NYS Distraction-Free Schools Reporting (2025)

EASTCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Effective Date: September 1, 2025

The Eastchester School District is committed to fostering a focused, engaging, and distraction-free learning environment. The Board of Education recognizes that personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other internet-connected accessories, can create significant disruptions to student learning and overall school operations. These devices may also interfere with emergency response protocols and contribute to the spread of misinformation during crisis situations.

To ensure a distraction-free environment, students in elementary school (Grades K-5) are not permitted to be in a position of a personal electronic device during the school day. If a device is brought to school, a watch, or a connected device it needs to be stored in a backpack or locker and will be accessible at the end of the school day. At the middle school level (Grades 6-8), students may bring personal electronic devices to school; however, these devices must be turned off and stored in lockers. Devices must remain off and secured throughout the entire school day, including during class, lunch, study halls, detention, and in-school suspension. Students are not permitted to use smartwatches for communication, notifications, or computer messaging during school hours. At the high school (Grades 9 - 12), students may be in possession of a personal electronic device, but must have these devices securely stored during class, study hall, or relevant educational spaces including the cafeteria. While electronic devices are accessible during passing periods and lunch, students are encouraged to act with intentionality and respect.

If a student is found using a device in violation of this policy, or if a device causes a disruption (e.g., ringing in class), the device will be confiscated and held in the main office. On the first offense, the device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Repeat offenses will result in additional disciplinary consequences as outlined in the district’s Code of Conduct.

Exemptions may be granted for students with documented medical or disability-related needs. Requests for exemptions must be submitted to a building committee that includes key stakeholders to evaluate the merits of such requests and must include documentation from an appropriate medical or educational professional. Additionally, administrators may grant temporary exceptions to this policy in emergency situations. In specific instructional settings, teachers may allow the use of personal electronic devices for educational purposes, provided such use is pre-approved by school administration and aligns with instructional goals.

To maintain the integrity of testing conditions, personal electronic devices are strictly prohibited during all testing periods, including New York State assessments. Any student found in possession of an electronic device during a test may face consequences, including potential invalidation of their test scores. Test proctors and school officials reserve the right to collect devices prior to test administration and return them upon completion.

The Eastchester School District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices brought to school. Building staff will communicate this policy to families, and methods for enforcement, such as locked pouches or centralized storage solutions, may be considered based on administrative discretion.

Click here to view N.Y. Education Law § 2803