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Dear Heatly Families,
We hope you are enjoying a safe and restful summer. As we prepare for the new school year, we want to inform you of important
updates to our Bell-to-Bell Personal Device Policy that will take effect starting September 2025. These updates align with New York
State Education Law §2803, which requires schools to restrict the use of internet-enabled personal devices during the instructional
day.
What the New Policy Means
Effective the first day of school, students in grades PreK–8 are prohibited from using personal internet-enabled devices (such as
smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets) from the first bell to the last bell each day. This includes time spent in class, hallways,
lunch, recess, and study halls.
All personal devices must be:
● Turned off
● Stored in a designated location, such as a locker or classroom pocket chart (PK–5), or secured in Cell Phone
Cabinets (grades 6–8).
The district is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices.
Allowed Uses
Exceptions will be made in limited, pre-approved circumstances:
● For documented medical needs
● For IEP/504 accommodations
● In emergencies
● For translation services or caregiver responsibilities (with approval)
Staying in Touch During the School Day
We understand how important it is to maintain communication. If you need to reach your child during the school day:
● Please contact the main office 518-273-1422
● Use approved platforms like ParentSquare or district email
Students may request access to a school phone to contact parents if needed.
What Happens If a Student Violates the Policy?
We will follow a progressive response approach:
- First Violation: Device held in the office until the end of the day; parent/guardian notified
- Second Violation: Parent/guardian must pick up the device
Further Violations: Loss of privilege to bring a device to school; additional consequences may apply per the Code of
Conduct
We are finalizing building-specific procedures for student device storage and will share those details with families prior to the first
day of school. Additionally, teachers will review and communicate their classroom-specific routines during the opening weeks.
To support a smooth transition to the new Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy, we will be hosting an informal “Let’s Talk: Bell-to-Bell
Expectations” session where families are invited to meet with me, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the policy
and its purpose. This session will take place on August 27th from 6:00- 7:00 in the school library. We welcome your partnership and
look forward to working together to support a focused and respectful learning environment for all students.
We are grateful for your partnership in creating a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students. If you have
questions or need clarification, please contact the main office at (518) 273-1422.
Thank you for your continued support.
Stephanie Bouchey
Principal