Q: Why is the district implementing a distraction-free schools policy?
A: In January of 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a Distraction-Free School Zones Policy was part of her legislative proposal for the 2025-26 school year. In May, the Governor’s budget and proposal were adopted.
Q: When will the distraction-free schools policy be implemented?
A: Implementation for all students will begin in September for the 2025-26 school year.
You can read the draft policy here. This policy will go through the typical approval process with the Board of Education (first read, second read, adoption). The policy restates the requirements in Education Law Section 2803.
Starting in September 2026, the district will post a yearly public report about how this policy is being enforced, including anonymous demographic data and actions taken if enforcement appears unequal.
Q: What will the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District policy look like in schools?
A: To accommodate the new statewide ban, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District will implement a consistent policy across all buildings beginning this fall.
All students will be required to store their electronic devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and similar items—along with their backpacks in lockers/cubbies for the duration of the school day. The only allowable electronic devices during the school day will be those issued by the district, such as school-issued iPads and Chromebooks, which are used to support classroom instruction.
Limited exceptions may be made in accordance with the legislation, with district approval (e.g., medical or special education needs). Please contact your child’s main office if you feel you might qualify for an exception.
Q: What does the duration of the school day mean?
A: From the moment students arrive at school until they are dismissed, cell phones and other personal internet devices must be turned off and put away. This includes time in class, lunch, study halls, passing time between periods, and field trips.
Once students are dismissed, the ban no longer applies. After-school sports, clubs and evening events are not affected.
Q: How can I communicate with my child during the school day?
A: We understand that families may need to communicate with their child or the school during the day. There are several secure and reliable ways to do so:
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- Phone Calls: Parents and guardians can always call the main office of their child’s school for immediate assistance.
- District Communication Platforms: ParentSquare and school emails allow parents and guardians to message school staff and receive timely updates.
- School Intercom System: In the event of an emergency, school staff are able to communicate with students through the building’s intercom system to deliver urgent messages.
- Written Notes: Parents may send in written notes to the main office with instructions or information to be shared with their child.
Q: Does the policy also apply to staff?
A: No, while the policy is for student use of personal electronic devices, it does not govern use by faculty and staff in our schools. However, faculty and staff should model positive behavior and have their personal electronic device away during instructional time.
Q: What happens if a student violates the policy?
A: To help students and families adjust to this new policy, the following procedures will be followed for any violations:
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- First Violation: The electronic device will be collected by school administration, securely stored in the main office, and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
- Second and All Subsequent Violations: The electronic device will be collected by school administration, securely stored in the main office, and must be picked up by a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.
- Optional Consequence for Repeated Violations: In cases of continued noncompliance, at administrators discretion, the school may require the student to store their device in the main office each morning for a specified period of time.
Q: How was the policy developed?
A: Following the announcement from the Governor in January, the district conducted a ThoughtExchange survey. It was open to students, staff, families, and the community. More than 600 people participated.
View the ThoughtExchange results:
The Board of Education also held a Virtual Smartphone Policy Public Forum in May to gather additional input to help guide decisions and ensure policy changes were beneficial for all involved.
A policy committee was formed which included four Board of Education members; Superintendent Dr. Darcy Woodcock; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Equity Nate Franz; and Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Peter Reyes. They reviewed the state requirements, current policies in place, and stakeholder feedback while preparing the policy and procedures.
Q: My child plays sports and has equipment and/or an extra backpack to store. What should they do if they can’t fit everything in their locker?
A: This will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with students. The student should speak with the main office if this occurs.
Q: How do I prepare my child(ren) for this change?
A: This will be a change felt mostly by our teenage students. Talking with them in advance will help. Also, having them practice by putting their devices away for certain parts of the day at home might help.
Q: Is electronic device use allowed on school buses on the way to school and home from school?
A: Yes.
Q: Who can I submit additional questions to?
A: We are here to help. Families will receive more detailed information from their building principal prior to the start of school. After reading those details and this FAQ page, please contact your child’s main office with any additional questions.