Dear Port Jervis School Community:
As you may already know, New York State has passed legislation that will prohibit the use of cellphones by students beginning in the 2025-26 school year. When school begins on September 4, our district will be required to implement a “bell-to-bell” ban prohibiting students from using cell phones and other devices with internet capability from the start of school in the morning until dismissal in the afternoon. Students who bring phones/devices to school will need to leave them in their lockers for the entire school day and not take them out at any time. Students can use phones/devices after school and at events outside of normal school hours.
Any devices capable of accessing internet content are prohibited such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal tablets, iPads, smartwatches, and fitness trackers with communication capabilities. District provided devices that are being used for educational purposes in the classroom, or any other reason where internet use is required by law, will still be allowed. Students that have a legitimate medical reason to use a cellular device and go through the process of receiving documentation from a doctor or care provider may be considered for an exception. This written request should be provided to your child’s school and will be reviewed by our medical staff, who may need to consult with your child’s medical provider.
The legislation also requires that school districts provide a method for families to contact their child during the school day, along with a way for students to contact their parent/guardian. Like we did in “the old days”, parents can call the school and leave a message to be relayed to their child, and students can be given permission to call home in time-sensitive situations that can’t wait until the end of the day. If it isn’t urgent, the best way to contact your child will probably be to text them and they will see it at dismissal.
This state mandate is an effort to minimize distractions during the school day and support the mental health of students. Our Board of Education had a first reading of the “bell-to-bell” cellphone policy #7314 to support the new law at its July meeting. They will have the second reading and adoption of the policy at its August meeting. The principals will serve as the point of contact for any questions about the implementation in their respective schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Bell
Superintendent of Schools