Dear Parents/Caregivers,
As you know, the new NYS law regarding the ban of all internet-enabled devices in schools will affect all K-12 students in our district beginning for the 2025–2026 school year. As part of a statewide initiative announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and enacted in the New York State budget, internet-enabled personal devices are banned for student use from arrival to dismissal in all K-12 schools.
What does this new NYS law mean?
Starting this fall, students will not be permitted to use smartphones, smartwatches, headphones, earbuds or other personal internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day, including classroom periods, study halls, lunch, and other non-classroom settings.
The ban applies to all public schools, charter schools, and BOCES programs statewide.
Exceptions will be made for students who require devices for medical reasons, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans or legitimate administrative discretion.
How will the new NYS law be implemented?
Students must store all internet-enabled devices including but not limited to their cell phones, earbuds, headphones, smart watches, except for their district-issued Chromebook, in their assigned locker for the entire school day.
Discipline related to this new NYS law will be applied uniformly.
How can I communicate with my child(ren) during the school day?
Parents/caregivers may call the designated communication line for our middle/high school campus at 716-694-7673 or email tmhsformychild@tonacsd.org and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent/caregiver.
Written Notes: Parents/caregivers can drop off written notes at the security office at Door 3, which can then be delivered to the student by school staff.
For immediate questions, please contact your building principal. During Meet the Pack Night on August 27th from 4:30-6:30pm, building administrative teams will be available in a designated area in their buildings for any questions as well. Thank you for your partnership as we work together to support our students’ learning and well-being.
Sincerely,
Lyndsey Todaro, High School Principal
Kristine Strible, Middle School Principal
Robert Ross, Elementary Principal
To read more about the ban, visit our webpage: NYS Mandated Device Ban | Tonawanda City School District
To download a PDF of this letter, click here: https://aptg.co/HqpDvD