First day of school begins with phone ban for LI students
Port Jefferson students store their phones in their lockers for the entirety of the school day. They can use their phones after the last bell rings.
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Schools across Long Island are adapting to a new state mandate banning students from having a cellphone during the school day.
Port Jefferson students store their phones in their lockers for the entirety of the school day. They can use their phones after the last bell rings.
As News 12 has reported, this mandate has many parents concerned about contacting their child in case of an emergency.
"We have a school management system where our parents are alerted live in time of what is actively taking place," said John Ruggero, Port Jefferson High School principal.
Ruggero says there is a landline in the main office for students, if needed.
"I think they should be allowed to use it during lunch, maybe study hall. But other than that, no, I agree. I think they should be in the lockers locked up," said Don Pollard, a parent with a child in Port Jefferson High School.
Tenth grader Olivia Andriani agrees.
"Really actively listening to the teachers and what they're saying to you and processing everything a lot better than you would be when you have your phone next to you," she said.
The ban also includes lunch. The school got a foosball table to keep students active and social.
"I think it's just allowed us to participate more with each other and in class as well," said 10th grader Sara Pupolo.
Another new state law went into effect. Schools need to take precautions once a room gets to 82 degrees. Schools cannot keep children in classrooms once it reaches 88 degrees.
