District Update on New Student Internet-Enabled Devices (including Cell Phones) Policy
Dear Leonia and Edgewater School Communities,
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, I want to follow up on the recent messages sent by our building principals regarding student use of cell phones and personal internet-enabled devices.
To support the guidance shared by our ACS, LMS, and LHS principals, I am providing the overarching district-wide framework approved by the Board of Education (Policy & Regulation 5516). This district policy aligns with new New Jersey state law and NJDOE guidance to ensure a consistent, focused, and distraction-free environment across all of our schools that encourages active learning and face-to-face connection.
Starting this September, state law requires a "bell-to-bell" restriction on personal devices. If your student brings a personal device to school, it must remain powered off and kept out of sight (in a backpack or locker) from morning arrival until final dismissal.
Key Highlights of Policy & Regulation 5516
Types of Devices: The policy applies to smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, smart glasses, personal earbuds connected to personal devices, and any other internet-enabled communication device.
Bell-to-Bell Coverage: Device restrictions apply throughout the entire school day on all school grounds, including instructional classes, passing periods between classes, study halls, assemblies, and lunch.
School Buses: Per state regulation, students are also prohibited from using personal devices on school buses while traveling to and from school.
Reaching Your Child: If you need to get an urgent message to your child during the day, please call the main office directly. Our staff will make sure they get the message right away. Students who need to reach home during the day can also do so through the main office.
Off-Campus & Field Trips: Students with off-campus privileges (such as LHS open lunch or externships) may use their devices once off school grounds, but must turn them off and store them as soon as they return. Field trip device use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with prior approval by administration, and only when it directly enhances the educational experience.
District Laptops & Digital Citizenship: This policy applies to personal devices. Students will continue to use district-issued devices and educational tools for learning. Digital Citizenship lessons aligned with state standards will continue to be integrated throughout the year.
Medical Accommodations: Exceptions are honored for approved accommodations outlined in a student’s IEP, 504 Plan, language needs, or documented health plan.
Our primary goal is to implement this policy with complete clarity and consistency. Like any code of conduct violation, progressive disciplinary consequences will apply if a student does not meet expectations, as outlined in board policy and each building's student handbook.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we navigate this transition together. We understand that this state-mandated shift will be an adjustment for our students and families. However, because LMS and ACS already had strong habits in place, we expect a smooth transition across our entire school community.
While our staff will review these guidelines with students when school opens, having your support at home makes all the difference. Please take a moment to talk through these changes with your child so they arrive on the first day ready to focus, engage, and connect.
Go Lions!
Xanthy Karamanos, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
