this shift will require an adjustment, and we are here to support our students and families through the transition. As each school continues to finalize their plans for implementation of this policy throughout the summer, they will share more information with their school community on their expectations.
We invite you to take a few moments to complete a brief feedback survey to help guide our decision-making with this matter.