Berlin schools enforce no phone policy in classrooms

CHERRY PLAIN, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- In an update to the district's code of conduct, Berlin Middle and High School will begin enforcing a new cell phone and electronic device policy this fall. The new policy will prohibit using cell phones and headphones, which must be left in students' lockers between 7:20 a.m. and 2:07 p.m. to reduce classroom distractions.

The district will host five question-and-answer sessions on the code of conduct changes, including the new cell phone and electronic device policy. During the forums, the district will detail the restorative practices of social discipline and emotional well-being with collaborative learning and decision-making.

Question and answer forums

• Petersburgh Public Library, Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 3:30 p.m.
• Berlin Middle High School, Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
• Grafton Library, Monday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m.
• Berlin Free Town Library, Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 4 p.m.
• Stephenstown Memorial Library, Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m.

Students who violate the policy will have the cell phone or device taken away, which will be returned to the student at the end of the school day for the first offense. A parent must collect the device for second offenses, and the student will be subject to discipline, such as in-school suspension.

The district said meetings will involve a parent or guardian, the student, and an administrator about the student's actions for additional offenses. The student will also face discipline, not limited to out-of-school suspension.