Dear PALS/MOVE Families,

New York State has passed legislation that will restrict the use of internet-enabled devices by students beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Therefore, continuing for the 2026-2027 school year, all programs in our BOCES will be required to implement the new Students and Personal Electronic Devices policy, found on page 32 in the Student/Parent Handbook included in this folder. This policy prohibits students from using any device capable of accessing internet content, such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal tablets, iPads, smartwatches and fitness trackers with communication capabilities from their arrival to school until dismissal. 

Students will not be allowed to use their devices during school-related activities.

This includes:

• Classroom instruction 

• Lunch and free periods 

• Transitions between classes 

• All extracurricular activities during instructional hours such as field trips and other learning activities outside of a normal classroom setting

Devices provided by the district that are being used for educational purposes in the classroom, or any other reason where internet use is required by law, will still be allowed. 

Students in the PALS/MOVE programs will be given a secure pouch for storage of their devices while in school. For any student found out of compliance with this policy, the device will be held in the school office until the end of the day. For subsequent instances, the parent must retrieve the device. BOCES cannot guarantee the devices will be secure and this in part is why students are encouraged to leave electronic devices at home.

We understand that this is a big change for families that are used to being connected to their child through their personal cellphones during the school day. This state mandate is an effort to minimize distractions during the school day and support the mental health of students.

The legislation also requires that school districts provide a method for families to contact their child during the school day, along with a way for students to contact their parent/guardian. If a student needs to reach out to a parent/guardian, they can do so through their classroom teacher or the PALS/MOVE office. For family members, the main office will be available for reaching students during school hours. The PALS/MOVE office number is (607) 763-3348 and someone is available to take your call from 8:00-3:30 daily. We will continue to maintain contact with families through the Remind App, our Facebook page, School Messenger, communication notebooks, and traditional letters being sent home.

Thank you for your continued support in making PALS/MOVE a place where all students can thrive. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Kirsten Stebbins

Principal 

PALS/MOVE Programs