Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Warsaw CSD Internet-Enabled Devices Policy
1. Why is the school banning internet-enabled devices during the school day?
The policy is designed to eliminate distractions, improve student focus and engagement, reduce cyberbullying, and enhance safety and security within the school environment.
2. What if my child needs to contact me during the day?
Students may use the main office phone to contact parents if needed. Parents can also call the main office if they need to reach their child during school hours.
3. What happens in case of an emergency?
The school has a safety and communication plan in place. Every classroom and office is equipped with a network phone.
4. Where will my child store their device?
Students who bring a device to school must power it off before the 7:50 AM bell and store it in their locker. The device must remain powered off, out of sight, and may not be accessed at any time during the school day. Devices may only be powered on after dismissal at 2:40 in the Elementary School and 2:50 PM in the Middle-High School.
5. Can my child use their device during lunch or study hall?
No. The policy dictates that this is a bell-to-bell ban of internet-enabled devices. Furthermore, research and experience show that allowing devices during unstructured times leads to increased cyberbullying, distractions, and privacy concerns.
6. What are the consequences if my child violates the policy?
1st Violation: Device confiscated; student may pick it up at the end of the day.
2nd Violation: Device confiscated; student may pick it up at the end of the day and student will serve detention (3:00 - 3:45 PM).
3rd Violation: Device confiscated; student may pick it up at the end of the day and student will serve extended detention (3:00 - 5:00 PM).
4th Violation & Beyond: Device confiscated; student may pick it up at the end of the day and will be subject to progressive disciplinary action.
7. How will students get updates about sports cancellations, bus changes, or other important notices?
All updates will be announced during AM/PM school announcements.
8. Are there any exceptions to the student technology use mandate?
Yes, exceptions are allowed when use is authorized for health needs, emergencies, translation services, legal mandates, or when required by a student’s 504 Plan or IEP.
9. How will the school enforce this policy?
Staff will monitor compliance. Any student found with a device during school hours will have it confiscated immediately, and disciplinary consequences will be enforced per the policy.
10. What about my child’s mental health?
Warsaw CSD has a dedicated staff including our administrators, teachers, social-emotional team, nurses, and staff who are trained to assist with any student needs. We do our very best to offer our students support and opportunities to cope with any problems they have throughout each day.
11. Who can I contact if I have concerns about this policy?
For further questions, please contact the school administration or visit the district website for more details.
12. What are the extensions to connect me with each building?
Middle-High School 585-786-8000 ext. 3601 (Main Office)
Elementary School 585-786-8000 ext. 3201 (Main Office)
July 2025 Dear Warsaw CSD Families,
We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. As we prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, we want to share an important update regarding our internet-enabled device policy, including cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices. After careful review of our Code of Conduct and in alignment with Governor Hochul’s new cell phone ban, Warsaw CSD is implementing a revised device policy to ensure the best possible learning environment, student engagement, and school safety.
Beginning this school year, students will not be allowed to have access to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, or any personal internet-enabled device during the school day. All devices must be powered off before the first bell and stored in a locker (secured with a school-provided lock at the Middle-High School). Devices must remain powered off, out of sight, and may not be accessed at any time during the school day. School-issued Chromebooks will continue to be used for academic purposes as outlined in the district’s technology policy.
To maintain consistency, the following consequences will apply if a student does not comply with the policy. For a first violation, the device will be confiscated, and the student may pick it up at the end of the day. A second violation will result in confiscation and detention from 3:00 to 3:45 PM. A third violation will result in confiscation and an extended detention from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Any further violations will result in confiscation, and the student will be subject to progressive disciplinary action.
We understand that families may have concerns about communication, emergencies, and updates. Every classroom has a network phone for emergencies. Parents may call the main office if they need to reach their child. All updates regarding sports cancellations, bus changes, or school-wide announcements will be shared through AM/PM announcements. Our dedicated staff, counselors, nurses, and social-emotional team are available to support students throughout the school day.
We encourage families to discuss this policy with their students before the start of the school year. Additional resources and detailed information are available on the Warsaw CSD website. Thank you for your support and cooperation in helping us create a focused, safe, and positive learning environment for all students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school administration.
We look forward to a great school year ahead!
Sincerely,
Warsaw Central School District
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