Community Update: 08-12-2025
NCS Community,
I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer thus far. It is hard to believe that in just a few weeks, we will embark upon the 25-26 school year. All of us at NCS look forward to reconnecting with our students and of course welcoming those who are attending school for the first time. As a reminder, the first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 2nd.
Last week, building principals shared via mail detailed information for families to assist as we transition into the new school year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to either school with any questions as the first day of school approaches. We have been and continue to be extremely grateful for the support and partnership provided by our parents.
I also would like to extend gratitude to all of our summer staff employees who have diligently been working to ensure our facilities are ready for September. These efforts do not go unnoticed and of course play a key role in keeping our schools and grounds clean, safe, and operational so that instruction can take place. Similarly, we have had many teachers who have spent time in district this summer working collaboratively on curricular alignment, creating new electives, and exploring instructional pathways that will best prepare our students for success for the ever-changing world they will navigate. This is impactful work and I commend our staff for their efforts in working to provide our students with a relevant, engaging, and standards aligned curriculum.
As shared previously, NYS has passed legislation that prohibits the use of internet-abled devices in schools during the instructional day. As we look to implement this new legislation, it is important to us that we approach this from the perspective that the majority of our students regularly make good choices. As such, a level of trust exists and we want to implement this law in the most reasonable and manageable way possible. Our goal is that we can consistently implement these new expectations without creating a culture that is defined by a constant focus upon regulation of these devices. We all must do our part; I am confident that our staff, students, administrators, and families will work collaboratively through this shift and that there will be positive outcomes from it.
The key components of the new law are as follows:
- Use of all student internet-abled devices are prohibited during the entirety of the school day. This does not include the afterschool period (9th period) and as such students could use personal devices at this time.
- Schools must provide at least one method of storage for these devices. Language is vague regarding storage and lockers are permissible.
- Schools must provide a means for parents to contact students throughout the day.
Implementation at NCS:
- NCS does not plan to collect/confiscate student internet-abled devices from all students on a daily basis.
- Lockers will be the expected mode of storage for our JH/HS students. Elementary students will be expected to store internet-abled devices in cubbies/backpacks as they have been in past years.
- Parents may contact students directly through building main offices, and email can also be used for students in grades 7-12.
- Your child’s principal has shared via mail specific information (outlined in student handbooks) regarding management/consequences for internet-abled devices. These expectations will also be reviewed with students upon their return to school. NCS has also (per law), revised our cell phone policy and conduct of conduct to align with this new legislation. Those documents can be accessed via the link below for your reference:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EN9vWP7QbxEpUylkA2caBrAZAA8Tp6Ua?usp=sharing
As with all new laws and mandates, we will carefully evaluate our approach to implementation this year. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated as we work to create an environment in school where distractions are minimized and student learning is maximized.
Lastly, I would like to remind our families that there is still time to register your children in grades 7-12 for participation in school athletics. We are fortunate to offer a variety of opportunities for students and research indicates that students who are involved in sports and other extra-curriculars (music, arts, clubs, etc.) tend to be happier, healthier, and achieve at higher levels academically. I appreciate the conversations you may have with your child regarding the benefits of becoming involved. Below you will find the Family ID link should you be interested in registering your child for fall athletic participation.
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/naples-central-school-district-athletics
I hope you enjoy the remaining days of summer and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We look forward to partnering with you and to a successful 25-26 school year at NCS!
Sincerely,
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent
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