District Policy Update

Posted by: Brandon Pelkey, Superintendent

Date: 8/12/25

New York State Education Department (SED) Guidelines on Device Use

In response to updated guidance from SED, Malone Central School District has revised its cell phone and internet-enabled device policy. Our original ban, which went into effect in July 2023, remains in place—with new clarifications required by the state.

Policy Overview

  • Devices are prohibited during all parts of the school day, including lunch, recess, and passing periods.

  • Secondary students must store devices in school-issued lockers.

    • 1st offense: phone turned into the main office, returned at day’s end.

    • 2nd offense: parent must retrieve the phone.

    • Further offenses: the student must turn in the device to the office each morning.

  • Elementary students must keep devices in backpacks throughout the school day.

How to Contact Your Child During the Day

Parents and guardians can reach students through the following methods:

  • School Office Phone:

    • Davis: 518-483-7802

    • Flanders: 518-483-7803

    • St. Joseph’s: 518-483-7806

    • MMS: 518-483-7801

    • Franklin Academy: 518-483-7807

  • Emergency calls via the classroom phone system

  • Written messages delivered by school staff

This contact information will also be shared annually and at the time of student enrollment.

We appreciate your support in helping us create a focused and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

For questions or concerns, please contact your child's building principal.