Annual Enforcement Report: Distraction-Free Schools Policy
(NYS Education Law § 2803)
Students (UPK-12) are not allowed to use internet-enabled devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the entire school day while on school grounds, including class time, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing periods.
Exceptions are allowed when device use is:
Parents should contact students through the school office, classroom phone system (for
emergencies), or by leaving written messages with the office.
Students cannot be suspended solely for violating this device policy. The district will publish an annual report on policy enforcement and address any disparities in how the policy is applied. The policy will also be posted online and translated into multiple languages upon request.
Holland Central School District Reporting Period: 2025–2026
Date of Publication: August 12, 2026
In compliance with New York State Education Law Section 2803, passed in the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, the Holland Central School District implemented its updated Distraction-Free Schools Policy for the 2025–2026 school year. This "bell-to-bell" mandate requires all internet-enabled personal devices (including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets) to be turned off and securely stored from the beginning to the end of the instructional day.
The primary objectives of this policy are to maximize academic focus, reduce digital distractions, improve students' mental wellness, and foster real-world social connections. As mandated by state law, the district follows a progressive, educational, and non-exclusionary disciplinary framework; no student may be suspended solely for a violation of this policy.
This annual report provides a transparent, data-driven overview of policy enforcement across our schools, evaluates potential demographic disparities, and outlines corrective measures where necessary.
1. Policy Overview
Provide a brief description of the distraction-free schools policy, including grades covered, devices covered, enforcement expectations, and any notable implementation details.
Students (UPK-12) are not allowed to use internet-enabled devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the entire school day while on school grounds, including class time, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing periods.
Exceptions are allowed when device use is:
• Approved for an educational purpose by school staff.
• Needed for a student's health care.
• Required during an emergency.
• Used for translation services.
• Approved for certain student caregivers.
• Required by law or included in a student's IEP or Section 504 Plan.
• Needed for a student's health care.
• Required during an emergency.
• Used for translation services.
• Approved for certain student caregivers.
• Required by law or included in a student's IEP or Section 504 Plan.
Students must store all personal internet-enabled devices in their assigned school lockers during the school day and may not keep them in their pockets, backpacks, or on their person.
Parents should contact students through the school office, classroom phone system (for
emergencies), or by leaving written messages with the office.
Students cannot be suspended solely for violating this device policy. The district will publish an annual report on policy enforcement and address any disparities in how the policy is applied. The policy will also be posted online and translated into multiple languages upon request.
2. Enforcement Summary
| Measure | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Student Enrollment | 784 |
| Students Receiving at Least One Violation | 5 |
| Total Violations Recorded | 5 |
| Verbal Warnings | 0 |
| Device Confiscations | 5 |
| Parent Notifications | 5 |
| Detentions | 2 |
| Other Disciplinary Actions | 0 |
3. Demographic Analysis
Provide non-identifiable demographic information regarding students who faced disciplinary action for noncompliance with the policy.
| Demographic Group | Enrollment | Students Disciplined |
|---|---|---|
|
Female |
45% | 0.003% |
| Male | 55% | 0.009% |
| Students with Disabilities | 20.2% | 0.019% |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 34.9% | 0.007% |
| English Language Learners | 0.9% | 0.000% |
| White | 94.4% | 0.005% |
| Black/African America | 0.4% | 0.000% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 2.3% | 0.056% |
| Asian | 0.1% | 0.000% |
| Multiracial | 2.6% |
0.000% |
| Other | 0.3% | 0.000% |
4. Findings and Interpretation
Describe trends observed in the data, identify any disparities, discuss possible contributing factors, and explain how the district/BOCES will continue monitoring enforcement practices.
Based on our current data, there are no identified trends or disparities. The district will continue with its policy enforcement by focusing on educating students and using preventative measures.
Based on our current data, there are no identified trends or disparities. The district will continue with its policy enforcement by focusing on educating students and using preventative measures.
5. Statistical Significance Determination
Was a statistically significant disparate impact identified?
☐ Yes [X] No
☐ Yes [X] No
6. Mitigation Action Plan (Complete Only if Required)
N/A