Click here to access the District Cell Phone Regulation

Click here to access the Official District Policy on BoardDocs

The Fulton City School District will begin the 2025-2026 school year with a new cell phone policy intended to create a distraction-free learning environment that aligns with New York State Education Law Section 2803. This new state mandate restricts the use of internet-enabled personal electronic devices during the school day across all grade levels.

Why the change?

A new NYS education law (Section 2803) requires that schools have clear rules limiting the use of personal electronic devices – including smartphones, smartwatches and tablets – on school grounds. These requirements apply to all students during the academic day. These policies align with many studies and practices that suggest removing these devices helps students to better focus and avoid distractions during instructional time.

What families should know:

• Device Use Not Allowed During School Hours: Students may not use personal internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day, including lunch, recess, hallways and study periods.
• School-Issued Technology is Still Permitted: Devices such as Chromebooks or tablets provided by the district for learning purposes are still allowed.

How will this policy be implemented?

• Students in grades PK-3: Devices must be turned off and left within their backpacks which must be stored in the student’s designated cubby/locker. Unless explicitly authorized by school staff, students may not be in possession of or access their internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day.
• Students in grades 4-6: Devices must be turned off and stored in the student’s designated locker. Unless explicitly authorized by school staff, students may not be in possession of or access their internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day.
• Students in grades 7-12: Devices must be turned off and stored in the student’s designated locker. Unless explicitly authorized by school staff, students may not be in possession of or access their internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day.

Legal exceptions:

Students may use personal devices during the school day only in the following situations:

• For specific educational purposes, when authorized by staff
• For health-related needs
• In emergency situations
• For translation assistance
• If they are primary caregivers (with counselor approval)
• If required by an IEP or 504 Plan

Communicating with your child:

FCSD understands that communication between families and students is important. If you need contact your child during the academic day, please call the main office of your child’s school building. All building contact information can be found through their respective building pages available on this site (see below). Additional guidance from building principals will be send out later this summer.