August 26, 2026

Dear Glen Rock Public School Families,

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, Glen Rock Public Schools will implement a district-wide bell-to-bell restriction on student use of internet-enabled devices in accordance with New Jersey law. Our goal is to create learning environments where students can focus on instruction, engage with their peers, and be fully present throughout the school day.

The policy applies to all personal devices capable of connecting to the internet and accessing online content, including:

• Cell phones and smartphones

• Smartwatches

• Tablets

• Smart glasses

• Other personal internet-enabled devices

The restriction applies from the start-of-school bell through the dismissal bell, including lunch and passing periods at the Middle School and High School. District-issued technology, such as school-provided laptops or tablets, may continue to be used for educational purposes as directed by teachers.

Students who bring an internet-enabled device to school must keep it turned off and stored as directed by their school for the duration of the school day. Students are responsible for the security of their personal devices; the district is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal devices brought to school. 

When a high school student leaves school grounds, whether for an open lunch period, Option privilege, internship, or other purpose, the student may be permitted to use his/her internet-enabled device. However, immediately upon returning to school grounds, the student’s internet-enabled device must be stored for the remainder of the school day in accordance with Regulation 5516.

We recognize that this represents a change in daily routines for many of our students and families at the high school. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to make this transition successful and to comply with New Jersey legislation, while we ensure that our schools remain places where students can learn and connect with fewer digital distractions.

Please familiarize yourself with the rules below regarding personal internet-connected devices. We appreciate your support as we all work together to create a learning environment in which all of our students can thrive.

Best wishes for a successful school year,

Mr. Gregory Van Nest
Acting Superintendent of Schools

K–5 Storage Rules and Consequences for Device Use
For students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, personal internet-enabled devices must remain turned off and stored in the student's backpack or other bag throughout the school day.

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 are prohibited from using their internet-enabled device on school grounds before the start of the regular school day and on school grounds after the regular school day except to contact a parent/caregiver before or after school.

If an elementary student uses a personal internet-enabled device in violation of the policy, the following consequences will apply:

• First Offense: The device will be collected by a staff member and held in the Principal’s or designee’s office for the remainder of the school day. The student may retrieve the device at dismissal and will be required to acknowledge the violation.

• Second and Third Offense: The device will be held in the Principal’s or designee’s office. A parent/guardian will be required to pick up the device and acknowledge the violation at the end of the school day. If the parent cannot pick up the device by the end of the school day, the parent may pick up the internet-enabled device before the end of the next or any subsequent school day.

• More than Three Offenses: The device will be held in the Principal’s office, with the parent/guardian required to pick it up, and the student may face consequences based on the school Code of Conduct.

Middle and High School Storage Rules and Consequences for Device Use
For students in Grades 6–12, personal internet-enabled devices must be turned off and stored in the student’s assigned locker throughout the school day. The district will provide each student with a lock for his/her locker.

Students in Grades 6–12 may use their devices before and after the regular school day and while traveling to and from school events on a school bus. During the school day, including school-sponsored activities and field trips, devices may only be used when an approved exception applies.

If a student uses a personal internet-enabled device in violation of the policy, the following consequences will apply:

• First Offense: Device is held in the Principal’s or designee’s office for the remainder of the school day. The student may retrieve the device from the office at dismissal and will be required to sign an acknowledgement of the violation. One after-school detention will be assigned.

• Second Offense: Device is held in the Principal’s or designee’s office and must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the Hamilton Lobby Security Desk between 3-4 p.m. The parent/guardian will be required to sign an acknowledgement of the violation. Two after-school detentions will be assigned.

• Third Offense: Device is held in the Principal’s or designee’s office and must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the Hamilton Lobby Security Desk between 3-4 p.m. The parent/guardian will be required to sign an acknowledgement of the violation. One day of in-school suspension will be assigned.

• Fourth Offense: Device is held in the Principal’s or designee’s office and must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the Hamilton Lobby Security Desk between 3-4 p.m. The parent/guardian will be required to sign an acknowledgement of the violation. One day of out-of-school suspension will be assigned.

• More Than Four Offenses: Device(s) will be confiscated and brought to the Main Office for the remainder of the school day. A parent/guardian must pick up the device(s) at the Hamilton Lobby Security Desk between 3-4 p.m. The parent/guardian will sign out the device(s), acknowledging that this is the student’s fifth (or more) offense. Consequences will be determined by the administration.