General Questions

Q: When does the cell phone/smart watch ban go into effect?
A: The Students and Personal Electronic Devices policy, also known as the Distraction-Free Schools policy, takes effect on the first day of school in the 2025-26 school year. 

Q: What does the policy include?
A: The policy bans all internet-enabled personal electronic devices from the start of the school day to the end of the school day for all K-12 students. The policy was unanimously approved by the Board of Education meeting on July 9, 2025. View Policy.

Q: Is the Distraction-Free Schools policy mandated by New York State?
A: Yes. New York passed a law in 2025 that prohibits K-12 students from having “internet-enabled” devices from the start of the school day to the end of the school day. School policies must be submitted to the state by August 1, 2025 and they must be implemented by school districts for the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Q: How will the Distraction-Free Schools policy be implemented at different schools?
A: The policy will be implemented in different ways based on the age of students.

• Columbia – Each student will be provided with a Yondr pouch that secures their phone so it cannot be used during the school day. Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.
• Goff – No change to current practice. Goff has been phone-free for two years. Students must keep their cell phones and other personal electronic devices stored in their locker during the school day.
• Elementary Schools – If students have a cell phone or personal electronic device, they are encouraged to leave them at home. If they bring their devices to schools, they need to be stored in their backpacks.

Q: What if a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?
A: We understand that families need to contact students for different reasons during the school day. Parents may contact the school main office to speak with their child if the need arises.

• Columbia High School – 518-207-2000
• Howard L. Goff Middle School – 518-207-2430
• Bell Top Elementary School – 518-207-2600
• Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School – 518-207-2620
• Citizen Genet Elementary School – 518-207-2680
• Green Meadow Elementary School – 518-207-2640
• Red Mill Elementary School – 518-207-2660

Also, high school students are able to receive email from outside the school district and have access to their Chromebooks throughout the day. Parents can email their students directly in addition to calling the school when time is of the essence. Students can communicate with one another using their Chromebooks as well.

Q: What happens if there is an emergency at school?
A: Every classroom and office in our district is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. There are no codes or prefixes needed to dial outside of the district. Anyone can dial directly. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. Students will follow the school’s emergency procedures in the case of an emergency. Schools will communicate with parents through the district’s Parent Square communication tool.

In the event of an emergency, students need to be focused and listening to directions from staff rather than texting or calling their parents. During our Cell Phone Committee’s research of this topic, they spoke with law enforcement who said that an emergency response can actually be hindered if people are using their cell phones and overwhelming cell towers.

Q: How will students be able to contact families if there is a lockdown?
A: Students and staff at all schools practice lockdown drills four times a year. Students and staff are instructed to be silent during a lockdown. The response action guidelines outlined in building-level safety plans have a community notification plan for all emergency situations. This notification plan includes first and foremost, parents and guardians of students in the building.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the phone-free policy?
A: Yes. Use of internet-enabled devices will be permitted if it is approved in a student’s Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan, if it is needed for translation services or if there is a medical need (e.g., diabetes). Medical Exemption Request Form.

Yondr Pounches (CHS only)

Q: What is a Yondr pouch?
A: The Yondr Pouch is a secure bag that is used to store an individual’s mobile device or devices. It is secured and unlocked with a special magnetic locking device.

Q: How will students receive a Yondr pouch?
A: In September 2025, all students in grades 9-12 will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone and/or smartwatch. The pouch is the property of the school and is considered on loan to the student during the school year. Students are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times and for bringing the pouch to and from school each day and keeping them in good condition.

Q: How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?
A: Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.

Q: How is the “end of the day” defined?
A: The end of the day is 2:03 p.m. Students who leave school before 2:03 will be able to unlock their phones as they leave.

Q: Will my student’s phone be safe?
A: Phones never leave the possession of the students.

Q: What if a student does not comply or damages the locked case to access their phone?
A: Students who are found to unlock the pouches, cause damage to the pouch, or use an alternate phone will be subject to disciplinary action.

Q: What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr Pouch?
A: The phone will be turned over to the main office staff and secured in the school, until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their phone by showing their school ID.

Q: If a student forgets to unlock the pouch before leaving the building, is there a way for students to unlock the pouch – i.e. an unlock station outside the school building?
A: There will not be an unlocking station outside the building. If the student forgets to unlock their pouch, they will be able to return to school before the last late bus departs to unlock it.

Q: Will each teacher be able to unlock the pouches in the event of an active shooter in the building or a lockdown due to swatting?
A: No. Individual teachers will not be able to unlock the pouches.

Q: Will my student still be able to listen to music?
A: Students will be able to use headphones with cords to connect to their Chromebooks. They will be able to use the headphones for classroom work or for listening to music during free periods. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches, and other headphones, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.

Q: What if a student needs to leave the building before regular dismissal?
A: If a student needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency, work assignment, athletic event, or other school-sponsored trip, students will be able to unlock their devices at school just prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch would be locked upon re-entry to the building.