Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Internet Enabled Devices During School Hours
August 2025
Dear MCS Families,
To support a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment, Madison Central School District has adopted an internet enabled device policy in alignment with the New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law. This policy is designed to minimize classroom distractions, promote academic focus, and foster social connection at school.
“Internet-enabled devices” includes “any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet, including social media applications.”
Procedure for School Year:
At the 8:02 bell, students in grades 6-12 will put their devices (powered off) in their assigned school locker. Students arriving late to school will place their devices in their locker after signing in at the District Office. Elementary students will put their devices (powered off) in their assigned cubby.
All devices will remain in the student's locker until dismissal at 2:58 p.m. At 2:58 p.m., students can then retrieve their devices from their lockers. Elementary students will retrieve their devices at the time of their dismissal.
At 11:19 am, students attending afternoon BOCES programs will be allowed to retrieve their device from their locker, put the device in their backpack (still powered off), and directly load the bus to leave for BOCES. Once at MO-BOCES students will follow their Internet Enabled Device process.
Students may retrieve their device before 2:58 if they are excused to leave early. The device is to remain powered off until they leave the campus.
If students are found in possession of their device:
First Offense: The device will be surrendered immediately to staff. The device will be placed in the Principal’s office to await pick up by a parent/guardian.
Second Offense: The device will be surrendered immediately to staff, placed in the Principal’s office for a parent/guardian to pick up the device. The student will receive one 2 hour detention*. At 8:02 a.m. each day, the student will store their device in the Principal’s office in a storage locker and pick up their device at 2:58 for 1 week.
Third Offense: The device will be surrendered immediately to staff, placed in the Principal’s office for a parent/guardian to pick up the device. The student will receive two 2 hour detentions. At 8:02 a.m. each day, the student will store the device in the Principal’s office in a storage locker and pick up the device at 2:58, for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Fourth (or more) Offense: The device will be surrendered immediately to staff and placed in the Principal’s office for a parent/guardian to pick up the device. The student will receive two 2 hour detentions. The device will no longer be allowed on campus for any reason for the remainder of the school year.
Madison Central School is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal internet enabled devices.
*Detentions will not be rescheduled for students involved in extracurricular activities such as FFA, Athletics, Musical/Play, ESports, etc.
Permitted Communication During the Day:
To reach your child during the instructional day, please call the school office. Students should not use personal devices to text or call home during the school day.
Madison Central School Main Line: 315.893.1878
Elementary and Secondary Principals Office: Option 1
District Office: Option 7
Students are able to use district phones located in the District Office and the Principals offices during the instructional day.
Exceptions:
Students with documented medical needs (e.g., diabetes monitoring)
Students with disabilities requiring assistive technology not available on school issued devices (per IEP or 504 plans)
English Language Learners using translation tools not available on school issued devices
If you have not done so already, please inform the Principal in advance if your son/daughter meets these exceptions.
Please note that if approved, device usage will be restricted to the specific purposes documented with the District.
For more information please select the following link: N.Y. Ed Law §, 2803