Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
Effective beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, and in accordance with New York State Education Law Section 2803, Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District has adopted a policy prohibiting student use of Internet-enabled devices—such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets—during the entire school day. This decision, guided by community input and stakeholder collaboration, reflects a commitment to fostering focused, safe, and socially connected learning environments.
The goal of this policy is to minimize distractions, reduce screen-related stress, and strengthen academic engagement across all grade levels.
Click here to view the full policy approved by BOE
Policy Summary
Under this new policy:
- Student use of Internet-enabled devices is prohibited during the school day, including both instructional and non-instructional times (e.g., lunch, recess, study hall, passing periods).
- Devices must be stored in designated on-site locations (e.g., lockers or main offices). Students may not carry devices on their person or in backpacks during the school day.
- Exceptions include pre-approved educational uses, personal/family emergencies, translation services, caregiving responsibilities, or accommodations required by law (such as IEPs or 504 Plans).
- Disciplinary action for violations will follow a progressive approach, but students may not be suspended solely for using a device in violation of this policy.
- Parent-student communication can occur via the school office phone or school email (for middle and high school students).
FAQs (Please refer to the full policy for the most complete information.)
What counts as an "Internet-enabled device"?
Smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, or any personal device capable of connecting to the Internet. School-issued Chromebooks are permitted for educational purposes.
Can students still bring their phones to school?
Yes; however, if a student brings an Internet-enabled device to school, they are expected to store it using an identified on-site storage method, such as their locker or the main office. Students are not permitted to store their Internet-enabled devices in their backpacks or otherwise have them on their person during the school day. The principals of each school will communicate the procedures for storing and retrieving devices.
How can I contact my student during the school day?
To accommodate necessary communication, the following methods are approved for contacting their student:
1. Primary Method for All Schools:
School Office Phone: Parents or persons in parental relation may call the school's main office, and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent or person in parental relation:
C-R High School: 518-234-3565
Golding Middle School: 518-234-8368
Radez Elementary School: 518-294-6621
Ryder Elementary School: 518-234-2585
2. Secondary Method at Designated Schools:
C-R High School
School Email: Parents or persons in parental relation may email their high school student (grades 9-12) using the student's school email address, which is accessible via their school-issued Chromebook.
Golding Middle School
School Email: The District will investigate and pilot age-appropriate uses of school email or an email-based communication platform to support communication between parents and middle school students during the school day. Any email-based method, once launched, would be available to middle school students via their school-issued Chromebooks. More information regarding a secondary method of communication will be shared by the Golding Middle School administration, as it becomes available.
Can students ever use their phones or smartwatches during the school day?
Only under specific conditions, including:
- In the event of an emergency, with administrative approval (ex. early release due to weather, personal/family emergency);
- For translation services, with the District's approval, when a school-issued Chromebook is insufficient for the intended purpose;
- On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member; or
- Where required by law, including but not limited to when used in accordance with a student's individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or required accommodation.
How will our family learn more about the new policy and how it works in my child’s school?
- The principal of each school will include more specific information about the policy and building-level procedures in their back-to-school communications.
- Information will be shared with families at back-to-school transition events and open houses.
- Information will be shared with students during the opening days of school through assemblies, classroom presentations, etc.
Beginning September 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, the District will publish an annual report on this page detailing enforcement of this policy within the District in the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement.