As we prepare for the new school year, a reminder that it is now a New York State law that schools must restrict student cell phone and other personal electronic device use during the school day. This law goes into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 School Year. This means Lansingburgh students will not be permitted to use cell phones or any other personal internet-enabled devices (such as smartwatches, earbuds, or tablets) at any point during the school day.  

Overview of Policy Expectations

Starting on Monday, September 8, 2025, the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices is prohibited during the entire school day. This includes time before class, during class, passing periods at the middle/high school, recess, and lunch. Violations of this policy will result in consequences as outlined in our Code of Character, Conduct, and Support.

1. At the elementary school level, students are discouraged from bringing devices to school. Any device that is brought to school must be silenced and should be silenced and stored in a district-provided protective and locked pouch.
2. At the middle and high school level, student devices must be silenced and stored in a district-provided protective and locked pouch.

The full Lansingburgh Board of Education approved Policy #5695 can be found here and here.

Procedures for Lansingburgh Schools

Lansingburgh High School (UPDATED: Sept. 8, 2025)

• Students will be provided with a secure, lockable pouch for cell phone and other personal electronic devices (smart watches, ear buds, etc.)
• UPDATE: Students will be expected to hold onto their pouches for the entire school year.
• Upon arrival, students must turn off their devices and secure them in the assigned storage pouch. Students will keep their device sealed in the pouch and carry it or store it in their locker throughout the day.
• Students who do not have their pouch with them upon arrival will be expected to turn their phone in to the main office.
• Students who leave and return during the school day are required to repeat the storage process upon re-entry.
• Pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day.

Knickerbacker Middle School

• Students will be provided with a secure, lockable pouch for cell phone and other personal electronic devices (smart watches, ear buds, etc.)
• Students will be expected to hold onto their pouches for the entire school year.
• Upon arrival, students must turn off their devices and secure them in the assigned storage pouch. Students will keep their device sealed in the pouch and carry it or store it in their locker throughout the day.
• Students who do not have their pouch with them upon arrival will be expected to turn their phone in to the main office.
• Students who leave and return during the school day are required to repeat the storage process upon re-entry.
• Pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day.

Rensselaer Park Elementary School

• Students are strongly encouraged not to bring cell phones or other personal electronic devices (smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, etc.) to school.
• Students who do bring a cell phone or personal electronic devices to school will receive a lockable pouch for them to be stored in throughout the school day.
• Students who do not bring a cell phone or personal electronic device to school will not receive a pouch.

Turnpike Elementary School

• Students are strongly encouraged not to bring cell phones or other personal electronic devices (smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, etc.) to school.
• Students seen using a cell phone or personal electronic device during the school day may have it confiscated. If this happens, a parent/guardian will be required to pick it up for them.

Contacting Your Student

• Call Your School's Main Office: This is the best way to reach your student during school hours for any reason, especially emergencies. 
• For Emergencies: If there is an emergency (a family crisis, immediate pickup change due to an unforeseen event, etc.), please call your school's main office. There are protocols in place to get the message to your child promptly, often by calling them to the office or sending a staff member to their classroom.
  • High School Main Office: 518-233-6806
  • Middle School Main Office: 518-233-6811
  • Rensselaer Park Main Office: 518-233-6823
  • Turnpike Main Office: 518-233-6822
• For Non-Urgent Messages: It's still best to call the main office for things like reminding your students about an after-school appointment, a forgotten lunch, or a change in pickup plans. The main office will relay these messages as soon as it can. Whenever possible, please handle non-urgent matters before or after school. You can also utilize ParentSquare to communicate with your child’s teacher.
• Students Who Need to Use the Phone: If your student needs to contact you during the school day, they can request to use a school phone in the main office or other designated areas. 
• Up-to-Date Contact Information: Please be sure your contact information is up-to-date in our system, so you can receive district calls, text messages and emails.