Dear New Lebanon Families,
We are reaching out to share an important update regarding a new statewide law that will impact all students in our district beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.
As part of an initiative announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and adopted by the New York State Legislature, New Lebanon Central School District will be required to prohibit the use of internet-enabled and/or personal electronic devices during the school day for all K–12 students from arrival to dismissal.
What Does This Mean?
Beginning this fall, students will not be allowed to use personal electronic devices, including but not limited to:
-Cell phones and smartphones
-Smartwatches
-Headphones and earbuds
-Any other internet-enabled personal devices
This restriction applies throughout the school day, including in classrooms, study halls, hallways, lunchrooms, restrooms, while at lockers, and all other non-instructional settings.
This mandate applies to all public schools, charter schools, and BOCES programs statewide.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes. Students who have a documented need for a device as part of a medical plan, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or a 504 Plan will be permitted to use approved devices for those specific purposes.
How Will This Be Implemented?
Initial detachment may be difficult for many students. To avoid issues, it is strongly encouraged that devices are kept at home.
- Junior/Senior High School: Students will store their devices in their lockers.
- WBH Elementary: Students will store their devices in their cubbies/backpacks
All devices (excluding district-issued Chromebooks) must be stored in the designated areas during the school day. Compliance is expected, and consequences for violations will be applied consistently across all grade levels.
For students out of compliance with this policy, their device will be held in the school office until the end of the school day. The first time this happens, the student may retrieve the device, and the parent will be notified. For subsequent instances, the parent must retrieve the device. Further incidents will result in consequences under the District Code of Conduct, including detention, in-school suspension, and exclusion from extracurricular activities.
How Can I Reach My Child During the School Day?
You may contact the school in the following ways:
- Phone: Call the Main Office at 518-794-7600 and follow the prompts.
- Email: Send a message to sroblez@newlebanoncsd.org at the JSHS or mkeegan@newlebanoncsd.org at WBH, and our office staff will relay the message or call the student to the office.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we work together to support a focused and productive learning environment for all students.
Sincerely,
Matt Klafehn and Joshua Noble