Ithaca City School District

The District Download

A new state law goes into effect this fall: students will not be allowed to use personal internet-enabled devices—like phones and smartwatches—during the school day, from the first bell to the last. This email series breaks down what that means, how the ICSD is supporting students, and how families can help make the transition a positive one.

Bell-to-Bell Device Restrictions to Begin for the 2025-26 School Year

Beginning this fall, a new state law requires that students keep personal internet-enabled devices—like phones and smartwatches—away and off during the school day, from the first bell to the last.

This shift is happening in all New York State public schools and is designed to give students more space to focus, connect, and thrive.

At the ICSD, we’re centering this change around one key idea: when students are fully present, powerful learning and connection happen.

We’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks, including:

  • How this policy will be implemented in our schools

  • Important dates and details

  • Ways to talk with your student about the shift

Thank you for supporting strong, focused learning environments.

Project 4 Play performance

💬 Conversations You Can Start at Home

  • Will Governor Hochul’s policy impact the way we communicate with each other?

  • Do screens ever get in the way of connecting with friends or family?

  • What are some rules that could be set as a family to help everyone use technology in a healthy way?

🧠 What Students Gain

  1. Increased focus and academic performance
    🔗 Harvard Business Review

  2. Improved mental health and well-being

    🔗 JAMA Network

  3. Stronger in-person social skills

    🔗 Harvard Ed Magazine Article

  4. More sleep, less stress

    🔗 CDC on Sleep and Screen Use

Students entering a school building

📲 How to Stay Connected During the Day

  • If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call the main office of their school

  • To ensure you receive important updates from the district and your child’s school, verify that your contact information in SchoolTool is accurate and that you’re set up to receive messages

  • Download the ICSD app from the App Store or Google Play

  • If your child rides the bus, download Stopfinder, an app that allows caregivers to track their child’s school bus in real time

Person in the crowd recording a video on her phone

📆 Key Dates

Board Policy Work Session
August 5 | 5 p.m.

Board HR Work Session
August 5 | 6 p.m.

Board Voting Meeting
August 12 | 5 p.m.

First Days of School
September 3 and 4

For FAQs, additional information, and the latest updates, please visit our website. We’re continuously adding new details, so check back regularly!

We encourage you to share your thoughts with us through the Let's Talk portal.