The Rockville Center Board of Education on July 30 moved to implement Policy 73‑17, which restricts personal internet‑enabled devices during the school day, following Governor Hochul's initiative to limit student access to cell phones in classrooms.

Mr. Gavin, superintendent, told the board the policy responds to state direction and research on screen time. "If that continues for the course of their life and they live to be, like, 83 years old, that's 25 years straight of scrolling," he said, citing research that he said shows older students average about 5.5 hours of daily screen time.

Key elements officials described
Mr. Gavin said district communication to families explains that students must store personal phones in lockers during the school day and that district Chromebooks — not personal MacBooks — must be used for schoolwork. "Your phone is going to be stored in your locker," he said. He added the district will not suspend students simply for carrying a phone but repeated violations could prompt sanctions.

Superintendent guidance said emergency contact remains available: parents may reach students through the school main office for urgent matters. Mr. Gavin emphasized faculty and administration will share enforcement duties and that principals will meet with student government and teachers to adjust procedures.

Scope and devices
Mr. Gavin said the policy covers "personal internet‑enabled devices" including cell phones, smartwatches and AI‑enabled eyewear. "We can't have any Apple watches in the class," he said, and noted devices that can record or access the internet will be banned during the school day.

Implementation and communication
The administration said it has sent letters to families and will run multiple reminders from school buildings over the summer; principals will address the policy again at Meet the Teacher events and during early school communications. Mr. Gavin said middle school students are accustomed to similar rules, and administrators will hold follow‑up meetings after the first two weeks of school to evaluate enforcement.

Ending
The board put the policy on the agenda for adoption and moved related consent items during the meeting. The administration will continue outreach to families and convene teachers and student government to refine enforcement in the coming weeks.