Distraction Free Learning

• Pre-K-Grade 5: Remains consistent with how we have handled internet-enabled devices in the past, off and away
   
• Middle School: Remains consistent with how we have handled internet-enabled devices in the past, off and away in student lockers.
   

• High School: Students will place their devices in locked pouches that they will carry with them during the day.  This is due to the need for student access to backpacks and the many students that leave the building during the instructional day for programming (BOCES) or Open Campus for seniors in good standing. For information about the procedures at the Orchard Park High School, please view this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUBgaXTfZLI

While this is a new legal mandate, we see it as an opportunity to deepen learning, strengthen student connections, and support mental wellness across our schools. This policy aligns directly with our mission to maximize the potential of each student, every day.

By reducing digital distractions, our goals are to:

• 🎯 Focus to Achieve – Build academic stamina and sharpen focus
   
• 🤝 Connect to Belong – Foster real-world relationships and communication
   
• 💚 Wellness to Thrive – Lower anxiety and improve tech habits
   
• 🌟 Safety to Grow – Promote digital citizenship and reduce misuse
   

The Distraction-Free School Policy is being implemented primarily because it is a legal requirement in New York State. Beyond legal compliance, the policy aims to maximize student potential by promoting deeper engagement, critical thinking, and academic stamina. It also seeks to strengthen face-to-face relationships, foster authentic communication, lower stress, support mental health, and minimize disruptions for a safer learning environment.

In the elementary and middle school levels, internet-enabled devices will remain off and out of sight during the instructional day, as directed by the principal and teacher. High school students will use lockable pouches that they carry, with phones placed inside and magnetically locked at the start of the day. The pouches remain locked until the end of the school day, or can be opened by an adult for emergencies or instructional use.

• Personal technology use by students is permitted during the school day for instructional purposes and/or in approved locations only. Teachers will indicate when and if classroom use is acceptable. 
   
• Use of devices for translation, emergency purposes, or to manage healthcare needs is permitted. 
   
• Additionally, on a case-by-case basis, use may be authorized for a student who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member, upon review and determination by the district. 
   
• If you feel that your student may be eligible for an exemption, please contact their building principal at the Elementary level, or counselors at the Middle and High School levels.

• Building Principal: The first point of contact for all requests, leading reviews, and making final decisions.
• Medical Director: Reviews medical-based requests and may consult with providers.
• Director of Student Services and Professional Learning: Oversees 504 requests and accommodations.
• Director of Special Education: Ensures compliance with special education needs and IEP-related device use.
• Counselor/Social Worker: Supports caregiver-related requests, assists with documentation, verification, and needs assessment.
• Student/Parent: Responsible for providing complete documentation and complying with approved usage parameters.

• What do I do if I need to reach my child?
  • Contact the Main Office. This information will be shared with all families with our welcome back information.

• What happens if a student violates this policy?
  • Progressive discipline following our Code of Conduct
    • Warnings
    • Confiscation of phone and returned to parent or guardian
    • Continued violations will lead to progressive disciplinary action

• Devices are being stored in a lockable pouch that is designed to create phone-free spaces.
   
• Students place their phones inside the pouch at the start of the school day, and the pouch is securely locked in place with magnets. 
   
• The pouches remain locked and with the student until the end of the school day, when they are unlocked using a magnetic base.
   
• If a student has an emergency that requires phone use, they should speak with an adult and follow the directions on how to access their phone.
   
• If a phone is required for instruction at the teacher's discretion, students will remove their phone from the pouch. 
   
• Pouch will be provided by the District (NYS is providing funding)

Pouches are provided by the District using state funding.

• Can Smartwatches be worn?
  • No. Any device that has the potential to connect to the internet is not allowed per New York State law.

Those in favor of the ban, primarily elementary and middle school parents and teachers, support it for reducing distractions, improving social interaction, addressing discipline and safety concerns related to phone misuse, and mitigating mental health issues like anxiety and bullying. Concerns from those opposed, mainly high school parents and students, include fears about safety in emergencies, perceived state overreach, increased student anxiety, reduced personal agency, and the belief that students should be taught responsibility rather than being collectively punished.