RCSD's Cell Phone Policy / Distraction-Free Schools / RCSD Cell Phone Policy Information and Feedbac

On May 6, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a cell phone policy to create a standard for distraction-free schools in New York State. This new requirement will begin in the 2025-26 school year with restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices (smartwatches, tablets, etc.) in K-12 schools during the school day. The new mandate includes the following:

No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day, including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.

Exceptions will be made for devices used for instructional purposes, outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), required to manage a medical condition, needed for translation or language access, or necessary for students serving as caregivers.

As we prepare to implement the new policy for the 2025–26 school year, we are seeking your input to ensure our local approach supports student learning, equity, and communication. Your voice matters. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback.

The Rochester City School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status or political affiliation, and additionally does not discriminate against students on the basis of weight, gender identity, gender expression, and religious practices or any other basis prohibited by New York State and/or federal non-discrimination laws in employment or its programs and activities. The District provides equal access to community and youth organizations. NYS CR Part #154 requires the District to provide communications to ELL families in the home language that they best understand. In order to request interpretation or translation services, employees may visit www.rcsdk12.org/translationservices. For emergencies or immediate communication needs, please use the Language Line at 1-866-874-3972. School secretaries in each school or program can provide the access code for this service.