The Charter School for Applied Technologies (CSAT) consulted with local stakeholders to develop this policy to prohibit the use of Internet-enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
a) "Internet-enabled devices" means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications;
"Internet-enabled devices" does not include:
1. Non-Internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the Internet or enabling the user to access content on the Internet; or
2. Internet-enabled devices supplied by CSAT that are used for an educational purpose.
b) "School day" means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of the Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional time and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
c) "School grounds" means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a district elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school, a charter school, or a BOCES facility.
Students are generally prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds.
However, students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds:
a) If authorized by a principal for a specific educational purpose;
b) Where necessary for the management of a student's health care and documented by a healthcare provider’s note;
c) On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member; or
Students must be permitted to use an Internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student's:
a) Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
b) Section 504 Plan.