Dear SSCS Family,
Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, for students in grades K – 10, Sharon Springs Central School will be making our school a personal-device (cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) free space to improve the overall well-being of our students so that the focus is on teaching and learning. (Our upperclassmen, as we work to transition them toward independence, will be allowed to carry their devices throughout the day; albeit with the expectation that they are off and placed in the designated area in the classroom and used appropriately out of classrooms).
Frequently Asked Question Regarding Cell Phone Policy
Sharon Springs Central School will prohibit personal electronic devices from the time students in grades K – 10 enter their first period class until the end of the regular school day at 2:50pm. Such devices must be turned off and stored in a secure container (with devices locked away and labeled).
For all students, K-12, any misuse of electronic devices will result in its confiscation until the end of the school day and parents/guardians will be notified. After the first infraction, we have a progressive disciplinary policy in place that includes requiring parents/guardians picking up the device from our school’s main office, after school detention, in-school suspension, and/or out-of-school suspension.
We believe that personal devices have many uses. We have, however, also found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are device free and therefore more likely to be fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at (518) 284-2266 or tyorke@sharonsprings.org. We have compiled an FAQ about the implementation of this new policy (see link above).
In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your support as we adopt this program for the benefit of our students.
Thank you,
Thomas Yorke
K-12 Principal/Superintendent
Sharon Springs CSD
