Classes are back in session at the Croton-Harmon Union Free School District, and students, staff and parents can all expect one major change: No more cellphones.

Gov. Kathy Hochul implemented the ban earlier this year, which officially takes effect in September. It requires statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools. The governor developed and enacted this initiative based on feedback from teachers, parents and students.

Under the new regulations, school districts across New York developed their own policy for restricting smartphones. A list of phone-free school plans for public schools, charter schools and BOCES across New York can be found here.

For Croton-Harmon schools, students are prohibited from using personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. That not only includes not being able to use any smartphones, but also tablets, smartwatches or other devices capable of connecting to the internet. These devices cannot be used in any school building, athletic field or playground, even during moments when classes aren't in session. That includes recess, study halls and passing time between classes.

During those times, students at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School will have to store their phones in cubbies. For students at Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, they will have to store them in their lockers, while students at Croton-Harmon High School will have to store their phones in classroom pouches or caddies.

In any cases of an emergency, parents may contact their child by calling the main office of their child's school. If a student needs to contact their parent during the school day, they may ask to do so in the designated school office.

A full, detailed explanation of the school's cell phone policy can be found here.