Dear Parents/Caregivers,
We are writing again to inform you about a 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, Tonawanda City School District will be banning the use of internet-enabled and/or electronic devices for all K-12 students from arrival to dismissal.
What does this mean?
Starting this fall, students will not be permitted to use any internet-enabled and/or electronic devices including all cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, headphones, earbuds or other personal internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day, including classroom periods, study halls, lunch, restrooms, and other non-classroom settings including hallways.
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 for educational purposes.
How will this be implemented?
Students must store all internet-enabled and/or electronic devices including but not limited to their cell phones, earbuds, headphones, smart watches, except for their district-issued Chromebook, in the designated area during the school day. Middle school students will continue to store all internet-enabled and/or electronic devices in their lockers. For high school students, we are working on a device storage plan and will communicate that information when it is finalized.
Discipline related to this new NYS law will be applied uniformly.
How can I communicate with my child(ren) during the school day starting next school year?
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.
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