Pearl River School District

Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
7:00 PM

District Administration Building
135 W. Crooked Hill Rd.

Live Streamed: 
PRSD YouTube Live

For Agenda: BoardDocs

Dear Pearl River School District families,

We’re excited to share that we’ve adopted a new communication platform called ParentSquare to help us keep you better informed and more connected with your school community. With ParentSquare, you’ll receive all school and classroom messages in one place and translated into your preferred language—whether by email, text, app, or web. You’ll also be able to:

• Stay up to date on news and events
• Send and receive messages with teachers and staff
• Fill out forms and permission slips
• Sign up for conferences and volunteer opportunities
• View calendar items and photos from your school

All school, grade-level, and classroom communications will now come through ParentSquare. To get the most out of ParentSquare, we encourage you to download the free mobile app, available for iOS and Android. You can also access ParentSquare from your web browser at ParentSquare.We’ll be sharing more information soon, including how to set up your account and customize your notification preferences.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s success.

Pearl River School District's Facebook page regularly highlights the accomplishment of our students abs student athletes along with details and photos from monthly events. Check it our regularly!  PRSD Facebook

PRSD posts approved notices from PTAs and non-profit organizations located within, or providing service to, the PRSD school community, provided they meet these criteria: Be for the benefit of students as it relates to their educational success, civic activity involvement or educational/extra-curricular benefit. View our District, PTA & Community Notices webpage for upcoming events.

The internet enabled device ban for students, more widely known as the cell phone ban, became law in May when the State budget was finalized. Introduced by Governor Hochul, and supported by the New York State Legislature, the law requires districts and schools to be prepared for its implementation for the return to school this year. 

The Board of Education, in compliance with the requirements of the new law, adopted a policy (Policy 5695) for the 2025-2026 school year, prohibiting student use of smartphones and similar internet-enabled devices during the school day for the Pearl River Schools.

This statewide “bell-to-bell” ban on personal internet-enabled devices, includes cell phones, smart watches and tablets. Students in middle and high school must keep their personal devices in their lockers. Elementary students’ devices will be stored in designated classroom locations.

In devising its policy, the district consulted with local stakeholders including employee organizations representing each bargaining unit, parents, and students. The law was enacted to reduce distractions and ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the entire school day, from bell to bell. We recognize that the policy represents a major shift for everyone, especially for our high school students and families who have been accustomed to having their personal devices available to them during the course of the school day, within the guidelines established by the school. As we go forward with the implementation of this policy in the new school year we expect that it will be accompanied by a learning curve as we adjust to new practices. It is the district’s intention to provide students with the support they need as we experience this change. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is this policy being implemented?

This is a New York State law that requires a bell-to-bell cell phone and personal device ban for students. While this is not a district initiative, we support the regulation due to the growing concerns around student mental health, focus, and well-being. Research and school-based evidence show that limiting access to personal devices during the school day reduces distractions, improves student engagement, and supports a healthier learning environment.

We know this policy represents a significant shift. Our goal is to support students in being fully present in their learning, in building resilience and interpersonal connections, and in protecting their mental health. Thank you for your partnership as we work together to create the best learning environment for all students.

What devices are included in the ban?

All personal internet-enabled electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, are included. Smartwatches have become just as distracting and often serve the same function as phones.

Where will students store their phones?

Students will be required to keep their internet-enabled devices turned off and stored in lockers during the school day at the middle and high school buildings. At the elementary level, no adjustments are needed, as students have already been following a practice of storing devices in designated classroom locations with the devices turned off. That protocol will remain in place.

Why are students not allowed to store their phones in their backpacks?

While the District had originally planned to have students keep their phones off and away in their backpacks, clarification from both the Office of the Governor and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) indicated that backpacks “… are not an allowable storage solution.” Please see these links for more information.

From NYSED: 2025 Distraction-Free Schools: Guidance

From the Office of the Governor: Distraction-Free Schools: Implementation Resources

What if a student needs to contact a parent during the school day?

Students may use the phone in the main office. We understand concerns around privacy, and our staff will provide support to help students feel comfortable making necessary calls.

Can students use their phones at lunch?

No. The mandate is bell-to-bell, which includes lunch periods.

Is there any flexibility for emergencies?

Yes. In case of emergency, the main office and counseling offices phones are available. Additionally, the belief that personal devices make emergency situations safer is often inaccurate. During real emergencies, mass personal device use can lead to confusion, spread misinformation, interfere with first responders, and overwhelm communication systems.

What happens if a student violates the policy?

On a first offense, students will be asked to put their phone away. Repeated offenses will be considered insubordination and subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

What if students don’t have anything to do during study halls without their phones?

Study halls are intended for academic work. Students can read, write, complete assignments, or access school-approved content on Chromebooks. If all work is completed, they can also request library access.

What about communication for after-school plans, sports, or clubs?

Students will have their phones at the end of the day and can coordinate plans then. Additionally, teachers and coaches can communicate via ParentSquare, as well as sportsYou. Families should ensure students are clear on after-school expectations before they leave for school in the morning.

Why can’t watches with limited functions be allowed for safety?

Smartwatches, even with limited features, still allow discreet communication and can be used inappropriately. At this time, all smartwatches are included in the ban to ensure consistency and minimize distraction.

What if a student struggles with anxiety or needs a phone for comfort?

We understand that separation from devices may initially be difficult. Staff will be available to support students in the transition. If a student has a documented need, families should work with their child’s counselor to explore appropriate accommodations.

Is the school considering exceptions for lunch or study halls?

No. The policy is required by the state to be enforced consistently throughout the instructional day, including study halls and lunch. This clarity helps ensure fairness and effectiveness.

How will the school handle updates about schedule changes for sports or clubs?

ParentSquare  will continue to be used for communication, and we encourage families to check messages at the end of the day. Staff will work to provide timely and accessible updates. As in the past, students will receive announcements during or at the end of the day regarding schedule changes for sports or clubs.

How can parents ensure they can reach their child in a real emergency?

Parents can always call the main office. We will ensure that students receive important messages in a timely and discreet manner.

Superintendent's Conference Days are scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th and Thursday, August 28th.  The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, September 2, 2026.

The Pearl River School District calendar is based on 184 school days: 181 days of pupil instruction plus 3 Superintendent's Conference Days. 
In anticipation of emergency closings, we designate the following potential vacation days as snow make-up days: 

2025-26 Snow Make-up Days
Day 1 – April 7, 2026
Day 2 – May 26, 2026
Day 3 – May 22, 2026