Distraction-Free Schools
The Indian River Central School District, like all other districts across New York State, is actively implementing a new “bell-to-bell” student personal electronic device policy supporting a distraction-free learning environment aligned with New York State Education Law Section 2803. This new state mandate restricts the student use of personal internet-enabled devices, such as smartphones and smart watches, during the school day across all grade levels. This initiative is designed to foster a more engaged atmosphere truly conducive to academic growth.
Please visit our Distraction-Free Schools website for more information about IRCSD's implementation of this important initiative.
Welcome to IRCSD!
VISION: We will stand out as an exceptional learning institution by igniting opportunities for our students.
MISSION: We will educate and inspire all students to be impactful citizens who contribute to the world around them.
CORE VALUES: We will make all decisions based on professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.
PROTOCOLS: We will educate and empower our students by supporting learning opportunities led by exceptional staff.
Link: District Overview
.png)

IRCSD Summer/Fall Newsletter and Calendar
.png)
Join the IRCSD Team Today!
 (1).png)
2025 Indian River Kindercamp Registration

Durham School Services Hiring Event on Thursday, August 7

4-H Afterschool Program Now Hiring!
.png)
Need School Supplies? We've Got This!
.jpg)
Don't Delay—Sign Up for Fall 2025 Kindergarten Round-Up!

