The following message was emailed to families on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Subject: State “Distraction-free Schools” law in effect 2025-26 school year
Dear Monroe-Woodbury families,
As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, I am writing to share information about the Distraction-Free Schools New York State law, which was passed as part of the 2026 state budget. This “bell-to-bell” policy, effective at the start of the school year, aims to promote student mental health and student success by prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices from the time students arrive at school until dismissal.
The law applies to students in grades UPK-12 and bans the use of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, wireless headphones, and other internet-enabled devices. School-issued devices are exempt and will continue to be an important instructional tool in the classroom.
At the Board of Education meeting on July 23, the Board approved the Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy. This policy addresses how the law will be enforced in our schools, as well as exemptions and exceptions. Please note that students with IEPs or 504 plans that require device use and those managing medical conditions will be exempt from the state law.
With input from the Distraction-Free Learning Committee—composed of a Board of Education trustee, parents, students, teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and support staff—Monroe-Woodbury has decided to implement the Yondr© Pouch system at MWHS and MWMS. Each student will be assigned a Pouch to securely lock their device for the entire school day. Elementary students must leave personal devices at home.
Principals will share details directly with families by August 6. We recognize there will be an adjustment period and ask for your support in preparing students and helping the district comply with state law. We are confident these changes will boost engagement, reduce distractions and support student well-being.
The most up-to-date information may be found on the district website: https://www.mw.k12.ny.us/page/distraction-free-schools. This is your best source of information as the school year progresses and the program is implemented.
Parents and guardians will have several opportunities to ask questions before the school year begins:
Submit questions via the online questionnaire by July 31 to be addressed in a recorded Crusader Chat shared with families in early August.
Join live virtual Crusader Chats with district and school leaders on Monday, August 25, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m. Each session will focus on high school topics during the first 30 minutes and middle school topics in the second half. Google Meet links will be shared soon.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer.
Warm regards,
Tracy Norman, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Distraction-Free Learning web page: https://www.mw.k12.ny.us/page/distraction-free-schools