Dear Minisink Valley school community:
You may already be aware that New York State is implementing a“Bell-to-Bell” cell phone and personal internet enabled devices ban in schools beginning in the 2025-26 school year for all grade levels.
This means no personal electronic devices will be allowed in student hands from the moment they enter a school building or are on school grounds until they leave for the day. This includes all school activities, including class time, lunch, free periods and passage time between classes.
This new law includes a ban on the use of student personal phones, tablets and smart watches. School-issued devices are exempt from this policy, and will not impede the appropriate use of technology in the classroom.
The law, part of the state’s recently passed 2026 fiscal year budget, aims to reduce distractions, promote learning and support student well-being in the school environment. Please note: This new law requires the district to be in full compliance effective the first day of school, which is Wednesday, Sept. 3.
For now, we want you to know we understand the need for parents/guardians to stay connected with their children and have the ability to communicate with their children during the school day. With this new law in place, there will be changes in how that happens. But please know students will always have the ability to contact their parents during the school day.
Additionally, please know this new “Bell-to-Bell” cell phone and personal internet enabled devices ban policy will now be incorporated into the district’s Code of Conduct.
We will share more information with you and our students about this new policy and how we will implement it in advance of the opening day of the 2025-26 school year to ensure everyone understands and is prepared for this new policy change.
To re-emphasize: This new “Bell-to-Bell” cell phone and personal internet enabled devices ban is now New York State law. All school districts are required to follow the requirements of this new legislation. We appreciate your understanding and continued good grace as well as your ongoing partnership in the safe, distraction-free education of all our students.
Sincerely,
Brian C. Monahan
Superintendent