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Distraction-Free Schools
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, all Gates Chili schools will be “Distraction-Free.” This means students must keep personal internet-enabled devices—like smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets—silenced and stored from bell to bell. This shift is based on a new state law (Ed Law § 2803) and supports student focus, equity, and relationships in our classrooms.
What devices are not allowed?
- Smartphones
- Smartwatches
- Personal earbuds and headphones
- Tablets
- Personal laptops
- Gaming devices
This policy applies to devices from “bell to bell.” This means betweem 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at elementary, between 7:58 a.m. and 2:57 p.m. at the middle school and between 7:20 a.m. and 2:12 p.m. for the high school.
Frequently asked questions
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This policy complies with New York State Education law §2803, which requires all public schools to adopt distraction-free guidelines that prohibit student use of internet-enabled personal devices during the school day. The goal is to foster safer, more focused and more engaging learning environments.
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Any personal device capable of connecting to the internet and accessing online content, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other wireless devices. School-issued devices used for instructional purposes are not included in this policy.
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Families should call their student’s elementary main office or middle/high school grade-level office to get in touch with their student. Staff will relay messages or bring students to a school phone when needed.
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Families can call the main office. Staff will ensure that the student is notified and allowed to call home using a school phone.
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In a school-wide emergency, Gates Chili will follow its emergency response plan and communicate with families through ParentSquare. Accurate, timely information will be shared directly from the district/school.
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At the elementary level (grades K-5), devices must stay in backpacks, cubbies and/or lockers during the day. At the secondary level (grades 6-12), devices must be stored in lockers or other approved location. If devices are collected, they will be stored in a locked box in the main or grade-level offices until they are picked up.
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We recognize that there may be rare instances where a student has an approved need for limited device use, such as medical monitoring or the use of assistive technology as part of a learning plan. These exceptions are handled discreetly and, on a case-by-case basis.
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Staff will use a restorative, progressive approach to help students follow expectations. These progressive steps vary slightly for elementary and secondary students, but include from device collection for first incidents and behavioral contracts such as device check-ins for repeated offenses.
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Gates Chili gathered feedback from more than 600 students, staff and family members. The policy reflects shared priorities of safety, learning, equity and consistency, while honoring calls for flexibility, compassion and transparency.