Croton-Harmon opens school with tighter device limits and new phone procedures

Croton-Harmon has begun its 2026-27 technology reset, combining tighter limits on classroom devices with revised procedures for phones at the high school. The first public reports describe teachers and students adjusting to the changes; they do not yet establish their effect on learning. At the September 3 Board of Education meeting, the superintendent's report described classroom visits during the first three days of school and a smooth transition by teachers. The board's two new student trustees ex officio, Nicky Mukherjee and Madeline Kramer, gave their first reports. One described mixed student feelings about the restrictions. The other described the technology reset as successful so far. These were early impressions, offered during the opening week. September 3 meeting

The first student representative said: “On one hand, many students are excited about putting their phones away as they won't be inclined to check them in class and ultimately get distracted.” Read 18:48▶ The same student also reported the other response: “Of course, there are some that are upset at the fact that they won't be able to use their phone or electronic device in any school area during the school day.” Read 18:54▶ The district's August 28 update sets especially narrow rules for kindergarten through second grade: iPads are reserved for the required STAR assessments three times a year and occasional projects approved by school and district administrators. In grades three and four, devices move away from student desks into classroom storage, with access for structured, teacher-led activities requiring digital tools. At the high school, teachers are to begin and end instructional blocks without students on devices and avoid video lessons for initial teaching. District technology communications Some middle-school arrangements continue practices begun in 2025-26. The August 27 presentation identifies fifth-grade devices staying at school, sixth-grade devices staying over weekends, and devices remaining at school during breaks. The reset also changes lab-period use: online work is to reflect individual student needs instead of a standard time requirement. The district's June communication says families may request device access for academic work at home through a school administrator. August 27 presentation item and attachment The high-school implementation plan presented August 27 calls for students to place phones in classroom storage for the entire period and keep them off and put away during free periods and community lunch. The revised consequence sequence begins with a verbal warning and parent contact. A second offense sends the phone in an envelope to the main office until the end of the day; a third requires parent pickup. Persistent violations can lead to morning check-in at the office. Phone implementation presentation item and attachment The underlying personal-device policy remains distinct from rules for instructional technology. Policy 5695, revised in August 2025, includes exceptions for specified educational uses, medical needs, emergencies and required accommodations. District-supplied educational devices are treated separately from personal internet-enabled devices. Parents seeking to reach a child during the day can contact the school's main office. Policy 5695 On September 3, the board also voted 6-0 to create a Community Advisory Committee on Technology to assess the role of technology in learning. Its charge includes grade-band guidance, responsible use, artificial intelligence and student privacy. The resolution asks the committee to distinguish student engagement from demonstrated learning when evaluating technology. The committee will advise the board and superintendent; it cannot set policy or direct district staff. Its final written recommendations are due by June 10, 2027. Committee resolution and recorded vote The preceding ad hoc committee's report drew on a summer survey with 182 respondents, 155 of whom identified as parents or guardians, plus two listening sessions. Respondents could select more than one role. This material describes concerns and priorities gathered before the school-year rollout, rather than results of the new rules. September 3 Board Reports item and attached committee report This report draws on the August 27 presentation, the September 3 meeting and opening-week observations. The board vote and student trustees' remarks also appear in the district's posted September 3 minutes.

Correction (October 2): An earlier version described the September 3 minutes as a draft. The current posted copy carries no draft label; the article has been updated.