Updated Student Electronics Policy and Disciplinary Procedures
Date: August 20, 2026
Dear Sussex County Technical School Parents / Guardians and Students,
As we prepare to open our doors for the 2026–2027 school year, we are writing to share our preliminary guidelines to the Internet-Enabled Devices Use / Cell Phones Policy. This letter serves as a formal notice regarding New Jersey State Law (P.L. 2025, c. 195), which mandates a full "bell-to-bell" ban on personal internet-enabled devices in all public schools. We know this will be a big change for everyone, but we are looking for a smooth transition for our school as we navigate this new law at SCTS.
Beginning on the first day of school, all personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart glasses, and wireless earbuds, must be turned off and stored in the student's locker for the entirety of the school day. This applies from the first morning bell until the final dismissal bell, including during lunch periods, study halls, and class transitions. Our policy will require students to store your devices in your locker or leave them at home or in your car for the older students.
We want to be transparent and clear in our expectations…devices must be completely powered down and stored out of sight for the entirety of the school day.
Of course, it may take some time to adjust and adapt to this new law, but it is our expectation that it starts from DAY 1. Violations of this policy and the code of conduct will be addressed under our progressive discipline structure. A first violation results in device confiscation and a referral to the Vice Principal’s Office and will require the student to serve a 1-hour detention. Repeated infractions will carry escalating consequences, which will require a parent or guardian to physically pick up the device from the school and may result in further disciplinary consequences.
The new law does allow for specific and very limited exceptions which must be In accordance with NJDOE guidance and district policy, exceptions to the bell-to-bell restriction may be permitted. Please refer to the NJ DOE “frequently asked questions guide” or New Jersey Public Law 2025 Chapter 195.
https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/digital/docs/FAQsInternetEnbaledDevices_July2026.pdf
To maintain a focused learning environment while keeping families connected, please note the following protocols:
● Main Office Contact: For emergency or urgent family communications, please contact the main office directly. Our staff will promptly deliver messages to your child.
● Student-Initiated Calls: Students needing to contact a parent or guardian may request access to any office area phone.
● Emergency Closure Pick-Up: In the event of an unplanned school closure, the district will utilize centralized communication channels (email, school website, and the Informacast system) and execute designated pick-up and sign-out procedures.
Please see the attached resources for your review with your children:
NJ DOE Information - https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/digital/
SCTS Policy - Will be finalized and sent out following the BOE meeting on 8/26/26
New Jersey Law - https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/PL25/195_.PDF
We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students' mental health, academic engagement, and personal connection. Please feel free to direct any questions or exception requests to the SCTS Administration.
Warm regards,
Christopher Carrubba
Sussex County Technical School
Dear Sussex County Technical School Parents / Guardians and Students,
As we prepare to open our doors for the 2026–2027 school year, we are writing to share our preliminary guidelines to the Internet-Enabled Devices Use / Cell Phones Policy. This letter serves as a formal notice regarding New Jersey State Law (P.L. 2025, c. 195), which mandates a full "bell-to-bell" ban on personal internet-enabled devices in all public schools. We know this will be a big change for everyone, but we are looking for a smooth transition for our school as we navigate this new law at SCTS.
Beginning on the first day of school, all personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart glasses, and wireless earbuds, must be turned off and stored in the student's locker for the entirety of the school day. This applies from the first morning bell until the final dismissal bell, including during lunch periods, study halls, and class transitions. Our policy will require students to store your devices in your locker or leave them at home or in your car for the older students.
We want to be transparent and clear in our expectations…devices must be completely powered down and stored out of sight for the entirety of the school day.
Of course, it may take some time to adjust and adapt to this new law, but it is our expectation that it starts from DAY 1. Violations of this policy and the code of conduct will be addressed under our progressive discipline structure. A first violation results in device confiscation and a referral to the Vice Principal’s Office and will require the student to serve a 1-hour detention. Repeated infractions will carry escalating consequences, which will require a parent or guardian to physically pick up the device from the school and may result in further disciplinary consequences.
The new law does allow for specific and very limited exceptions which must be In accordance with NJDOE guidance and district policy, exceptions to the bell-to-bell restriction may be permitted. Please refer to the NJ DOE “frequently asked questions guide” or New Jersey Public Law 2025 Chapter 195.
https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/digital/docs/FAQsInternetEnbaledDevices_July2026.pdf
To maintain a focused learning environment while keeping families connected, please note the following protocols:
● Main Office Contact: For emergency or urgent family communications, please contact the main office directly. Our staff will promptly deliver messages to your child.
● Student-Initiated Calls: Students needing to contact a parent or guardian may request access to any office area phone.
● Emergency Closure Pick-Up: In the event of an unplanned school closure, the district will utilize centralized communication channels (email, school website, and the Informacast system) and execute designated pick-up and sign-out procedures.
Please see the attached resources for your review with your children:
NJ DOE Information - https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/digital/
SCTS Policy - Will be finalized and sent out following the BOE meeting on 8/26/26
New Jersey Law - https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/PL25/195_.PDF
We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students' mental health, academic engagement, and personal connection. Please feel free to direct any questions or exception requests to the SCTS Administration.
Warm regards,
Christopher Carrubba
Sussex County Technical School
