Dear Chatham Families,
I wanted to inform you about our new school policy regarding student personal electronic devices. A committee representing parents, students, faculty, administrators, and our Board of Education helped us develop this policy in response to the NYS Distraction-Free Schools Law, a new law that bans students from using their devices during the school day under most circumstances.
Key points to know:
No Personal Device Use During School Hours: Starting this September, students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices (like cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) on school grounds, including all indoor and outdoor areas, during the school day. This policy does not apply to school-issued devices such as laptops or tablets.
Storage Requirements:
Middle and High School: Students may bring their devices to school, but must silence and store them in their lockers at all times during the school day.
Elementary School: Devices must be silenced and kept in their designated classroom cubby or personal belonging storage area within the classroom. We discourage students bringing devices to school at this level.
Parent Communication with Students: We understand that this new law may affect how you communicate with your child during the school day. Each school building will provide alternative ways for you to contact your child, which will be shared with you at the beginning of the school year.
Exceptions for Specific Needs:
Devices may be used if required by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
Exceptions may also be made for managing a student's healthcare, for translation services, or in specific cases where a student is responsible for a family member's care (requires administrative review).
Teachers may also permit device use for specific educational activities.
Please review our Students and Personal Electronic Devices policy for more information. This policy can also be found on our website’s Parents/Students page.
To learn more about the NYS Distraction-Free Schools Law, you can view information posted to the NYS website.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's building principal. I appreciate your partnership as we navigate this change from NY State together!
Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent