NYS Distraction-Free Schools Policy/No Cell Phone Information
August 11, 2025
**Official Press Release**
SCCS Distraction-Free Schools FAQs
SCCS Announces New York State’s “Distraction-Free Schools” Policy
Southern Cayuga Central Schools (SCCS) will be implementing New York State’s new “no cell phone/electronics” policy with the 2025–2026 school year starting on September 2, 2025. This initiative reflects our district’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—free from unnecessary distractions.
Building a Stronger Community for Our Kids
At SCCS, we believe our students succeed when the entire community shares a unified message: we support you, we believe in you, and we are all behind you. By reducing digital distractions during the school day, we are creating a space where students can focus fully on learning, building meaningful relationships, and engaging in positive school experiences.
How the Policy Works
-
Bell-to-Bell Device Storage: Students are required to store all cell phones and smart devices in their lockers during the school day (from the first bell to dismissal).
HS: 7:40am (Jr HS), 7:45am (Sr HS) to 2:13pm.
EH: 9:00am to 3:30pm -
Smart Devices: If a device looks like a smartphone or smartwatch, it must be stored in the locker. Teachers will not evaluate whether devices have 'smart' capabilities.
-
After-School Access: Students will have full access to their devices after dismissal and may use them during bus rides home, as long as they are used appropriately.
-
Exceptions: Devices may be accessed during the school day only for approved medical reasons or educational purposes authorized by the principal.
-
BOCES Students: Students attending BOCES programs will have access to their phones as needed for travel.
-
Field Trips: Device policies for field trips will be determined and communicated in advance.
Why This Matters
We expect that limiting cell phone use during instructional time will improve both academic performance and mental health. Less screen time during the school day may lead to:
-
Better concentration and engagement in class
-
Stronger peer interactions and social skills
-
Reduced anxiety linked to constant connectivity and social media
Enforcement
The district will enforce the policy consistently according to the Student Handbook:
-
High School (as outlined on page 15/16 in the Student Handbook):
-
First offense: Device is taken and held in the office until the end of the day, return to student.
-
Second offense: Device is taken and held in the office until the end of the day, return to parent.
-
Third offense: Device is taken and held in the office until the end of the day, return to parent. ISS time.
-
Fourth offense: Device is taken and held in the office until the end of the day, return to parent, student must drop off the device at the main office each day with parent pick-up at the end of the day, ISS time.
-
Elementary School (as outlined on page 15 of the Student Handbook):
-
First offense: Student is asked to put the device away in their locker.
-
Second offense: Device is taken and held in the office, return to parent.
-
Third offense: Device is taken and held in the office, return to parent. Student will have lunch detentions. Possible request for the device to remain at home.
-
Subsequent Offenses: Device is taken and held in the office, return to parent. Student will drop the device off at the main office each day going forward and have the parent pick it up at the end of the day. Student will have lunch detentions. Possible request for the device to remain at home.
Community Support is Key
We recognize that meaningful change happens when families, educators, and the community work together. SCCS encourages parents and guardians to talk with their children about this policy, helping them see it as an opportunity to focus on what truly matters—their growth, learning, and well-being.
-------------------------------
July 13, 2025
Subject: Distraction-Free Schools Policy - Communication #2 - Your Thoughts and Questions Invited!
Dear SCCS Parents and Caregivers,
You may have heard about the new “Distraction-Free Schools” policy (you might know it as the “cell phone ban”) that all schools across New York State must roll out this fall. We understand the importance of family voices being heard as changes like these take shape. Although we cannot alter the policy, we can guide its interpretation and application in a way that reflects the strengths and values of our Southern Cayuga community.
SCCS is partnering with consultants—who are also fellow parents in our school community—to help shape how this policy will be applied in our schools. Amanda Purington Drake and Alexis Speck Glennon have professional experience in digital literacy for youth and families. As part of this effort, they want to hear directly from you.
Please complete this short survey – both students AND parents/caregivers can participate! We ask that you complete the survey by Monday, July 21st so we have time to compile your feedback.
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Your ideas will directly inform the plan and help ensure that the voices of families across our community are reflected in the decisions moving forward.
We hope you’ll fill in the survey—your voice makes a difference.
-------------------------------July 1, 2025
Dear SCCS Students, Parents and Caregivers,
You may have heard about the new NYS “Distraction-Free Schools” policy (you might know it as the “cell phone ban”) that all schools across New York State must roll out this fall. We understand the importance of family voices being heard as changes like these take shape. Although we cannot alter the policy, we can guide its interpretation and application in a way that reflects the strengths and values of our Southern Cayuga community.
SCCS is partnering with consultants—who are also fellow parents in our school community—to help shape how this policy will be applied in our schools. Amanda Purington Drake and Alexis Speck Glennon have professional experience in digital literacy for youth and families. As part of this effort, they want to hear directly from you.
They are hosting a Parent/Caregiver Roundtable Session and a separate Student Roundtable Session to gather your thoughts, questions, and concerns about the new policy. This is an opportunity to share what matters most to you and your family in a welcoming and informal setting.
If you or your child are interested in participating, please RSVP by Saturday, July 5 by filling in a short form... https://forms.gle/QqvEjpeEh3GV
Student Roundtable Session: 6 - 7:30 pm on Monday, July 7th. Meeting location announced after you RSVP.
Parent/Caregiver Roundtable Session: 6 - 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 9th. Meeting location announced after you RSVP.
Your ideas will directly inform the plan and help ensure that the voices of families across our community are reflected in the decisions moving forward.
Don’t worry if you or your child can’t come to the Roundtable session - we will also be sending out an online survey to get input from the broader community.
We hope you’ll join us—your voice makes a difference.
Kindly,
Alexis and Mandy
----------------------------
June 2, 2025
As part of the agreement on the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York is becoming the largest state in the nation to implement statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools. This new "Distraction-Free Schools" policy—which includes all internet-connected devices—will take effect in the 2025–2026 school year.
Currently at SCCS, elementary and Jr High School students are not permitted to have phones out during the school day. Phones are kept off and away for the full day, and this approach has proven effective for students in those grades.
At the Sr High School, however, students were allowed to use their phones during non-instructional times, such as lunch, study halls, and between classes, and if their teacher allowed. Under the new legislation, this practice must change. This new rule will apply to all internet-connected devices during the entire school day, including homeroom, study halls, and lunch periods.
To ensure compliance, the district will be asking all students who bring an Internet enabled phone/device to school to place it in their locked hall locker during the entire school day.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide a focused and distraction-free learning environment for all students.
