SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED

New York State has enacted EdLaw 2803, a new law that restricts smartphone and personal device use in all state schools throughout the school day, effective August 1, 2025. Under this law, students cannot access or use cell phones or other internet-enabled devices (such as smart watches) anywhere on school grounds during the entire school day, including lunch, study hall, and passing periods.

This law was created in response to growing research showing that digital distractions can contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people. The goal is to support both learning and mental health by encouraging more face-to-face interaction between students and their teachers and peers. CPP has implemented some of these changes in the past few years - Away for a Day at the Middle School and Bell to Bell at the High School. We also hosted the community-wide The Anxious Generation book study and hosted parent sessions offered by the District through Screen Sanity.

As we work to implement this new requirement, we must address several key areas:

- Creating a written policy by August 1, 2025

- Determining secure storage solutions for student devices during the school day

- Establishing new protocols for how families can contact their students during school hours

Your perspective as parents and caregivers is crucial in developing a plan that works for our school community. We understand that communication with your child during the school day may be important for various reasons, and we want to ensure our implementation considers these needs.

Please take a few minutes to complete the family survey linked in the attached flier. Your feedback will directly influence how we move forward with this significant change. The survey closes on July 23rd at 5PM.

Additionally, we'll be hosting a Virtual Town Hall on August 6, 2025 at 5:30PM (link to be published soon) where we can discuss our implementation plan together and address any questions you may have. Please encourage your 6-12th grade students to take the survey as well. They will be receiving a message as well in their school provided gmail account. Their perspective is important as well.

Click:

Direct Links:

Calvin U. Smith