Cell Phone Policy

New York is the first state in the nation to require "bell-to-bell" restrictions on smartphone use in K-12 schools, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. This new policy is designed to create a more focused and distraction-free learning environment to help all our students thrive.

Governor Kathy Hochul shares our belief that young people learn and grow best when they are fully engaged in their studies, not clicking and scrolling. This new mandate is a result of a statewide listening tour and research showing that smartphones can distract students, inhibit creativity, and negatively impact the mental health of both students and teachers. By removing these distractions, we can better support our students' well-being and academic success without compromising their safety.

Our ��'s Approach

To align with this new law and , we're implementing a comprehensive cell phone policy that promotes a focused, safe, and positive environment for everyone. The easiest way for students to avoid being distracted by a device is to leave the device at home. However, I have two daughters and understand this may not be a viable option. Therefore, if a student brings their device to school, here is a breakdown of our plan:

Liverpool High School: Using Yondr Pouches

Beginning Thursday, September 4, 2025, Liverpool High School will implement a school-wide policy using Yondr pouches. A Yondr pouch is a secure, personal locking case for a student’s cell phone or other internet-enabled devices.

Here’s how the system will work:

When students arrive at school, they will turn off or put their device on airplane mode, place and lock it in their Yondr pouch.
The pouch remains locked and in the student's possession throughout the entire school day, including during lunch, study halls, and passing time.
At the end of the day, students will unlock their pouches at designated stations.
Each pouch will be tagged with the student's name and ID number. Students are responsible for their pouch, which is considered school property on loan.
Devices that must be stored in the Yondr pouch include cell phones, smartphones, AirPods, earbuds, smartwatches, tablets, and fitness trackers with access to internet, messaging, or calling features.

For an FAQ regarding the Yondr pouches, visit the LHS Web site.

Middle School Plan (Grades 6-8)

For the 2025-2026 school year, middle school students will use their lockers to store their cell phones during the day. We anticipate phasing in Yondr pouches for our middle schools during the 2026-2027 school year.

Elementary School Plan (Grades K-5)

While cell phone use has been less of a concern for our youngest students, we ask that parents and guardians avoid sending these devices to school. If a child does bring a device, it must be kept in their locker, cubby, or backpack for the entire school day.

Important Exceptions and Emergency Procedures

We understand that a common concern for many parents and caregivers is the need to contact their child during the school day. Here are a few important exceptions and emergency procedures to keep in mind:

To contact your child during the day, please call the main office of your child’s school.
Students who need to contact home can use a designated phone in the main office.
In a school-wide emergency, our staff is trained to follow all safety procedures, and the district will communicate with families through our normal mass notification tools. Administrators will also have mobile unlocking devices available in case of an evacuation.
Exceptions will be made for students who require access to a device for a medical condition (with documentation) or as required by an IEP or 504 Plan. Laptops or tablets provided by the school for classroom instruction are also permitted.

Policy Compliance and Our Commitment

Students who violate the policy by unlocking or damaging a pouch will face disciplinary action in accordance with our Code of Conduct. While students won't be suspended for unauthorized device use alone, repeated violations will be addressed through progressive interventions.

To ensure transparency, we will continually monitor the effectiveness of our plan through surveys and stakeholder feedback. As we navigate these new regulations, we will periodically share the data and feedback we gather. When appropriate, the data and feedback will help to guide us as we improve our plan.

We greatly appreciate your partnership as we work together to create an engaging, safe, and successful learning environment for every student. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child's school.