Subject: Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
The Board of Education of the Jamestown City School District recognizes the importance of technology and provides instructional technology for student use within the classroom. The Board also recognizes that internet-enabled devices may create social, intellectual, and emotional barriers to being fully present during school and can disrupt the educational process. The use of personal electronic devices can create significant distractions, negatively impact mental health, contribute to disciplinary infractions, and reduce student engagement. Additionally, during emergencies, personal devices may distract students from following staff directions, contribute to misinformation, strain emergency systems, and interfere with response protocols.

As required by Education Law §2803, this policy prohibits student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. Staff may also restrict device use during school events outside of regular hours or off school property. This policy aims to keep students focused during all instructional and non-instructional times such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

Staff are not prohibited from using personal devices, but should act as role models by refraining from use during class and in the presence of students.

Definitions:
a) "Internet-enabled devices" include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or other devices capable of connecting to the internet and accessing content, including social media.
Does not include:

1. Non-internet-enabled devices (e.g., basic cell phones).

2. Internet-enabled devices supplied by the District or BOCES used for educational purposes.

b) "School day" refers to the entirety of every instructional day, including instructional and non-instructional periods.

c) "School grounds" includes any building, structure, field, playground, or land within the district’s property boundaries.

Limited Exceptions:
Students are generally prohibited from using personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The District provides one-to-one devices for educational purposes. Personal electronic devices are not permitted for instruction.

Exceptions include:

• When documented in a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.

• When necessary for healthcare management.

• For translation services.

• For students who are caregivers, as approved by a school counselor, psychologist, or social worker.

Parents may request exceptions from the building principal. Healthcare-related requests must include professional documentation. Devices must only be used for their intended purpose, silenced, and stored when not in use.

On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices:
Students must store devices in designated areas, such as lockers, classroom bins, or secure office locations. These areas must be accessible and secure.

• Elementary: Devices discouraged; if brought, must be silenced and stored in cubbies or the office.

• Middle School: Devices must be silenced and stored in lockers, homeroom bins, or the office.

• High School: Devices must be silenced and stored in individual pouches or designated holders.

Each school will provide procedures for storage and retrieval. The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. Parents must cover replacement costs for lost/damaged District-provided storage pouches.

Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day:
Parents may use the following methods:
a) Call the school’s main office.
b) Email a designated school contact address.
c) Request communication through the classroom intercom system in emergencies.

Families will be notified of these contact methods upon enrollment and at the start of each school year.

Student Discipline for Accessing Devices During the School Day:
Policy enforcement is led by building administrators but supported by all staff. Students will be reminded of the policy regularly.

Devices of students out of compliance will be held in the office until the end of the day. Parents may need to retrieve the device. Repeat violations may result in longer retention. The District will take reasonable steps to secure devices but cannot guarantee full protection.

Alternative arrangements will be made for students with exceptions.

Administrators will work with students and families to reinforce the purpose of the policy and how students can contribute to a distraction-free environment.

Suspension cannot be imposed solely for unauthorized device use. Other consequences per the District’s Code of Conduct may be applied, such as detention, in-school suspension, or exclusion from activities. Educational assignments related to the policy’s intent may also be used.

In cases where device use violates other policies or laws, the District will work with law enforcement as appropriate.

Posting and Translation of Policy:
The District will post this policy prominently on its website. Translations into the 12 most commonly spoken non-English languages in the state will be provided upon request.

Reporting and Mitigation Action Plan:
Starting September 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the District will publish a report on its website with non-identifiable data regarding policy enforcement. The report will also analyze demographic disparities. If disparities are statistically significant, a mitigation plan will be included.

Education Law Section 2803