Personal Electronic Devices/Cell Phone Policy Summary
To support a focused learning environment, VCSD has updated Policy 5695 to prohibit student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This includes smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, wireless earbuds, fitness trackers, music players, and similar items.
Key Points:
No Use On School Grounds: Students are not allowed to use personal devices (e.g., cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, fitness trackers, e-readers, voice recorders, cameras, music devices, etc.) during the school day. We strongly recommend they don’t bring devices, however If they do bring them, devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks or lockers (for High School students) or in lockers (for Middle School students) from the moment they enter school grounds until they leave school grounds. This includes any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the boundary of a school, district, or BOCES facility. School-issued chromebooks or other educational devices are permitted.
Exceptions: Permitted only for students with documented medical needs or special education plans. Use must remain non-disruptive.
Parent Communication: Students can access the designated school phone in the main office or guidance office to contact their parent/guardian with permission. The student will be required to have a pass that indicates that he/she needs to call their parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian has an urgent need to reach their child during the school day, he/she must call the main office.
Enforcement: All staff are responsible for consistently enforcing the policy. If a student’s cell phone or other personal electronic device is visible (in plain sight) during the instructional day, the following progressive steps will be taken:
First Instance: Student will receive a documented warning and redirection.
Second Instance: Device is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day.
Third Instance and Beyond: Device will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent/guardian during set hours.
Refusal to comply with staff requests to turn over their phone or device may result in additional disciplinary consequences.
Responsibility: The district is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged devices—even if confiscated.
Annual Review: Starting September 2026, the district will publish an annual report on policy enforcement and equity.
Students and Personal Electronic Devices Board Policy
Enforcement Procedures
All staff are responsible for consistently enforcing the policy. If a student’s cell phone or other personal electronic device is visible (in plain sight) during the instructional day, the following progressive steps will be taken:
First Instance: Students will receive a documented warning and redirection.
Second Instance: Device is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day.
Third Instance and Beyond: Device will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent/guardian during set hours.
Refusal to comply with staff requests to turn over their phone or device may result in additional disciplinary consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- Q: Can my child bring a cell phone or other personal electronic device to school?
A: Students are not allowed to use personal devices (e.g., cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, fitness trackers, e-readers, voice recorders, cameras, music devices, etc.) during the instructional day. This includes, but is not limited to, instructional day, passing periods, study halls, lunch, recess, and in restrooms. The instructional day extends to extra-curricular clubs and post-session.
We strongly recommend they don’t bring devices, however If they do bring them, devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks or lockers (for Elementary, ALC, and High School students) or in lockers (for Middle School students) from the moment they enter school grounds until they leave school grounds. School-issued chromebooks or other educational devices are permitted.
2- Q: What types of devices are included in this policy?
A: The policy applies to all personal electronic devices, including:
- Smartphones and cell phones
- Tablets and smartwatches
- Fitness trackers
- Wireless headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth accessories
- E-readers, voice recorders, music players, and cameras
- Any other device not issued by the district
3- Q: Can students use their phones during lunch, recess, or passing time?
A: No. In alignment with the State Law, use is prohibited at all times during the school day—including passing periods, study halls, lunch, recess, and in restrooms.
4- Q: What happens if my child is seen using or holding a device?
A: The following steps will be followed:
- First Instance: Verbal warning and redirection
- Second Instance: Device is confiscated and returned at the end of the school day to the student
- Third Instance (and beyond): Device is confiscated and must be retrieved by a parent/guardian during the following hours:
ALC & Elementary Phone Pick Up Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Middle School Phone Pick Up Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
High School Phone Pick Up Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Refusal to comply with staff directives and/or procedures related to these procedures may result in additional disciplinary consequences for insubordination.
5- Q: Will I be contacted if my child’s device is confiscated?
A: Yes. All instances of warnings, confiscations, and consequences will be documented in the district’s student management system, and parents/guardians will be notified. An email will be generated and emailed to you for every referral, including the warnings. If an email has not been provided by the school district, a phone call will be made or a letter will be mailed home. Additional communication may come from the staff member involved or the school administration.
6- Q: Who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the policy?
A: All district staff are expected to consistently enforce and document violations. Consistency ensures fairness and reinforces a safe, distraction-free environment.
7- Q: What if my child needs to contact me during the school day?
A: Students may request to use a designated school phone with staff permission and required pass.
8- Q: What if I need to contact my child during the school day?
A: Parents/guardians may contact the main office of their child’s school directly for urgent matters. If you need to speak with your child, your child will be called down to the main office to take the call. Please reserve calling your child for urgent matters because it disrupts the school day.
9- Q: Is the district responsible if a device is lost, stolen, or damaged?
A: No. The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices—even if the device was confiscated. We strongly recommend that students do not bring personal devices to school.
10- Q: How will students be reminded of these expectations?
A: Device expectations will be reviewed with students at the start of each school year and after extended breaks. They will also be included in each school’s student handbook and the District Code of Conduct. Ongoing reminders will reinforce the expectations throughout the year.
11- Q: How can parents/guardians help?
A: Please review and discuss the policy and procedures with your child and help reinforce the importance of maintaining a distraction-free learning environment. Your support is essential in helping students meet expectations, and stay focused and successful throughout the school day.
Student Involvement/Research
During the 2024-2025 school year, a group of students piloted a cell phone ban. They picked certain classrooms to impose a temporary ban, did a survey, and presented their findings to the Board of Education on May 12, 2025. View the student presentation below.
Student Presentation to the Board of Education – May 12, 2025
Electronic Devices/Cell Phone Policy Committee Work/Focus Groups
VCSD held four focus groups between June 2024 and June 2025, which included high school students, parents, and staff. A separate high school staff committee also met several times. Feedback from the focus groups and committee helped shape the personal electronic devices/cell phone policy procedures.
Additionally, some teachers will be developing lesson plans and a group of students will create a video to share the policy and procedures with the students.
Resources on Distractions in the classroom & the impact of smartphones on children’s and teen’s mental health
https://www.edutopia.org/article/anxious-generation-school/
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/distraction-free-schools-governor-hochul-announces-new-york-become-largest-state-nation
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/Cell-Phone-Ban-Overview_Findings_Recommendations.pdf