Dear Fairport families, 

The Fairport Central School District Board of Education has approved a policy regarding the student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This policy was developed in accordance with the NYS Governor’s “Distraction- Free Schools” mandate and in consultation with the District’s attorney. The District also received feedback from students, families and staff. The corresponding regulation that supports this policy will be implemented in each of our buildings.

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, and in order to develop safe and engaging learning environments, foster social emotional wellness, and increase connection and relationships, as well as comply with New York State law, students in the Fairport Central School District are required to: 

• Refrain from using personal electronic devices anywhere on school grounds during the school day unless explicitly authorized by building leadership.
• Store personal electronic devices in lockers for the duration of the school day, and/or as directed by school staff. 

 

Click here for FAQs regarding the FCSD policy and regulation.

 

Please note that in the FCSD policy, “personal electronic devices” include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones and/or other devices that are capable of connecting to the internet and/or social media applications. 

Fairport provides powerful technology tools to our students as a 1:1 District. Our students use District devices - including Chromebooks, desktop computers and tablets - throughout the school day. These devices are internet-enabled and allow students to access a wide range of District-verified tools, apps and resources that would otherwise require a smart device or personal laptop.

We know that the ability for parents/guardians to communicate with their students during the school day is important to Fairport families. Parents/guardians should contact the school office via phone for any urgent needs during the school day, or use other appropriate means to contact their children during the school day, as directed by their building principal. Administrators will share their school-specific communication plans with families by August 29, 2025.

Exemptions to this policy will be granted, as determined appropriate by the District, for students who it is determined require access for medical or educational accommodations, as determined by the Committee on Special Education or Section 504 Committee.

The District understands that this policy and its rollout requires the partnership and support of all families. We encourage all of our Fairport families to discuss this policy with their students before the beginning of the school year and to set expectations about how this policy will affect their time at school. We know that the implementation of this policy may be subject to change as new guidance is issued by New York State and as the District navigates the transition to our “Off and Away All Day” policy. The Board will continue to review this policy and how it is being regulated in our schools, and will gather feedback throughout the year to inform their advocacy efforts.

Over the next several weeks, families will receive communications from their building administrators with more detailed communication plans and resources from our Student Services Department to assist families with this transition. 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation,

 

Brett Provenzano

Superintendent of Schools