Dutchess County school districtsimplement state’s cellphone ban

AMENIA — The Webutuck School District is implementing a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in the wake of New York State legislation requiring public schools to create a “distraction-free” environment.

At Webutuck, students will be required to store cellphones in their lockers during the day, where the devices are to remain unused until the final bell at the end of the day.

Webutuck administrator Robert Knuschke said said there are still methods for parents to get in touch with students, including contacting the center office. “We are working on a way for kids to be able to receive emails from their parents on school devices,” Knuschke said. “But there’s never a time when the kids won’t be able to be reached by their parents through our main office.

The Millbrook and Pine Plains Central School Districts have also implemented cellphone bans in compliancewith New York State law. The policies stipulate that use of the device that violates the district’s code of conduct may result in suspension in line with established policies.