Documents › Board of Education, 2026-08-27

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August 27 implementation presentation covering high-school phone storage and consequences and the district's grade-specific technology reset. It describes limited K-2 iPad exceptions, classroom device storage in grades 3-4, more intentional middle-school use, and high-school instructional alternatives. This presentation explains intended practice; it is not by itself evidence of a board vote.

Also attached to this agenda item: Technology Reset and Cell Phone Policy Implementation

CHHS Cell Phone Policy 2026-2027 Implementation Plan L CHHS Cell Phone Policy EXPECTATIONS: Students will be expected to: ● Store their phones in classroom phone cubbies/phone stadiums when entering the classroom. They will remain stored for the entire period. ● Follow an “off and away” policy during free periods and community lunch. PROGRESSION OF CONSEQUENCES 1. First offense: Verbal warning and communication with parent/guardian. 2. Second offense: Teacher/Administrator/Staff Member asks student to place the phone in an envelope, which will be brought to the main office. The student can pick it up at the end of the day. Communication with parent/guardian. 3. Third+ offense: Same as above, but the parent/guardian will be asked to pick up the phone. If it persists, the student will be asked to check the phone into the office in the morning, and they can pick it up at the end of the day. CHANGES: Eliminate the teacher holding the phone for the period after verbal warning. Implementing envelope system to manage collection Communication August 27: Faculty Meeting September 1: Opening Day Assembly September 4: Family Weekly Reminders as Needed ●Every student will put their phone in the classroom cubby on the way in to class or study hall and pick it up at the end of class. ●There should be no reason to have a cell phone once class begins, and you cannot take it with you if you leave to go to the restroom. ●Consequences will include holding your device in the main office for the entire day. Then, if there are further incidents, your parent/guardian will be asked to pick up your phone in order for it to be returned. ●Phones are not allowed to be used in common areas during the school day, including the cafeteria during community lunch. ●This is NYS law, and we are expected to comply. Please respect the rules so that we do not need to become more restrictive (ie. collecting phones from bell to bell) Cell Phone Policy Reminders Addition of Lunch Monitor CHANGES WHICH SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION All 9th graders will be scheduled into study halls, which is a more controlled environment with a phone cubby. The afternoon is reduced to two mandatory sessions, rather than two out of three, which again is more time spent in a more controlled environment with phone storage. Because of the size and layout of the cafeteria, and the use of the main hallway and rotunda during lunch periods, a third lunch monitor will be hired. These supervisors, along with admin team, will help to enforce the policy. Create opportunities for student leaders to educate their peers on responsible phone use, which is also valuable beyond the walls of CHHS. Freshmen Study Halls Tiger Learning Conference Student Voice CHUFSD Tech Reset 2026-27 School Year CHUFSD Tech Reset Since June June 2026 Teacher Summit K-12 representative teachers met to discuss instructional technology, its role in the classroom, and impact on student well-being. June 2026 Tech Reset Issued "Tech Reset" communications based on the work of the teacher committee. July 2026 New Analog Resources Purchasing of hands-on tools to promote and actively support student learning. Jul-Aug 2026 Research Continued community conversations, reading, and faculty collaboration. August 2026 Refining Refinement of practices to reflect targeted shift in K-2 usage, as well as overall reduced technology use in all grades. Examples of Hands-On Instructional Tools for 26-27 Math Games & Manipulatives Screen-free tools to build math fluency, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Ex: Math Splat, Clumsy Thief, Fraction Dominoes, Magna-Tiles, Brain Flakes. Libraries & Listening Centers Multi-copy sets, books on CD, and audio equipment to support literacy and independent reading. Ex: I Survived, Maddi’s Fridge, Listening CD players, headphones. Critical Thinking & ELA Fast-finisher materials and challenge workbooks to build vocabulary, logic, and early research. Ex: Murdle Jr., Perplexors, Bananagrams, Boggle, student dictionaries. Audio, Movement & Sensory Focus Equipment and physical tools to support whole-class focus, movement breaks, and calm classroom regulation. Ex: Bluetooth speakers, movement CDs & dice, chair kickbands, noise-canceling headphones. Makerspace & Interactive Learning Hands-on STEM challenge kits and building activities to encourage student-led exploration and engineering. Ex: STEM Challenge cards, Pegboard Puzzles, Wooden Tetris, Marble Runs. Grades K–2: Limited iPad Exception Rules Exception 01 Required STAR Online Assessments Administered three times per year to support instructional planning and fulfill state teacher evaluation requirements. Exception 02 Approved Project-Based Learning Occasional collaborative projects specifically reviewed and approved by school administration. Outside of these two specific purposes, students in Grades K–2 will not use iPads in the classroom. Grades 3–4: Cart-Based Access Desk-Free Device Storage SHIFT 01 No Desk Storage Students in Grades 3 and 4 will no longer keep iPads at their individual desks. SHIFT 02 Classroom Carts Devices will be securely housed in classroom carts or classroom storage solutions, accessed only during structured, teacher-led activities that require digital tools. BENEFIT 03 Clear Desks Keeps workspaces clear for active writing, hands-on math, group problem-solving, and physical book reading. By keeping devices in classroom carts/storage, classrooms prioritize active, hands-on learning experiences. Grades 5-8 Reflection & Reimagining The shared commitments outlined in June will be reviewed with the faculty at our Opening Day Faculty Meeting on August 27th to reflect on shifts made in instructional practices. Intentional Technology Shared Understanding As part of our “Anchor the Experience” priority, our staff will spend time on August 27th and throughout the year exploring best practices for intentional technology use. Continued Commitment Students will continue the practices that began in 25-26 school year: ● 5th Grade devices will stay in school. ● 6th Grade devices will stay in school over the weekend. ● All devices will remain in school over breaks. Grades 5-8 Lab Period We have reevaluated and readjusted the LAB requirements for all grades with regard to technology use. The purpose of this time is intervention and enrichment. The use of online programs will be in accordance with individual student needs as opposed to a standard time requirement. Classroom Storage Devices will be securely housed in classroom storage solutions, accessed only during structured, teacher-led activities that require digital tools. Substitute Teachers Substitute Teachers will have clear training and expectations around device usage when a teacher is not present. For example, technology should not be used as a reward and should be carefully monitored. Grades 9-12 Reflection & Reimagining The shared commitments outlined will be reviewed with the faculty at our Opening Day Faculty Meeting on August 27th to reflect on shifts made in instructional practices Instructional Planning At the high school level, our focus is on alternatives to: ● Beginning or concluding instructional blocks with students utilizing devices ● Using video-based lessons for first-time content delivery or initial teaching ● Using technology as a regular component of substitute teacher lesson plans Professional Learning The instructional coaches prioritize assisting educators in designing lessons that thoughtfully incorporate technology when it can enhance instruction. They will also model creative and meaningful ways to introduce and wrap-up lessons that are technology-free.