A glimpse of no more smart phones in New York classrooms: South Lewis invites students, families to upcoming informational session August 19

LEWIS COUNTY- As the new school year approaches, districts statewide are busy enacting new policies that will essentially eliminate smartphone distractions from the learning environment.

Earlier this spring, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state’s newest move to ban smartphone use in the classroom.

Districts have been given the opportunity to come up with their own plan to strictly limit any use of smartphone or like devices in the classroom.

South Lewis School has been working on their policy, including input from parents, students, teachers and staff members.

In a nut-shell, a letter sent out to district taxpayers suggests that students will still be able to bring their smartphones to school, but must turn them off and keep them out of sight throughout the day. This includes keeping them in lockers, backpacks or turned into the main office.

Of course, these district policies have options of allowing certain exceptions, especially in the case where a parent or legal guardian must contact their child (children).

South Lewis is doing this by offering a list of office phone numbers to get an urgent message to their child during school hours.

Other exemptions apply, including medical or IEP related needs, which must be formally documented and approved.

For families who have further concerns or inquiries, the school will be hosting a public session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 19 at the auditorium.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.