Get a Jump Start to Kindergarten
Quick Links
- Online Resources
District News
- Aug 22, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
Indian River Central School District Welcomes New Evans Mills Primary School Principal
The Indian River Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicki McCullouch as the new principal of Evans Mills Primary School.
A proud graduate of Indian River Central School District, Class of 2002, McCullouch brings both deep roots and a wealth of experience to her new role. She has been part of the Indian River community for 17 years, serving as a middle and high school social studies teacher, social studies department head, K-12 academic coach for social studies, Dean of Students at Evans Mills Primary, and most recently, Assistant Principal at EMPS.
Her ties to the district extend beyond her career. McCullouch’s daughter is a fourth-generation Indian River student, making her commitment to the district personal as well as professional.
“My experiences as a student, parent and staff member in our Indian River community have given me a unique perspective on our school,” said McCullouch. “I believe wholeheartedly that students in our district receive a world-class education, and I am both proud and thankful to be part of the leadership team.”
Superintendent Troy Decker praised McCullouch’s unwavering dedication to the district. “Her long-standing commitment and passion for education continue to make a profound impact throughout IRCSD,” he said. “We are incredibly excited for the students, staff and entire Evans Mills school community!"
The district looks forward to McCullouch’s new role as she builds upon the strong foundation at Evans Mills Primary School and guides students toward continued academic success.
- Aug 20, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
IRCSD Community Update: Distraction-Free Schools
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,
The Indian River Central School District, like all other districts across New York State, is actively implementing a new “bell-to-bell” student personal electronic device policy supporting a distraction-free learning environment aligned with New York State Education Law Section 2803. This new state mandate restricts the student use of personal internet-enabled devices, such as smartphones and smart watches, during the school day across all grade levels. This initiative is designed to foster a more engaged atmosphere truly conducive to academic growth.
What does this include?
Following the Governor’s regulation, IRCSD’s policy outlines how students are now prohibited from using internet-enabled devices from the moment they arrive on school grounds until regular dismissal. This includes all instructional time as well as non-instructional periods like lunch and study halls. The policy aligns with a statewide commitment to create distraction-free learning environments and to enhance student mental well-being, allowing greater focus on teaching and learning.
“Internet-enabled devices” are defined to include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or any device capable of accessing Internet content (including social media). The definition excludes non-internet-capable devices and school-issued devices (e.g., Chromebooks) used for educational purposes.
What does this mean for IRCSD?
At Indian River, our policy requires devices to be silenced and securely stored in hallway lockers (for secondary students) or cubbies (for elementary students) bell-to-bell throughout the school day, ensuring students can fully immerse themselves in their educational journey. With the help of parents, staff, and students, IRCSD will make this transition successfully. Building-specific procedures that outline practical application and address specific needs will be shared via building-based communication. We believe this move will foster a more engaged and conducive atmosphere for academic growth across all our schools.
What should I do now?
To help your child/student prepare, we recommend a few simple steps:
Practice a "device-free" routine at home. Encourage your child/student to get used to storing their phone in a designated spot away from their study area or during mealtimes. (Separation from the device may take some practice for our students.)
Discuss the "why." Explain to your child that this policy is not a punishment, but an approach to help them engage more fully in their classes and with their peers. NY’s new regulation is designed to help foster a more focused learning environment by minimizing distractions during the school day.
Establish a communication plan. Remind your child that if you need to reach them during the school day for an emergency, you can always contact the main office. The staff will get a message to the student. Students can also contact their homes via designated phones in the main office or counseling office. Families can also pre-plan for after-school pickup times and places, ensure materials are organized, and anticipate minor delays in direct communication.
We are confident that this new approach will support our students' academic growth and social-emotional well-being. Thank you for your partnership in making this a successful transition for everyone.
Are there exceptions?
Parents may request an exception for their child’s use of internet-enabled devices during the school day under specific circumstances. Requests must be submitted annually to the Building Principal, and healthcare-related exceptions must include documentation from a qualified healthcare professional. Per state regulations, exceptions may include:
Educational Use: If authorized by a Principal or the District for a specific educational purpose.
Health & Safety: Where necessary for managing a student’s healthcare (as verified by school medical staff).
Language Needs: When needed by a student for translation services (with permission of the Building Principal).
Student Caregivers: On a case-by-case basis for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the direct care and well-being of a family member. Such use will be permitted only upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor.
504/IEP Plans: Nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit or otherwise limit a student’s use of an internet-enabled device where such use is included in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
Can I still contact my student?
Yes, of course. If contact is needed in the short term for critical matters, the District will continue to provide multiple ways for parents or guardians to contact their children during the school day, including a dedicated office phone line, email to office staff, and/or a parent-student messaging system (currently in development with ParentSquare). Principals will share age-appropriate details for each building, including how students may also reach out to parents when needed.
Additional district efforts
This new policy complements ongoing district practices designed to maximize instructional time, including:
Minimizing disruptions and inefficiencies: Ensuring lessons flow smoothly, school-based distractions are at a minimum, and engagement “in the moment” is at a maximum.
Structured learning environments: Creating and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to learning, collaboration, creativity, and overall growth through high-quality, rigorous, and relevant instructional practices.
Professional Development: Supporting teachers and all staff through ongoing professional learning to enhance skills and stay current with best practices.
Curriculum Development: Designing common units of study tied to NY Learning Standards to focus on deepening student understanding and transfer of learning.
Where can I get more information?
Information related to detailed grade-specific expectations and opportunities will be shared at the building level via IRCSD’s normal communication channels. Furthermore, IRCSD’s Distraction-Free- Schools website includes much more detail, including policy documents, references to building Codes of Conduct, NY resources, educational links, and more. Additionally, as we partner together to support learning both at school and at home, here are a few other resources to explore:
The Anxious Generation: A video summary of the critically acclaimed book by Jonathan Haidt, including the data behind the challenges around excessive electronic device use and recommendations for improved mental and physical health.
Let Grow: A website with tips & articles for parents and schools to replace screen time with real-world experiences that Jonathan Haidt refers to in his book.
Eliminating Distractions in New York Schools: NY’s website outlining resources, district policies, and input from various NY organizations.
Common Sense Media: resources for protecting and preparing kids for the online world.
At Indian River, we remain deeply committed to providing the best possible learning environment for every student. While change can sometimes be challenging, we are confident that this shift will bring long-term benefits for our children both inside and outside the classroom.
Together, as one school, one community, one family, one wolf pack, we will make this transition a success. With your partnership, our students will continue to grow, achieve, and thrive.
Thank you for standing with us as we move forward—because… #WeAreIR!
With deep respect and appreciation,
Troy Decker
IRCSD Superintendent of SchoolsMore Information: IRCSD Distraction-Free Schools Website
- Aug 19, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
IRCSD Summer/Fall 2025 Newsletter and Calendar
IRCSD Summer/Fall 2025 Newsletter and Calendar
The IRCSD Summer/Fall 2025 Newsletter and Calendar is now available to view online. Click the link below or open the attached PDF to view this document.IRCSD Newsletter and Calendar - Aug 18, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
IRCSD Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6:30PM
The Indian River Central School District Board of Education will meet on Thursday, August 21, 2025 in the Board of Education room in the Indian River Central School District Office Complex (32735B County Route 29, Philadelphia, NY 13673) beginning at 6:30PM.
Indian River Central School District Board of Education Meetings are public meetings where in-person attendance is welcome. This meeting will also be streamed live for virtual public viewing through the District’s Facebook page beginning at 6:30PM. Additionally, the meeting will be recorded and subsequently transcribed. For more information, including an archive of previous livestreams, a schedule of upcoming meetings, and BOE contact information, please visit the IRCSD Board of Education page at ircsd.org.
Anyone wishing to speak with the Board of Education may do so in accordance with Board Policy 1230: Public Participation at Board Meetings.
If you have any questions, please contact the District Clerk at 315-642-3441. - Aug 13, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
Join the IRCSD Team Today!
Employment Opportunities
Join the IRCSD Team Today!
Join the IRCSD Team today!Visit ircsd.org/jobs for information about these and all of our current employment opportunities, and click HERE to see why you should work for IRCSD!IRCSD Employment Opportunities - Aug 6, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
Durham School Services Hiring Event on Thursday, August 7
Become a Durham School Services bus driver and discover how your journey can go far beyond the route between home and school! Durham School Services is holding a hiring event on Thursday, August 7, 2025 starting at 8:00AM at the IRCSD Transportation Department bus garage (32780 US-11, Philadelphia, NY 13673). Join the Durham team and make us a part of your journey! - Aug 4, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
IRCSD Public Hearing and Regular Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at 6:30PM
Notice is hereby given that there will be a Public Hearing to review changes to the Indian River Central School District's Code of Conduct and District-Wide Safety Plan on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 6:30PM in the Board of Education room in the District Office Complex (32735B County Route 29, Philadelphia, NY 13673) prior to the Regular Board of Education meeting. The Indian River Central School District Board of Education Meeting will immediately follow the Public Hearing.
Indian River Central School District Board of Education Meetings are public meetings where in-person attendance is welcome. This meeting will also be streamed live for virtual public viewing through the District’s Facebook page beginning at 6:30PM. Additionally, the meeting will be recorded and subsequently transcribed. For more information, including an archive of previous livestreams, a schedule of upcoming meetings, and BOE contact information, please visit the IRCSD Board of Education page at ircsd.org.
Anyone wishing to speak with the Board of Education may do so in accordance with Board Policy 1230: Public Participation at Board Meetings.
If you have any questions, please contact the District Clerk at 315-642-3441. - Aug 1, 2025 · Indian River Central School District
4-H Afterschool Program Now Hiring!
The 4-H Afterschool Program is now hiring for several positions across the Indian River Central School District. See the attached flyer or visit ccejefferson.org/jobs for more information, and join 4-H Afterschool Program team today!