Cell phone information for students and parents
This fall, the North Syracuse Central School District will implement a new policy on internet-enabled devices. The policy prohibits student use of such devices on school grounds during the school day.Developed in accordance with New York State law, the policy was shaped with input from parents, students, employee organizations and school staff. Its goal is to strengthen academic focus, minimize distractions and foster a more positive and supportive school environment.
What devices are prohibited?
Prohibited internet-enabled devices include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, internet-enabled glasses, headphones and any other devices not provided by the district, capable of connecting to the internet or accessing internet-based content (including social media apps).Permitted devices include basic cellular phones without internet capability and those provided by the district or BOCES for educational purposes.
When does the ban apply?
The ban applies during the entire school day on school grounds, including instructional time (classes, study halls, labs) and non-instructional time (homeroom, lunch, recess, passing time). Students will be allowed to access their phones at the end of the school day after their last class.What do students do with their devices during the day?
- PreK to Grade 7: Students will store devices in lockers or cubbies.
- Grades 8-12: Students will store devices in district-provided secure pouches.
- Secure storage: All storage methods ensure the safe keeping of devices and procedures will be clearly communicated by each building principal.
Are there any exceptions to the policy?
Yes, students may use an internet-enabled device during the school day only if:- Required for translation service for students who are English Language Learners if authorized by a teacher, principal or the school district.
- Mandated by law.
- Included in a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
- Student has a documented medical diagnosis of diabetes and is required to use phone as monitoring device. Medical notes can be sent to our Nurse Manager, Ms. Peg Miller, MSN, FNP - BC, at mmiller@nscsd.org.
What if my child is anxious or has been diagnosed with anxiety and would like access to their phone during the school day?
A diagnosis of anxiety will not qualify a student to carry a phone during the school day. Support will be provided through counselors and student support staff. Parents who have concerns can contact their child’s counselor for support and resources.
How can I contact my child during the day?
Parents/guardians can communicate with their child via:- School phone: Call the school main office; staff will relay messages or call the student to the office.
- Classroom phone system: In emergencies, school staff will contact the student directly or via classroom communication systems. Parents will be reminded of these procedures annually and upon student enrollment.
What happens if a student violates the policy?
- Students will not be suspended solely for accessing devices.
- Each school will have building-level procedures for addressing violations through progressive discipline without out-of-school suspensions.
Will the policy be accessible in multiple languages?
Yes, the policy is posted here and can be translated upon request. Parents and guardians whose primary language is not English will automatically receive this information in their selected language through ParentSquare.How will the district monitor the policy?
Starting September 1, 2026, NSCSD will publish an annual report including:- Data on student disciplinary actions related to the policy.
- Non-identifiable demographic data.
- Analysis of disparities in enforcement.
- Mitigation action plans if significant disparities are found.
What happens if an 8-12 student loses their pouch?
A school administrator or dean will meet with the students to review the loss of the pouch. Parents may be responsible for paying $30 to replace the pouch.How will students be notified if extracurricular events are canceled or rescheduled?
- Coaches and advisors will utilize ParentSquare and/or SportsU to inform students via their district email account.
- Athletics Department staff will update the CNS Athletics website and social media pages.
Who do I call if I have questions?
Parents with questions regarding the cell phone policy can contact their building principal at the telephone numbers listed below.
- CNS High School: Kristen Hill (315) 218-4100
- North Syracuse Junior High School: Naomi Trivison (315) 218-3600
- Roxboro Road Middle School: Heather Pellegrino (315) 218-3300
- Gillette Road Middle School: Sarah Jones (315) 218-3000
- Allen Road Elementary School: Emily Lafountain (315) 218-2300
- KWS Bear Road Elementary School: Olivia Cambs (315) 218-2400
- Cicero Elementary School: Melissa O'Donnell (315) 218-2500
- Lakeshore Road Elementary School: Tina Chmielewski (315) 218-2600
- Roxboro Road Elementary School: Matthew Motala (315) 218-2700
- Smith Road Elementary School: Lyndsey Maloney (315) 218-2800
- North Syracuse Early Education Program: Dawn Hussein (315) 218-2200
July 22, 2025: District introduces new cell phone policy for 2025–26 school year - The North Syracuse Central School District is preparing for the 2025–2026 school year with a new cell phone policy aimed at creating a more focused and distraction-free learning environment. The updated policy, which aligns with New York State Education Law Section 2803, restricts the use of internet-enabled personal electronic devices during the school day across all grade levels. At their regular meeting on July 21, 2025, the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education adopted Policy 7316 for the Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day.
Why the Change?
New legislation requires schools across the state to establish clear rules limiting the use of personal devices—such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets—on school grounds during the instructional day. The goal is to minimize distractions and prioritize meaningful engagement in the classroom.
What Families Need to Know:
- Device Use Not Allowed During School Hours: Students may not use personal internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day, including lunch, recess, hallways, and study periods.
- School-Issued Technology Still Permitted: Devices such as Chromebooks or tablets provided by the district for learning purposes are still allowed.
- Grades 8–12: Yondr Pouches - Students in grades 8 through 12 will be issued Yondr pouches at the start of the school year. These secure, lockable pouches allow students to keep their devices with them—without being able to access them during the day. Devices will be locked at the start of the day and unlocked upon dismissal. Watch this short video to learn how Yondr pouches work
- Grades PreK–7: On-site storage - Students in younger grades will store devices in designated areas such as lockers or cubbies, depending on the building.
Students may use personal devices during the school day only in the following situations:
- For specific educational purposes, when authorized by staff
- For health-related needs
- In emergency situations
- For translation assistance
- If they are primary caregivers (with counselor approval)
- If required by an IEP or 504 Plan
The district understands that communication between families and students is important. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school’s main office. Additional guidance from building principals will be provided later this summer.
If a Student Violates the Policy
- Students will not be suspended solely for unauthorized device use
- Repeated violations will be addressed through the district’s code of conduct and appropriate interventions
Click here to read Dr. Ward's full letter to families (PDF).
