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.

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.

Implementation Details by Grade Level

• 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.

Legal Exceptions
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

Staying in Touch with Your Child
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

What’s Next?
The Board of Education is expected to formally adopt the updated policy this August. Once finalized, it will be posted on the district website.

Superintendent Dr. Terry Ward thanked the district’s Cell Phone Committee for their work over the past seven months, and the Board of Education’s Policy Committee for their recent review. “We appreciate your partnership as we work together to foster a learning environment that prioritizes engagement, safety, and academic success,” Dr. Ward said.

Click here to read Dr. Ward's full letter to families (PDF).