Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you may know, as part of a new law recently adopted by New York state, all public schools are now required to implement a bell-to-bell ban on student use of internet-enabled devices. This means that from the start of the school day to the final bell, students will not be permitted to use personal internet-capable devices, including but not limited to smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and similar electronics. This is something that we, as a district, began last year, so this state mandate is not drastically different from what we have already been implementing.
This legislation was enacted with the goal of improving student focus, reducing distractions, promoting face-to-face interaction and supporting a more engaged and productive learning environment. As always, we are committed to fostering a school culture where academic growth, social-emotional well-being and student safety are the highest priorities.
Please note the following key details about this mandate:
- Students must keep all internet-enabled devices powered off and put away in their lockers during the school day, unless explicitly directed by a teacher for educational use.
- If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during school hours, they should report to the main office to make a phone call. Students in Grades 9-12 may communicate with family through their school email address on a school-issued Chromebook.
- In the case of an emergency, families can always reach students by calling the school directly. We will get the message to the student or in case of an emergency, we will call the student down to the office.
- Students who do not comply with the policy may be subject to consequences in accordance with the district’s Code of Conduct as explained in the informational document provided with this letter.
We understand that this shift may require some adjustments, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of this mandate at home. Our shared goal is to create the best possible environment for student learning, safety and development—and this policy is one step toward that vision.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal or the district office.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
The Herkimer Administrative Team
Overview of Herkimer Central School District Bell-to Bell Internet-Enabled Device Ban
What the bell-to-bell ban covers:
From the first bell of the day to the last bell of the instructional day, students will not be allowed to use or carry personal internet-enabled devices. Devices will be turned off and placed in lockers at the MS/HS and in backpacks at the elementary school. Placing a device on vibrate or using it for texting is prohibited except before and after school.
These devices include:
- Cellphone
- Smartwatches/fitness trackers with internet access
- Personal tablets/iPads
- Earpods/airpods
- Electronic game devices
The instructional day includes:
- Elementary School: 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
- Middle-High School 7:35 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
- Classroom instruction including Period 10 for Homework Club at the MS-HS (Students may use personal devices after school hours for sports, practices and extracurricular activities after Period 10)
- Study halls and lunch
- Hallways and restrooms
- Field trips will be up to administrative discretion
Students with a documented medical need to carry a personal device will be allowed to.
The documentation will be reviewed by the nurse, administrator, school psychologist and/or social worker for a determination to be made.
Implementation and Consequences
The implementation of this plan began on Sept. 4, 2025.
The expectations will be clear and consistent. This will be monitored by teachers, staff and administrators in all areas of the school throughout the day. If a student is found in violation of the bell-to-bell ban policy as outlined above, the consequences are as follows:
Herkimer Elementary School:
First Offense: Student receives a warning with a reminder to put the phone away
Second Offense: Device is taken to the office, parent notified and must pick up the device
Third Offense: Device is taken, parent notified to pick up the device, administrative discretion for consequence
Herkimer Middle-High School:
First Offense: Student receives a warning and parent is contacted.
Second Offense: Confiscation of phone and placed in the office in a secure storage container to be returned at the end of the day. Parent notified.
Third Offense: Confiscation of phone and placed in the office in a secure storage container. Parent must come to the school to pick up the device. Student serves after-school detention.
Fourth Offense: Confiscation of phone and placed in a secure storage device. Parent must come to school to pick up the device. Student serves 3 days of after school detention. Student must leave phone in the in the office in the secure storage container every day for the remainder of the school year.
Instances of insubordination may result in ISS or other disciplinary consequences. Any additional offenses beyond the fourth offense will result in administrator discretion in terms of consequence.