Shenendehowa Central Schools has adopted a new policy governing the use of personal, internet-enabled devices during the school day. The change, approved in July 2025, comes after a year of pilot practices and aligns with the Governor’s Distraction-Free Schools initiative.
new Cell-phone policy Summary(BOE Policy 7318)
- Students cannot use personal internet-enabled devices during the school day (bell to bell).
- District-issued devices may still be used for educational purposes.
- Exceptions exist for health management, IEP/504 accommodations, translation services, and other special cases.
- Devices must be stored securely in lockers or classroom storage units.
- Parents can still reach students by calling the main office, and students can use designated school phones if needed.
- Devices may be used during transportation, provided they don’t create distractions or safety concerns.
What the Policy Says
Beginning this school year, students will no longer be allowed to use personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, personal laptops, and internet-ready wearables, during instructional hours.
Instructional hours: from the opening bell until dismissal, including classes, study halls, passing periods, and lunch. Devices must be powered off and stored securely in lockers or designated classroom storage.
District-issued devices, such as Chromebooks, remain permitted for educational use. A series of exceptions exist for health monitoring, translation needs, IEP/504 accommodations, and other legally required uses.
Why the Change
According to the Board of Education, the intent is to reduce distractions and ensure that students are “physically and psychologically present” in the classroom.
In practice, this means fewer interruptions from text alerts, social media, or internet browsing during class. Supporters believe it will level the playing field for all students, protect instructional time, and foster better face-to-face engagement between peers and teachers.
Implementation & Enforcement
- Storage: Students are encouraged not to bring devices at all. If they do, devices must be placed in lockers or designated storage bags.
- Parent Communication: Families who need to reach a student during the day can call the main office. Students who need to contact home can use designated phones in the office or nurse’s station.
- Enforcement: Staff are trained to take a restorative approach first, conversation, redirection, or temporary holding of the device, rather than immediate discipline. Suspension cannot be applied solely for violations of this policy.
The Community Conversation
As with most changes of this scale, opinions are divided. Some parents and students argue the policy is restrictive and creates more work for teachers.
Others believe it is long overdue, given the growing role phones and apps play in disrupting focus and social interaction during school hours.
Looking Ahead
The policy will be reviewed annually, with an enforcement report published each September beginning in 2026. The district will track compliance, analyze data for fairness, and adjust practices as needed.
In the meantime, Shen families can expect building-level communication from principals with details on how storage and enforcement will work in each school.
Frequently Asked Questions
To cut down on classroom distractions and keep students focused, engaged, and safe during the school day.
From the first bell until dismissal, including classes, hallways, lunch, and study halls.
No. Personal internet-enabled devices can’t be used during school hours.
Yes, school-issued devices can be used for classwork.
Devices are allowed on the bus if they don’t distract the driver or cause issues.
Smartphones, tablets, personal laptops, smartwatches (even in school mode), and similar devices.
Basic flip phones that only call or text (no internet access).
Yes, in cases like:
– Teacher-approved educational use
– Health needs (with nurse approval)
– Translation support
– Caregiver responsibilities (with approval)
– Accommodations in IEPs or 504 plans
They must be powered off and stored in lockers or designated classroom storage.
No. The safest option is to leave them at home.
Call the school office. Staff will get the message to your child.
They can use an office or nurse’s phone with staff approval.
Staff will use a restorative approach:
– Talk with the student
– Temporarily hold the device
– Contact parents if needed
No. Suspensions cannot be given for this reason alone.
The policy will be reviewed each year and shared through the Shen website and school communications.
Yes. Starting September 2026, Shen will post yearly reports on enforcement, with data to ensure fairness.
Yes, Shen may shut off “Shen-Guest” WiFi during the school day. Staff will still have “Shen-Net.” Guest WiFi would return after school hours.
