Dear Parents/Caregivers,
We are writing to inform you about a new NYS law that 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 or personal backpack during the school day.
Discipline related to this new NYS law will be applied uniformly to prevent inequitable outcomes.
How can I communicate with my child(ren) during the school day?
If needed, parents/caregivers may call the school main office to communicate with their child.
We will be discussing the new internet-enabled device ban at our Code of Conduct committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th at 4pm and Tuesday, June 10th, at 4pm.
If you are interested in joining us for the conversation, please email Renee Smith, high school assistant principal at rsmith@tonacsd.org. In the meantime, please contact your building principal if you have any questions.
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 download a pdf of this letter, click here: Internet Enabled Device Ban Letter