We hope you are enjoying the final weeks of summer! As we prepare to welcome students back on Thursday, September 4 (K–12) and Friday, September 5 (Pre-K), we want to share a brief update about personal internet-enabled devices at school.
What’s changing?
Starting this year, students at all grade levels will store personal internet-enabled devices (phones, smartwatches, and similar items) during the school day. School-issued Chromebooks and tablets for learning are not affected.This policy was adopted by the Board of Education on July 23, and reflects new state requirements for all New York districts. You can find CV’s policy at the top of this page:
https://www.cvcsd.stier.org/PolicyManual.aspx
Why the change?
We understand devices are part of students' daily lives. This shift may take time, and we will support students through it. Research and classroom experience show that limiting personal devices helps reduce distractions, lower stress, and increase face-to-face connection.
What to expect next:
Each school, in the next two weeks, will send details before the year begins, including:
- Ways to contact your child during the day
- How and where devices will be stored
- Procedures for related items such as backpacks, consequences, etc.
Staff will follow the same expectations, limiting personal device use around students only for emergencies or when needed for school-specific purposes. I include myself in this expectation.
We’ll gather feedback throughout the year and make adjustments as needed, always keeping student learning and well-being at the center.
We know this is a shift for many, and we appreciate your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Larry Dake
Superintendent of Schools