Updated Cell Phone Policy

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you and your family well.  We are writing to inform you of an important update to the Central Islip School District’s Policy #5695 – Students and Personal Electronic Devices, which was revised and adopted by the Board of Education on July 14, 2025 pursuant to NYS Education Law.

This revised policy reflects our commitment to fostering a safe, focused, and supportive learning environment for all students. With the rise in digital distractions and concerns regarding student well-being, the updated policy outlines clear guidelines regarding the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled personal devices during the school day. 

Key Highlights of the Updated Policy:

• No student use of internet-enabled devices (e.g., cell phones, smartwatches, tablets) is permitted during the school day-anywhere on school grounds- including in class, during lunch, recess, and hallway transitions-unless a documented exception applies.
• Elementary and middle school students must keep devices silenced and stored in their backpacks
• High School students must keep devices silenced and stored in their lockers or backpacks
• Exceptions may be granted for students with medical needs, translation services (if a school Chromebook is not available), or family care responsibilities-upon appropriate documentation and administrative approval.
• In case of emergency, communication between parents and students must go through the school’s main office.
• Devices used without approval will be held in the main office until the end of the day, with escalating consequences for repeated violations.

Why This Matters:

This policy supports our mission of maintaining a school environment where all students can learn free of unnecessary distractions, misinformation, and stress. We want to ensure every child has the opportunity to be fully “present” and engaged throughout the school day.

The full policy will be made available on the District's website, and a summary will be included in our student and family handbooks. If you need this policy translated into another language, please don't hesitate to contact your child's school office.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home and helping us promote positive, focused learning environments for all.

If you have any questions or believe your child may qualify for an exception under the new policy, don't hesitate to get in touch with your school's building principal.

Mr. Luis Alcantara
Board of Education President

Dr. Sharon Dungee
Superintendent of Schools

Full Policy Download Link