Important Update: Bell-to-Bell Cellphone & Personal Device Policy – Starting This September

Dear Babylon Junior-Senior High School Families,

Beginning this September, Babylon Junior-Senior High School will implement a bell-to-bell cellphone and personal device policy for all students, in alignment with New York State Education Department (NYSED) guidance.

From the time students enter the school through the Grove Place doors until dismissal, all personal internet-enabled devices — including smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, handheld gaming systems, and similar electronics — must be powered off and stored in the student’s assigned school locker.

To support this transition, each student will be provided with a clear pouch, large enough to hold their phone and other personal electronic devices. Upon entering the building, students should power off their devices, place them into the pouch, and keep the pouch in their backpack until they reach their locker. Once at their locker, the pouch must be placed inside and remain there for the duration of the school day.

These devices must remain secure in the locker throughout the school day. Accessing a device, using it without authorization, or tampering with storage will result in a violation of school policy.

A Note on the Change from Clear Backpacks to Lockers
Our original plan for implementing this policy involved the use of school-issued clear backpacks with designated compartments for electronic devices. While this approach offered transparency and convenience, the New York State Education Department clarified that it did not meet the secure storage standards required under the new bell-to-bell guidelines.

As a result, Babylon Junior-Senior High School will issue clear pouches for device collection at arrival, but lockers will serve as the secure, compliant storage location during the school day. This two-step system balances practicality with state compliance: devices are contained immediately upon entry and then securely locked away until dismissal.

Why Now?
Research shows that excessive personal device use during the school day contributes to:
 • Increased anxiety and stress, especially among teens
 • Lower academic performance and engagement
 • Reduced attention span
 • Social comparison, exclusion, and cyberbullying
We live in a connected world where personal devices are part of everyday life. But school should be one of the rare, valuable places where students can unplug, connect face-to-face, and focus deeply on learning and personal growth.

What’s Allowed?
Students will still have access to:
 • Their school-issued 1:1 device for instructional purposes
 • All approved digital learning tools used in class
 • Emergency communication via the Main Office, Counseling Center, Attendance Office, or email to staff

Exemptions
Some students may qualify for approved exemptions for medical, language, learning, or caregiving needs.
 • Exemptions must be authorized by school administration in advance
 • Use of any exempted device must be with staff supervision or direction
 • Unauthorized personal use of a device, even if exempted, will still be considered a violation

Cellphone Violation Policy: Enforcement and Consequences
To ensure fairness and consistency, Babylon Junior-Senior High School will follow a progressive discipline approach for student cellphone violations:
 • First Offense – Verbal warning; phone will be secured in the Main Office and returned at the end of the school day.
 • Second Offense – After-school detention assigned; parent/guardian will be notified.
 • Third Offense – Detention and parent/guardian must come to school to retrieve the phone.
 • Fourth Offense – Student will be required to leave the phone locked in the Main Office daily.
 • Chronic Violations – May result in in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension (OSS), or additional disciplinary measures.
All incidents will be documented to maintain transparency and support consistent enforcement.

How Families Can Help
We invite parents and guardians to partner with us in supporting Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s cellphone policy. Here’s how you can help:
 • Talk with your child about the policy and its purpose—creating a more focused, respectful, and connected school environment.
 • Encourage your child to see this as an opportunity to build independence, improve attention, and develop healthier digital habits.
 • Reach out to school administration with any questions, concerns, or feedback. We value your voice and partnership.
We believe this policy will foster stronger relationships, healthier routines, and a school culture where students can truly thrive. Thank you for your continued support.

Family Engagement Opportunities
To deepen our shared understanding, we plan to host Parent Nights featuring experts in:
 • Brain-based research
 • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
 • Social media and digital wellness

We also aim to collaborate with cellphone providers to offer practical guidance on:
 • Locking down devices
 • Monitoring and managing your child’s digital activity
These sessions will empower families with tools and insights to support their children both at school and at home.

Warmly,
 Al Cirone, Principal
 Melissa Callahan, Assistant Principal