Important Announcements

Dear Baldwin Families,

The Baldwin School District has adopted a new policy as required by NYS law, “New York State Distraction-Free Schools,” making it mandatory to ban cell phones and other personal internet-enable devices in school. To that end, Baldwin High School is prepared to meet this new law and the District's policy. Below is the District policy, which aligns with New Your State Education Law Section 2803, restricting the use of internet-enabled personal electronic devices during the school day. 

5695 Students and Personal Electronic Devices

Recently, our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Anthony Mignella, sent correspondence to all families and staff regarding student use of personal internet-enabled devices
during the school day and this new law. If you have yet to do so, please review Mr. Mignella's letter HERE.

Effectively immediately for the 2025-26 school year, the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices (including personal laptops) are prohibited on school grounds for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), during classroom time and other settings. This includes, and is not limited to, cafeterias, offices, community circle periods, homerooms, and during passing time between classes. 

Why the change?

New legislation requires schools across New York State to establish clear rules limiting the use of personal devices-such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets-on school grounds during the instructional day. We agree that this legislation will provide our kids many benefits, including:

• Enhanced Focus: Students will be able to concentrate more fully in class without the significant distractions that cell phones create. 

• Improved Social Connection: Students will have more opportunities for meaningful face-to-face interactions with peers and teachers.

• Better Mental Health: Reducing exposure to social media during school hours can help protect students' mental well-being.

• Increased Academic Performance: Research shows that removing cell phone distractions can improve information retention and learning outcomes.

What Families need to know:

Internet-enabled personal electronic devices are prohibited during school hours and while on campus. Students may not use these devices at any time during the school day anywhere on campus, including the cafeteria, hallways, learning collaboratory, and classrooms. 

*School issued technology such as Chromebooks provided by the district for learning purposes are still allowed. See these flyers for information about the Qustodio App

Implementation Details 

Beginning Tuesday, September 2, we will launch the use of Yondr pouches—a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and keeping it in good condition.

On September 2, all students will receive their assigned pouch during community circle period, which will be after period 2. Once they receive it, students must secure their personal cell phone and any other internet enabled devices (air pods, smart watches) in the pouch. 

Arrival/Re-entry: Students must secure their personal cell phone and other internet enable devices in their pouch before entering the building. See the link below for specific steps.

Open Campus/Dismissal: Once students exit the building, they will be able to unlock their pouch at one of several stations. See the link below for specific steps.

Violations & Consequences: Students who violate our policy and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the link below. 

Please review the linked document below for policies, guidelines and procedures that must be adhered to each day.

Yondr Pouch Policy & Procedures

Staying Connected

With student safety as our top priority, we will follow our standard safety protocols in the event of an emergency. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact our main office at 516-434-6101.

We recognize that many students will find it challenging to adjust to being without access to their devices during school hours. This is completely normal and expected. We are committed to supporting both students and families through this transition, and we need your partnership to make this successful. We strongly urge all families to begin discussing this policy with your students now. It's crucial that students understand the expectations before the school year begins. Attached are some additional information to assist you in this transition with your child. 

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a focused, present, and positive school environment for every student.

Sincerely,

Dr. Testa