A message from Superintendent Mayberry
Dear GCSD families,
Beginning Sept. 4, Guilderland will join districts across New York in creating distraction-free classrooms. Personal electronic devices, including cellphones, smartwatches, Bluetooth or wireless headphones, and other mobile devices, must be turned off and put away during the school day.
This initiative is about more than setting devices aside; it allows students to focus, form connections, and participate fully in class. By removing distractions, students can engage in learning, perform at their best, and develop the important life skill of balancing technology use. It also promotes a safer, more supportive school environment by reducing opportunities for bullying and supporting student well-being.
Research shows nearly three out of four high school teachers consider phones a major distraction, and almost all teens admit to using them during the school day. Limiting distractions helps students engage more deeply in learning, build stronger relationships, and participate in meaningful classroom discussions, fostering a stronger sense of school community.
What this looks like in our schools
- At our elementary and middle schools, devices must be turned off and placed in a locker or cubby.
- At the high school, students will store devices in a Yondr pouch provided by the district, to be opened at the end of the school day.
What about emergencies?
We know that families value safety and clear communication, and ensuring both remains our top priority.
Every classroom has a phone, staff are trained in emergency protocols, and schools regularly practice safety drills. In the event of an emergency, the district will communicate directly with families through ParentSquare.
It’s important to remember that if students are distracted by their personal devices during an emergency, they may miss critical instructions. In addition, large numbers of calls at once can overwhelm emergency communication channels and delay response time. Our protocols are designed to keep communication clear for first responders and ensure that families receive timely, accurate information.
Connecting with our community
Helping students focus and engage fully is a shared effort, and we value the role families and the community play in supporting this work. As I begin my first school year at GCSD, I am eager to connect with families, staff, and community members to listen, learn, and build relationships. Over the next several weeks, I will be attending a variety of school meetings and events to get to know our school community. Take a look at the schedule for opportunities to meet with me in September and early October. I hope to see you there and look forward to hearing your thoughts and working together.
Lastly, here’s a transportation update: bus routes have been set. For further details, please visit this link.
Thank you for your partnership as we begin this exciting new school year together.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Mayberry