Distraction-Free Schools
The Amherst Central School District will implement Distraction-Free Schools starting in the 2025-26 school year to meet the requirements of a new state law for use of personal internet-enabled devices during school hours on school grounds. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s legislation to create a statewide standard for distraction free schools was approved May 6, 2025. Under this law, New York state schools are required to impose bell-to-bell restrictions on internet-enabled smart phones and devices capable of connecting to the Internet for grades K-12 starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Distraction-Free Schools Plan
Plan Overview
View the PDF version - Amherst CSD Distraction-Free Schools Plan
Overview: (Required) Policy #7316 - Student Use of Personal Technolgoy
Students are prohibited from using personal internet-enabled devices during the entire school day (first bell before homeroom to last period dismissal bell) on school grounds. This includes all instructional and non-instructional times (ie. homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, passing time).
Examples of a restricted device include, but are not limited to: smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, fitbit, smart glasses or other wearable device, iPod, and iPad. It includes all devices capable of being connected to the internet.
Within school buildings, wired earbuds and/or headphones (which connect to a standard 3.5mm jack) may be used with teacher or administrative approval when connected to a district device. In classrooms, use is permitted solely for educational purposes with permission from the classroom teacher; in designated common areas or study periods, use must remain appropriate and aligned with each school's guidelines. Wireless earbuds are not permitted during the school day from bell to bell.
School-issued Chromebook instructional devices are allowed.
Device Storage
All students are encouraged to leave their devices at home. Students may not have continuous possession of their devices throughout the school day.
Middle and High School devices must be turned off and stored in a locked locker during the entire school day (from homeroom/homebase bell through dismissal bell).
Elementary devices must be turned off and stored in student’s backpacks placed in cubbies and/or lockers during the school day. At the elementary level, it is strongly recommended that internet-enabled devices be left home.
Checking Messages from Parents
Students may use their cell phones to check messages before the first bell and at the end of the day following the dismissal bell.
Policy Exceptions
Students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds for the following purposes. Certain exceptions* will require parents to complete the Distraction-Free Schools Exception Form with documentation from a medical provider, PPS staff or a building principal. Even if a student demonstrates a need for an exception to the law, they may still be required to store their devices during the day. These exceptions do not automatically provide students unrestricted access to devices throughout the entire day.
- If authorized by a teacher, principal, or the District for a specific educational purpose.
- *Where necessary for the management of a student's health care - As required for tracking health conditions or medical purposes as per Individual Health Care Plan (example: Diabetes monitoring, telehealth appointment).
- In the case of an emergency - Students may be in a designated area with permission from a teacher or administrator, such as during a family emergency. However, during a school-wide emergency, no outside communication between students and parents is allowed, as this could compromise the safety of students and staff.
- *For translation services.
- *On a case-by-case basis, for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member. Such an allowance will only be permitted upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor and in consultation with a school administrator.
- Where required by law.
- When the use is included in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
(*Parents must apply using the Distraction-Free Schools Exception Form. Contact the building main office.)
Enforcement and Consequences
The District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy. However, consistent violations may be considered insubordination. The formal progressive discipline procedures are as follows:
High and Middle School Level:
- First offense: The device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day.
- Second offense: The device will be confiscated and will be returned to the student at the end of the day upon parent/guardian request. One detention will be assigned.
- Third offense: The device will be confiscated and will be returned only to the parent/guardian. Two detentions will be assigned.
- Fourth offense: The device will be confiscated and will be returned only to the parent/guardian. This is a violation of the ACSD Code of Conduct Section 6B. One day of In-School Suspension will be assigned.
- Refusal to comply with a staff member’s directive regarding cell phone use constitutes insubordination and/or gross insubordination and will be addressed in accordance with the ACSD Code of Conduct. A cell phone policy violation becomes insubordination when a student willfully fails to follow a direct instruction from staff.
Elementary Level:
- First offense: Verbal warning to return device to backpack.
- Second offense: The device will be confiscated and will be returned to the student at the end of the day upon parent/guardian request.
- Third offense: The device will be confiscated and will be returned only to the parent/guardian. Student will engage in reflective activity (ie: write/present about the importance of following directions)
- Refusal to comply with a staff member’s directive regarding cell phone use constitutes insubordination and or gross insubordination and will be addressed in accordance with the ACSD Code of Conduct. A cell phone policy violation becomes insubordination when a student willfully fails to follow a direct instruction from staff.
Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day
Parents/Guardians may call the school's main office, and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent/guardian.
- Amherst Central High School Main Office: 716-362-8100
- Amherst Middle School Main Office: 716-362-7100
- Smallwood Drive Elementary School Main Office: 716-362-2100
- Windermere Boulevard Elementary School Main Office: 716-362-4100
Parents/Guardians may drop off written notes at the school’s main office.
The school district will annually provide written notification of these methods for parents or those in parental relation to a student prior to the beginning of the school year and upon the enrollment of new students.
The school district will explore options for secure school messaging applications.
Methods for Students to Contact Parents/Guardians During the School Day
Students may use the phone in the Main Office, Attendance Office, Nurse’s Office, Student Services/Counseling Center or in the classroom (with teacher permission) to call a parent/guardian.
Student Training
All students will receive training through assemblies and/or classroom lessons about device storage, expectations, and consequences. Students will be reminded of the policy regularly and consistently, especially at the start of the school year and after returning from breaks. Students will be instructed on location of their locker and the use of a combination lock.
Educator Training
All staff will receive training during professional development days about the policy, enforcement and consequences, how to communicate with parents/guardians and how to model positive behavior with personal electronic devices away during instructional time.
Family Communication
- Once adopted by the Board of Education in August, Policy #7316 will be available online in the Board Docs policy manual and the Distraction-Free Schools webpage.
