Dear Port Jefferson Families and Students,
Please take a moment to review our Districts policy on Students and Personal Electronic Devices- Policy 5695 Policy 5695
As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, this is a message to remind you of the new Smartphone and Electronic Device Plan designed to support student learning, focus and well-being.
At the elementary level, students will not be permitted to bring smartphones and personal electronic devices to school (including smartwatches, earbuds, AirPods, or similar items). This is in line with developmental best practices that prioritize in-person engagement and minimize early exposure to screen-related distractions. To ensure clarity and consistency, enforcement procedures have been carefully outlined. In elementary classrooms, the first time a student is found with an electronic device, the teacher will notify the parent/guardian through email/ParentSquare message. A second incident will prompt a follow-up phone call from school administration.
At the middle and high school levels, students must turn off their smartphones and personal electronic devices (including smartwatches, earbuds, AirPods, or similar items) at the start of the school day and store them in their lockers until dismissal. This applies not only during class time but also during lunch, hallway transitions and other non-instructional periods. Students found with a smartphone or personal device during the school day will be assigned an after-school detention from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. the following school day. This will be accompanied by a parent/guardian notification. After two infractions, students will be required to check in their device at the Main Office each morning for a minimum of one month and retrieve it only at dismissal.
This message serves as official notice and warning to all students that smartphones and personal electronic devices must not be used or in your possession during the school day. As outlined above, violations will result in disciplinary consequences beginning with detention and may escalate with repeated offenses. It is our hope that by sharing this information clearly in advance, students will be fully informed of the expectations and take responsibility for complying with them.
All detentions will be supervised and designed not only as a consequence but as an opportunity for reflection and learning. Students will participate in activities exploring the impact of digital distractions and the importance of maintaining balance with technology use. Academic work will also be expected during this time. Students who fail to attend assigned detentions will face additional consequences, which may include parent conferences and/or in-school suspension.
Communication with families remains a priority. Main Office phones are available for student use during the day and parents may call the school directly if they need to get in touch with their child. We will also continue to share information with students on this initiative through classroom discussions and town hall meetings. The District’s policy will be formally introduced at the August Board of Education Meeting.
As we limit personal device use, each school building will also seek to expand opportunities for social engagement and connection during unstructured times. This will include additional activities and opportunities during lunch periods.
We want to thank our students, families, teachers and staff for your cooperation and support in implementing this important initiative. Your partnership is essential in fostering a school culture that prioritizes learning, respect and the well-being of every student. Together, we are building an environment where students can thrive both in and out of the classroom.
If you have any questions about this initiative and would like to discuss further, please reach out to your child’s Building Principal.
Thank you and be well.