Syosset BOE holds first reading of revised Code of Character as district outlines statedistraction-free schools law implementation

The Syosset Board of Education held a public hearing and first reading of revisions to Policy 5,300, the district—s Code of Character, Conduct and Support, and heard extended staff explanation of how the new statewide "distraction-free schools" law will be implemented in Syosset schools.

Assistant Superintendent David Steinberg presented the proposed policy changes and said the updates "set clear expectations for behavior, and it outlines protections against discrimination, bullying, and harassment." He told the board the policy updates also clarify the board—s role in short- and long-term suspension appeals and that the policy text (more than 45 pages) is summarized in plain-language summaries posted on the district website for different stakeholder groups.

Superintendent Dr. Rogers described the new state requirement—commonly called a bell-to-bell ban—and said, "This is a law that's going to require, a lot of changes at the school district." He explained the district—s interpretation: students may not use personal internet-connected devices while instruction is in session (from the start of the instructional day until the end of the instructional day), noting that how that looks will vary by level. District-issued devices—for example Chromebooks—are exempt. Smartwatches are considered internet-enabled devices under the law and will be covered by the ban.

Rogers and staff laid out how the district will implement the law in practice: - Elementary: students will generally leave personal devices…