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Saugerties board outlines bell-to-bell cell-phone ban, locking pouches for grades 7–12
Summary
The board described a 'bell-to-bell' ban aligned with New York State guidance. Students in grades 7–12 will place phones and wearables in locking 'yonder' pouches; medical and translation exemptions are allowed, and repeated infractions may result in confiscation.
District leaders presented a proposed board policy to ban student cell-phone use during instructional hours (a "bell-to-bell" restriction) and detailed an enforcement system that uses locking 'yonder' pouches. Students would retain possession of pouches; the pouches lock during the day and unlock via a shared mechanism at dismissal. Exemptions would be made for documented medical needs (for example, students who monitor blood glucose) and for translation/instructional uses where a teacher authorizes device access.
Enforcement would begin with staff reminding students to comply; visible devices would be confiscated for the remainder of the instructional day. Repeat offenses could require the device to be left in the office for one or more weeks. District staff said they would report data to New York State as required and review policy outcomes after an initial implementation period.
Parents asked about discreet access for students with IEP accommodations. District staff committed to follow up with the district's IEP director (Jamie Churchill or the appropriate special education director) to clarify whether alternative non-locking pouches or classroom unlocking mechanisms will be used for students who require access.
The policy is currently in a public comment and policy-committee process and will be monitored for needed changes after implementation.
