Important: Internet-Enabled Device Update - August 15, 2025

Posted Date: 8/15/25 (3:30 PM)

Good afternoon,

I want to follow up with you all regarding our Internet-Enabled Device plan for the 2025-26 school year. On August 1st, after communicating and consulting with stakeholders in the District, we submitted a detailed plan to NYS regarding the implementation of Policy #7316. The District is committed to maintaining a focused and productive learning environment, free of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. Clear procedures are in place for secure device storage, and accessible communication methods are provided to verify that parents are able to remain in contact with their children as needed. Additionally, the District will regularly monitor and report on the implementation of this policy to verify it is enforced equitably and consistently across all student groups. You can find the entire plan and policy located on our district website. (This link will take you there.)

Here is a snapshot of what this will look like for students as they return to school.

Daily Procedures: Elementary School (Grades PreK-4)

As students have always been prohibited from device utilization at the elementary level, our procedures here will not change. Students will not bring cell phones, wearable smart devices, or other personal technology to school.

Daily Procedures: Middle & High School (Grades 5-12)

Morning Arrival:

Upon entering the building, all students proceed directly to their homeroom class.
Students place their devices in a numbered, lockable case/cart in the slot assigned to them.
Homeroom teachers confirm all students have deposited their devices and lock the storage unit.

During the School Day:

Devices remain securely stored and are not accessible to students during the day.
In case of emergencies, parents/guardians should contact the main office.
Students may not retrieve devices during the day without administrative approval.

Afternoon Dismissal:

At the end of the day, students return to their homeroom to retrieve their devices.
Homeroom teachers unlock the storage unit and monitor distribution to ensure proper return.

Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals

Students who arrive after homeroom or who have a planned early dismissal must report directly to the attendance office.
The attendance aide will collect the devices and secure it in a designated lockbox.
These students will retrieve their devices from the attendance aide during checkout.

BOCES Students (Grades 11 & 12)

BOCES-bound students will not use their regular homeroom device storage.
Instead, they will place their devices in a separate secure cart located in the designated BOCES waiting area.
A staff member will supervise device placement.
11th grade BOCES students, upon departure will retrieve their devices prior to attending their program. 12th grade BOCES students upon return will place their devices in a separate cart in the designated area to be retrieved at the end of the school day.

Accountability: Students are responsible for following this procedure daily. Repeated violations (e.g., hiding devices, refusing to turn in) may result in progressive discipline, including parent contact or administrative consequences. Non-compliance will be tracked digitally.

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me at jheck@royhart.org or 716-735-2000 ext. 2318 any time!

Sincerely,

Jill Heck

Superintendent