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 Schools

More Information: IRCSD Distraction-Free Schools Website