New State Mandated Cell Phone Policy

Posted Date: 8/27/25 (2:07 PM)

View Original Post

Dear Families,

As required by New York State, all students, Pre-K through grade 6, must turn in their cell phones and smart watches upon arrival at school each day, before entering the classroom.

Every classroom has a secure device storage unit.
Each student is assigned a number and their device is placed in the slot or envelope with that number.
At dismissal, students collect their device to go home

WHY THIS MATTERS?
This helps protect student privacy and supports clear, focused learning.

WHAT IF A STUDENT DOESN'T SUBMIT THEIR DEVICE?

Teacher issues a verbal reminder, then invites the student to take a RULER meta-moment pause:

“Am I showing up as my best self—following a rule we all agreed on?”

If the student still declines, a second reminder and pause.

If refusal continues, the student is escorted to the Principal’s Office.

Using our RULER Blueprint, the principal helps the student reflect and decide.

Student submits the device, they return to class.

No issue and a day of undistracted learning resumes.

If not, the principal calls home immediately.

The parent is asked to pick up the device from School.

Here at Valley Stream District 30| the friendly schools

our goal is to create a distraction-free learning environment for all children to reach their full potential everyday!

For questions or support,

contact your building leadership team at

(516) 434-3800

Thank you for your partnership in helping all children come ready to learn.