Important Update – NYS “Bell-to-Bell” Cell Phone Policy Begins Fall 2025

Dear Fabius-Pompey Families,

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and the beautiful central New York weather.  As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to inform you of a significant policy change that all New York State schools, including Fabius-Pompey Elementary School and Middle School-High School, are required to implement. As part of the 2026 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed that New York will become the largest state in the nation to restrict the use of smartphones and internet-enabled devices in schools. The goal of this initiative is to create distraction-free classrooms that better support student learning and well-being.

What This Means for Fabius-Pompey Schools:

• "Bell-to-Bell" Restrictions: Students will not be permitted to possess or use smartphones or other personal internet-enabled devices during the school day, from the first bell to the final bell. All Middle School-High School students will be assigned a locker and are expected to store their devices securely at the beginning of each day.  Elementary students, if they possess these devices, are expected to keep them in their cubicles.
• Consequences for Misuse: In accordance with our District’s Code of Conduct, inappropriate use or visibility of a cell phone will result in progressive disciplinary actions:
  • 1st offense: Verbal warning and reminder of the policy.
  • 2nd offense: Device confiscated until the end of the school day and returned to the student.
  • 3rd or more offenses: Device confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian.
• Refusal to Comply: Students who refuse to follow staff directions regarding device storage or misuse may face additional consequences in line with the Code of Conduct.
• Student Communication Needs: Middle School-High School students will continue to have access to district-issued Chromebooks, which they may use to email or message parents/guardians as needed during the school day. Students may also request to use the main office phone in either school building to call home in case of an emergency.

We want to emphasize that this policy is a New York State mandate, not a Fabius-Pompey specific initiative. As a public school district, we are legally required to implement this change.

We Welcome Your Input

As we plan for this transition, we want to hear from you. Your feedback is important to us as we work to ensure a smooth and supportive rollout for students, families, staff, and faculty. Please share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns with us so we can anticipate challenges and provide clear guidance.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the district office or your child’s school.

 Sincerely,
 Lloyd L. Peck, Ed.D.
 Superintendent of Schools
 Fabius-Pompey Central School District