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ALTMAR-PARISH-WILLIAMSTOWN CSD

Academics at its Best - Pursuit of Excellence - Where Students Come First

Cell Phones and Internet-Enabled Devices

Posted Date: 8/11/25 (9:27 PM)

๐Ÿ“ขย New York State Cell Phone & Device Law
Effective September 2025

Dear APW Families,

As shared in June, New York State Education Law ยง2803 now requires all public school districts to prohibit student use ofย personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds.ย 

๐Ÿ“ฑWhat is a personal internet-enabled device?

  • ๐Ÿ“ตย Smartphones
  • โŒš Smartwatches
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Tablets
  • ๐ŸŽง Wireless earbuds
  • ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ Fitness trackers
  • ๐ŸŒ Any device capable of connecting to the internet

This is state law and applies to all students, in every district across New York, beginning with theย 2025โ€“2026 school year.

๐Ÿšซ What Does This Mean for APW Students?

Under Districtย Policy 7208 โ€“ Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices:
  • ๐Ÿ”’ All personal devices must be stored in student lockers during the school day.
  • ๐Ÿ•’ No use during class, lunch, recess, homeroom, passing time, or study halls.
  • โœ…Exceptions allowed only when:
    • ๐Ÿ“š Approved by a teacher/administrator for educational purposes
    • โค๏ธ Needed for student health or emergencies
    • ๐Ÿ“ Required under an IEP/504 Plan or by law
    • ๐ŸŒ Needed for translation services (not for foreign language classes)
    • ๐Ÿ ย Approved student caregiver situations
Students may have:
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Basic cell phones without internet capability
  • ๐Ÿ’ป District-issued devices for learning

๐Ÿ“ž How Can Parents Contact Their Child If Necessary?

Parents/guardians can contact students through the following offices:

Main Offices:
  • ๐Ÿ“šย Elementary: (315) 625-5260
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Jr/Sr High: (315) 625-5222
Nurseโ€™s Offices:
  • ๐Ÿซ Elementary: (315) 526-5203
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Jr/Sr High: (315) 625-5223
Counseling Offices:
  • ๐Ÿ“š Elementary: (315) 625-5208
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Jr/Sr High: (315) 625-5229

๐Ÿ’ก Why Does This Matter?

This law is designed to createย safe, focused, and respectful learning environments by reducing distractions and encouraging in-person connections.

๐Ÿ“„ย You may read the full policy here:ย https://web2.moboces.org/policies/APW/7208%20Student%20Use%20of%20Internet%2DEnabled%20Devices.pdf

We hope you are enjoying summer break and look forward to welcoming our students back for aย great start to the 2025โ€“2026 school year!
โ€”
Dr. Ryfun
Superintendent of Schools