Starpoint board adopts state-mandated ‘distraction‑free’ device policy; clarifies health and emergency exceptions

STARPOINT, N.Y. — The Starpoint Central School District Board of Education on July 21 adopted Board Policy 73.16 to implement New York State's new distraction‑free schools law, a measure that prohibits students from using internet‑enabled devices on school grounds during the instructional day "bell to bell." The board voted in favor of waiving a second reading and adopting the policy.

Superintendent (name not stated) told the board the district's plan is largely set by the state law, saying "about 95% of our plan is dictated directly by the law," and outlined how Starpoint will apply the restriction across grade levels. "Bell to bell" was described as beginning with homeroom or first period and ending with the last class; at Starpoint students will regain device access after 2:20 p.m. when the instructional day ends.

The policy spells out storage and exceptions. For middle and high school students, devices are to be turned off and kept in lockers; elementary students' devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks. The superintendent said the district will not purchase locking pouches used by some districts. Teachers or…