Distraction-Free Learning

Distraction-Free Learning Q&A for Students & Families

What should students do with cell phones and internet enabled devices at 7:40 AM when the school day starts?
By 7:40am students need to place devices like phones, ear buds, and smart watches into their school-provided pouch, which they will receive on the first day of school in their first period class. All devices need to be silenced before going into the pouch.

What happens to students who do not comply with the procedures? 
If a student violates the procedure, then they will be instructed to put their device(s) in their pouch and be given a lock to lock their pouch for the remainder of the school day. If a student refuses to lock their pouch, the insubordination will be dealt with separately in addition to the actual violation of the procedure. 

Students who have their pouches locked will have their pouches unlocked at the end of the day. Administration and security will be at exits to unlock pouches. 

There will be progressive discipline for continued violations of the policy.

How can I help my child adjust to not having access to their phone for the duration of the school day?
Families can practice/model balanced phone use at home by building up increased time away from phones (for example, do not access the phone for two consecutive hours a day for a full week, then three consecutive hours a day the next week).

How will students be notified about athletic and extracurricular changes?
In addition to email, coaches and advisors can utilize Google Classroom or the ParentSquare App to notify students about schedule changes to athletics and extra-curriculars. Students should ensure their individual settings allow for email notifications accessible via their chromebook.

Does this include study halls, restrooms, the cafeteria and the hallways during the change of classes? 
Yes. It includes all locations in the school from 7:40 AM to 2:15 PM.

Does this include the bus?
No. Students may continue to use personal electronic devices on the bus.

Does this include off-campus programs such as WFL and Monroe 1 BOCES?
Yes, it is a New York State mandate, but each school has local control for how it is  implemented. Those students will be given guidance on the policy at that location.

How will students access their phones during an emergency at school?
During an emergency, students are expected to listen and respond to staff, including directives on the use of personal devices in those situations. 

What is the procedure when a parent drops off an item a student needs for a class or for  immediate personal reasons?
When items are dropped off at the school, the main office will communicate with the student to pick up the items.

My child has anxiety and OCD and needs to text me at times due to their OCD and anxiety. Will there be any exceptions made for children with any mental health diagnoses being able to use their phones in any capacity?
If your child struggles with mental health or belonging issues, counseling and support staff at school are available to help students find connections with peers and staff members to manage their struggles and learn healthy coping strategies to utilize long-term.

Documentation from a specialist in the appropriate medical field will be required for any exemption considerations.

My child has a medical condition that is monitored through an app on their cell phone (for example, diabetes). Will an exemption be made for students with such conditions?
Please reach out to our Health Office to request an exemption. Requests must include documentation from a specialist in the appropriate medical field and may be subject to review by the District’s Medical Director.