- Translations of the policy into the 12 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state will be provided, upon request, by a student or other persons in parental relation to a student.
- A Distraction-Free Schools webpage will be located on the District’s Parents/Students tab. Quick links on each building homepage will also lead to the webpage.
- All families, staff and students will receive information about the policy prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year and thereafter on an annual basis prior to the start of school. Communication channels will include email, student handbooks, school newsletters, district website, back to school packets, grade level orientations and school open houses.
- Upon enrollment and at the beginning of each school year, parents/guardians will be notified in writing of the communication methods that are available for contacting their student during school hours.
- A Distraction Free Schools information sheet will be included with Central Registration packets for new families.
- Informational programming for families and students will be conducted at various times in the school year regarding digital responsibility, anxiety/mental health, and behavioral change. An example might be Screen Sanity workshops that have been offered through the Family Support Center.
Updated 7/29/25
Board of Education Policy #7613
Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
View Policy #7613 on Board Docs
Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
Book: Policy Manual
Section: Section 7000: Students
Title: Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
Code: 7316
Status: Active
Adopted: March 8, 2011
Last Revised: August 1, 2025
Prior Revised Dates: 10/21/14
SUBJECT: Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
The District consulted with local stakeholders including employee organizations representing each bargaining unit, parents, and students to develop this policy to prohibit the use of Internet-enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
a. "Internet-enabled devices" means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications. Other examples include, but are not limited to, laptops, fitbits, smart glasses, or other wearable devices, MP3 players, iPods, and iPads. "Internet-enabled devices" does not include:
- Non-Internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the Internet or enabling the user to access content on the Internet; or
- Internet-enabled devices supplied by the District, charter school, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) that are used for an educational purpose.
b. "School day" means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of the Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional time and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
c. "School grounds" means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a district elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school, a charter school, or a BOCES facility.
Students are generally prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds.
However, students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds:
a. If authorized by a teacher, principal, or the District for a specific educational purpose;
b. Where necessary for the management of a student's health care;
c. In the event of an emergency;
d. For translation services;
e. On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor, in consultation with a school administrator,for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member; or
f. Where required by law.
Students must be permitted to use an Internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student's:
a. Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
b. Section 504 Plan.
On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices Including Cell Phones
Students must store their Internet-enabled devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day. On-site storage areas may include, but are not limited to, student lockers, designated storage bins in classrooms, or secure storage areas in the school's main office. The District will communicate the procedures for storing and retrieving devices, ensuring that students understand their responsibilities in using the on-site storage facilities provided.
Elementary Level
Devices must be turned off and stored in student's backpacks from the time they enter the building at the start of the school day until the end of the school day. At the elementary level, it is strongly recommended that internet-enabled devices be left home.
Middle and High School Level
Devices must be turned off and stored in a locker during the school day (first bell to dismissal bell).
Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day
To accommodate necessary communication, parents or persons in parental relation may use the following methods to contact their student during school hours while adhering to this policy:
a. School Office Phone: Parents or persons in parental relation may call the school's main office, and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent or person in parental relation.
b. Designated Contact Email: Schools may provide a designated email address for parents and persons in parental relation to send messages. These emails may be monitored by school staff who can then pass the messages on to the students.
c. Classroom Intercom System: In case of an emergency, the school's main office can use the classroom intercom system to notify students directly or ask them to come to the office.
d. School Messaging Application: Schools may use a secure messaging application or platform where parents or persons in parental relation can send messages. The messages can be monitored and delivered by school staff.
e. Written Notes: Parents or persons in parental relation can drop off written notes at the school's main office, which can then be delivered to the student by school staff.
Parents and persons in parental relation will be notified in writing of the methods that are available for contacting their student during school hours upon enrollment and at the beginning of each school year.
Student Discipline for Accessing Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
The District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy. Please refer to Building-Level Student Handbooks and District Code of Conduct for progressive discipline regarding non-compliance.
Posting and Translation of Policy
The District will post this policy in a clearly visible and accessible location on its website. Translations of the policy into the 12 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state will be provided upon request by a student or other persons in parental relation to a student.
Reporting and Mitigation Action Plan
Beginning September 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, the District will publish an annual report on its website detailing enforcement of this policy within the District in the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement of this policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, the report will include a mitigation action plan.
Policy Reference: Education Law Section 2803
Distraction-Free Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Distraction-Free Schools
BOE Presentation 8-5-25
Distraction-Free Schools
Community Input
Distraction-Free Schools
Committee Timeline
Informational Videos
Understanding the Law
Emergency Situations
Device Storage
Consequences & Enforcement
Contacting Your Child
Permitted Exceptions
Device Storage
Grades 6-12
All students are encouraged to leave their devices at home. Students may not have continuous possession of their devices throughout the school day.
Middle and High School devices must be turned off and stored in a locked locker during the entire school day (from homeroom/homebase bell through dismissal bell).
Grades K-5
All students are encouraged to leave their devices at home. Students may not have continuous possession of their devices throughout the school day.
Elementary devices must be turned off and stored in student’s backpacks placed in cubbies and/or lockers during the school day. At the elementary level, it is strongly recommended that internet-enabled devices be left home.
Communicating During the Day
Methods for Parent to Contact Student
1. Parents/Guardians may call the school's main office, and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent/guardian.
- Amherst Central High School Main Office: 716-362-8100
- Amherst Middle School Main Office: 716-362-7100
- Smallwood Drive Elementary School Main Office: 716-362-2100
- Windermere Boulevard Elementary School Main Office: 716-362-4100
2. Parents/Guardians may drop off written notes at the school’s main office.
The school district will annually provide written notification of these methods for parents or those in parental relation to a student prior to the beginning of the school year and upon the enrollment of new students.