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Distraction Free Schools

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, Roslyn Public Schools is implementing a new policy in response to a statewide mandate from the New York State Governor and the NYS Department of Education. This mandate requires all districts to adopt clear guidelines around the use of personal electronic devices—such as cell phones and smartwatches—during the school day. In alignment with this directive, a committee of educators, staff, students, and parents came together to design a policy focused on reducing distractions, improving academic engagement, and supporting students' mental health and well-being.

This new policy builds on existing K–8 expectations and extends them to include our high school community. Under the updated guidelines, students will be expected to turn off and store their devices during the school day unless explicitly permitted for educational or support-related reasons. This change is not about taking something away, but about creating an environment where students can be more present, connected, and focused. We encourage all families to review the FAQ below, and to reach out to their school’s leadership with any questions. Your partnership is key to making this initiative a success.

 

Distraction-Free Schools: FAQ for Families

1. What devices are included in this mandate?
We are limiting the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and mobile hotspots (unless authorized for schoolwork) during the school day so students can fully engage with each other and their learning. These devices must be turned off and stored during the school day, unless explicitly permitted by a teacher, principal, or the District for educational or individual support reasons. At the high school only: Personal laptops, iPads and school-issued tablets can still be used for learning. iMessage and social media apps must be turned off.

 2. Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Device use may be permitted for:

  • Medical needs
  • IEPs or 504 Plans
  • Teacher-directed academic activities
  • Translation tools
  • Caregiving responsibilities (approved case by case)
  • Emergencies

3. When does the mandate apply?
This is a "bell-to-bell" mandate. It begins at the start of the school day and extends to the final dismissal bell. This includes classroom time, lunch, and hallway transitions. 

4. What about after-school activities, sports, and clubs?
The mandate applies only during the instructional school day. Once the final dismissal bell rings, students may use their personal devices. Coaches and advisors may still set rules specific to their activity.

5. How will this look at each school?
Elementary Schools:
Devices must be turned off and placed in backpacks or stored in designated classroom areas from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day.
Secondary Schools:
Devices must be turned off and stored in lockers or in secured classroom spaces from arrival until dismissal, unless explicitly permitted for educational or individual support reasons.

6. How can I contact my child during the day?
We understand the importance of communication. You can reach your child at any time by calling the school office:

Elementary: 
HTS: (516) 801-5500 
HH: (516) 801-5400     
EH: (516) 801-5300        

Secondary: 
HS Main Office: (516) 801-5100           
HS Counseling Center: (516) 801-5120  
HS Health Office: (516) 801-5110 
MS Guidance Office: (516) 801-5215
MS Nurse Office: (516) 801-5210
MS Main Office: (516) 801-5200
You may also email your child at their district-issued email address.

7. How can my child reach me?

Elementary:
Students may use the main office phone, nurse’s office phone or another supervised phone with staff permission.

Secondary:
Middle school students can access a designated phone in the main office, guidance office and/or nurse’s office. Students can also email you from their school account.

High School students can access designated phones in the main office, counseling center, and/or nurse’s office. Students can also email you from their school account.

8. What happens if a student violates this mandate?
Students may be penalized for violating the New York State mandate. Consequences may include:

  • A warning to put device away
  • Confiscation of the device, which will be brought to the main office until the end of the school day 
  • Confiscation of the device, which will be brought to the main office until the end of the school day when a parent/guardian may pick it up
  • Detention

9. How will the regulations be evaluated? 
The District will garner feedback from students, staff, and families over the course of the year to assess the impact on learning, focus, and school climate. Adjustments may be made based on what we learn together.