- Frontier Central School District
- Cell Phone/Digital Device Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are you implementing this policy?
We want our Frontier students to be 100% engaged in learning.
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Are there exceptions to this rule?
Yes. There is an exception for students who utilize a digital device to monitor a documented medical need. A note from a licensed physician will be required to be on file with the building's medical staff.
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Can students use cell phones before and after school?
Yes.
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Can students use cell phones on school buses?
Yes. They may appropriately use them before and after school.
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How can students get messages to families?
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during school hours, they should go to the school's main office to make a call. School staff will assist them.
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How can families get messages to students?
Families can call/email the main office.
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How will students contact authorities if there is an emergency?
Students should go to a teacher or staff member. There are also phones in nearly every instructional space. Students should not use digital devices during emergency/fire drills, unless authorized by a school official(s).
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What happens in a safety or weather event?
Families should rely on factual information from the School or District. Currently, Frontier protocols include the use of phone, email, text, website and social media notification for sharing information and updates with families.
No Cell Phone Policy
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Administrative Guidelines on Cell Phone/Digital Device Use for Grades UPK-8
The Frontier Central School District is implementing its new "no cell phone/digital device" guidelines that apply to all students in universal pre-kindergarten through grade 8. The purpose of these guidelines is to create an optimal learning environment for all students, to ensure digital device use at school does not disrupt the educational environment, and to protect students' privacy and well-being. The guidelines are effective May 7, 2025 through the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Research consistently shows that restricting cell phone use during school hours leads to significant improvements in both academic performance and student behavior. By minimizing distractions, the District hopes to help students focus more effectively on their studies and better engage in classroom activities. Additionally, reducing screen time during the school day supports better mental health and overall well-being.
Frontier emphasizes the importance of parents discussing the new rule with their children and encouraging them to embrace it as a positive step toward their academic and personal growth.
Violations of the digital device guidelines will result in disciplinary actions that will escalate depending on the number of infractions, up to and including detention and/or suspension.
These guidelines will be reviewed at the end of the 2024-25 school year and updated as needed to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the school community. The District will continue to solicit information and input from the school community as we progress through this transitional period. All Districts across New York State are expecting regulatory guidelines from Governor Kathy Hochul regarding digital device use at schools, including grades 9-12, by July 1, 2025. Upon review of the best practices and continued conversations over the summer months, the District will outline universal digital device guidelines for grades UPK-12 next school year.
Additional information on the guidelines was recently released by the District. That information can be found here.
