The William Floyd School District has adopted a new policy that prohibits students from using internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. The policy was developed after consulting with local stakeholders, including employee organizations, parents, and students.
According to the district, the purpose of this policy is to help students focus on their academic responsibilities throughout the entire school day. This includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
The policy defines “internet-enabled devices” as any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other device capable of connecting to the internet and accessing online content or social media applications. Devices that are not able to connect to the internet or those supplied by the district for educational purposes are excluded from this definition.
Students are generally not allowed to use these devices during school hours anywhere on school property. However, exceptions exist if use is authorized by a teacher or principal for an educational purpose; if needed for health care management; in emergencies; for translation services; when determined necessary by certain school staff for student caregivers; or where required by law. Additionally, students whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan requires it must be permitted access.
During the school day, students must store their internet-enabled devices in designated storage areas such as lockers or secure bins. The district will provide clear procedures for storing and retrieving these devices and ensure that storage locations are accessible and secure.
To allow communication between parents and students while upholding this policy, several options are available: parents may call the school’s main office to relay messages; use a designated contact email monitored by staff; request emergency notifications via classroom intercom systems; utilize a secure messaging application managed by staff; or drop off written notes at the main office.
Parents will receive written notification about these communication methods upon enrollment and at the start of each year.
Regarding discipline, “the District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy.”
The district will post this policy prominently on its website and provide translations into the twelve most common non-English languages spoken in New York State upon request.
Starting September 1, 2026—and annually thereafter—the district will publish an annual report online detailing enforcement of this policy during the previous year. The report will include non-identifiable demographic data about disciplinary actions taken under this rule and analyze any disparities in enforcement. If significant disparities are found, a mitigation action plan will be included.
