In June 2024, New York State passed new legislation requiring all school districts to adopt formal policies that limit student use of smartphones and other personal mobile devices during the school day. The intent of this law is to reduce distractions in schools and support student engagement, well-being, and academic achievement. As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, Morrisville-Eaton Central School District has developed and finalized a policy that complies with these new requirements while taking into account the unique needs of our students and community.
Summary of the New Law
The law requires all public school districts in New York to:
Establish a formal policy that limits or restricts student smartphone use during instructional time.
Provide clear guidance for how students and families can communicate during the school day in the absence of smartphone access.
Ensure that devices are safely stored and that any exceptions are clearly defined.
Include stakeholder input from staff, students, and families in the development of the policy.
Morrisville-Eaton’s Approach
In alignment with this legislation, Morrisville-Eaton CSD has adopted the following procedures:
📱 Device Storage
Elementary School (Grades K–5):
Students will secure their phones in a locked classroom storage compartment, with access controlled by the classroom teacher. Phones must be placed in storage upon arrival and may not be accessed during the school day.Middle/High School (Grades 6–12):
Students are required to lock their phones inside their lockers before the first period. Phones must remain in lockers for the duration of the school day and may not be checked or used until dismissal. This expectation will be strictly enforced.
📞 Contacting Your Child During the School Day
We understand that communication between parents and students may be necessary during the school day, especially in the case of health concerns or emergencies. Please use the following contact numbers as appropriate:
Elementary School Nurse: (315) 684-5909
Middle/High School Nurse: (315) 684-5903
Elementary Main Office: (315) 684-9288
Middle/High Main Office: (315) 684-9121
Our school staff is committed to relaying important messages to students in a timely and supportive manner.
📋 Access the Full Policy
You can read the complete Smartphone and Personal Device Use Policy here:
👉 Click Here
🗣 Community & Staff Input
This policy was shaped by meaningful engagement with our community. We hosted staff input sessions before the end of the school year and invited parents, students, and community members to a public feedback session held on July 8, 2025. Revisions were made based on the feedback we received, and we appreciate the partnership of all who contributed to this important conversation.
As always, our priority remains the safety, academic success, and well-being of our students. We believe this policy will support a more focused and inclusive learning environment while ensuring that families remain connected to the school community in appropriate ways.
If you have any questions about the policy or how it will be implemented, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s building principal or our district office.
Together, we will make this a great year.
Gregory Molloy
Superintendent of Schools
Morrisville-Eaton Central School District