August 2025
Dear Cleveland Hill Elementary Families,
I am writing to you today to address the recent announcement regarding the new New York State cell phone policy and to clarify what this means for our elementary school community.
While the state has issued new guidelines, I want to assure you that our long-standing policy at Cleveland Hill Elementary will remain consistent. We believe that a focused learning environment, free from distractions, is paramount for our young students.
Therefore, our "Away for the Day" procedure continues to be in effect. If your child chooses to bring an internet-enabled device, such as, but not limited to, a cell phone or a smartwatch, to school, it must be stored in their backpack and remain turned off or on silent mode for the entire school day. This means devices should not be visible or used at any time from the moment students arrive until they are dismissed. If an urgent need arises and you need to communicate with your child, please call the main office at (716) 836-7200 so we can assist you.
This policy mirrors what we have always done at Cleveland Hill Elementary, and we appreciate your continued partnership in upholding this expectation. It helps us ensure that our classrooms are environments where teaching and learning can thrive without interruption.
Please also be aware that if students choose to bring these devices with them to school, they do so at their own risk. The Cleveland Hill School District is not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal electronic devices brought onto school property.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to maintain a productive and safe learning environment for all our students.
Sincerely,
Rose Kowalski
Principal, Cleveland Hill Elementary School
rkowalski@clevehill.org