Frequently Asked Questions
No Cell Phone Policy
We want healthy students who are 100% engaged in learning.
What are Personal Communication Devices?
Communication technology is always changing. Basically, we are talking about items that interfere with teaching and learning, relationships, and mental health, including cell phones, smart watches, headphones, etc.
Before and after school, yes.
Yes. Students who have medical conditions or special education plans that require a cell phone access will have a differentiated plan in place to meet their needs. Families should contact the school principal to set up a meeting.
Students can email families or make phone calls from the main office.
Families can call/email the main office.
Teachers and staff members should model "off and away" so they can focus on teaching and learning by being fully present.
Students should go to a teacher or staff member. There are also phones in nearly every instructional space.
Families should rely on factual information from the school division. Currently, HCS protocols include the frequent use of phone, email, text and website/social media notification for sharing information and updates with families.
Yes. Parents can use ParentSquare to contact a teacher who is supervising the student.
This hasn't changed from previous years and depends on what the inappropriate behavior is. Consequences could range from suspension to expulsion and may include court or legal action
Students who attend BOCES CTE classes in the afternoon will be able to unlock their devices when they leave the Jr./Sr. High School. Those who attend morning CTE classes will have to lock their devices upon arrival to the Jr./Sr. High School.
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 NuKase lockable case would be locked upon re-entry to the building.
The mobile device will be turned over to main office staff and secured in the main office until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their mobile device.
No. Teachers and staff will be encouraged to model responsible use of mobile devices
Students will ultimately be responsible for the care of their NuKase lockable case. If a student intentionally damages the case, they will be responsible for replacement and may face disciplinary consequences and may be required to purchase a new case. As the new school year gets underway, the district will provide families and students with replacement protocols.
There will be six NuKase locking/unlocking stations and will be located where students normally enter and exit the building.
The FAQs will be updated as the implementation gets underway in 2025-26. If you have a question regarding the implementation of the NuKase lockable cases, email your student’s building principal.
Hamilton Central School District will comply with Governor Hochul’s recently enacted legislation requiring all New York State schools to implement a “no cell phone/electronics” policy during the school day, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering academic excellence, minimizing distractions, and supporting the overall well-being of our students.
To support the implementation of the new “bell-to-bell” cell phone and electronics policy, all students in grades PreK–6 who bring a device to school will be required to store it in a lockable locker located in each classroom.
For students in grades 7–12, Hamilton Central School will be utilizing NuGerm NuKase lockable cases (https://nugerm.com/). At the start of each school day, students will place their phones in these secure cases, which will be locked and remain in their possession throughout the day. The cases will be unlocked at the end of the school day, allowing students to access their phones outside of school hours.
Research has consistently shown that limiting access to cell phones during school hours improves academic focus, enhances student behavior, and supports mental health by reducing screen time. Our goal is to create a more engaged, distraction-free learning environment where all students can thrive.
We recognize that this is a significant shift and appreciate the partnership of our families in ensuring its success. We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the new policy and help them view it as a positive step toward personal and academic growth.
Students who do not comply with the "no cell phone/electronics" policy will be considered in violation of the District’s Code of Conduct, and appropriate consequences will be administered based on the nature of the infraction.
Hamilton Central School District appreciates the continued support of our school community as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for all students.
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