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Eden draft code of conduct would ban backpacks during school day, add 'bell-to-bell' device rule
Summary
District staff presented a 2026–27 code-of-conduct draft that would prohibit backpacks during the school day (allowing only small bags) and add an acceptable-use and a New York State–aligned "bell-to-bell" policy restricting internet-enabled devices; administrators would retain discretion for exceptions.
District staff presented proposed updates to the Eden Central School District code of conduct for the 2026–27 school year, including a consolidated building listing for the middle/high school and new rules governing student bags and technology.
"So it will now read that the backpacks will be prohibited during the school day and that only small bags will be allowed," Mr. McDonough said, adding that administrators would make final determinations on size and that exceptions have been made for individual needs. He also described an added acceptable-use section covering parental expectations, device care and filtering for student devices and a note encouraging insurance for Chromebooks.
The draft also condenses a longer technology section to reflect New York State guidance on device use. "New York state mandates that the schools, will be implementing the bell to bell policy," McDonough said, listing phones, tablets, smartwatches and other internet-enabled wearables as included devices. The presentation said violations will be handled progressively — from warnings to additional disciplinary measures for repeat violations — and that district Chromebooks are collected in June each year for inventory and updates.
Board members and audience participants asked about implementation and classroom impacts; presenters said teachers reported improved focus after earlier device and backpack changes. The board will discuss the draft further at upcoming meetings before adopting a final policy.
