Cell Phone Policy Letter to Families

August 2025

Dear Center for Career Services Students and Families,

We are writing to inform you about an important update regarding our school's cell phone policy for the upcoming school year. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has implemented a new cell phone ban, aligning with recent legislation signed by Governor Hochul on May 9, 2025.

We understand that transitioning to a no-cell-phone-use environment may present challenges, especially for our high school students. However, we are committed to supporting our students throughout this adjustment. 

Although students are generally prohibited from using personal Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds, students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds under certain circumstances including but not limited to necessity for the management of a student's health care and where required by law, or where the use is included in the student’s Individualized Education program (IEP), or Section 50. 

Please review the SWBOCES Cell Phone Policy #7136 for full details.

You can also find information regarding the policy in our Center for Career Services Student Handbook. CCS has elected to install cell phone storage units in each classroom for devices. The new policy will be thoroughly reviewed with students on the first day of school and also included in each instructor’s syllabus. 

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our main office and we will direct your call accordingly. If your child needs to contact you, the main office and guidance office will have a phone available for use. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring a focused and productive learning environment for all our students. We look forward to a wonderful 25-26 school year!

Warmest Wishes,

Jaclyn De Lao
Principal of Center for Career Services
Southern Westchester BOCES
(914) 716-3400
Email: JDeLao@swboces.org