
Welcome back, Knights! I hope you're all having a fantastic summer. As we prepare for the new school year, I'm writing to inform you about an important change to our school's cell phone policy.
Starting this year, Uniondale High School will have a no cell phone policy during the school day. This includes not just cell phones, but also AirPods, smartwatches, and any other personal electronic devices.
What to Expect
Every student will be provided with a Chromebook from the district for use throughout the day. This will ensure you have the technology you need for your classes.
Upon entering either the main entrance or the poolside entrance, you will be given a Yondr pouch. You will be asked to place your cell phone inside and lock it. You should then place the locked pouch in your locker for the entire school day.
Please note that you cannot carry the locked pouch with you throughout the school day. Your phone must remain in your locker. At the end of the day, you can retrieve your phone from your locker and unlock the pouch at either the main entrance or poolside exit.
Consequences for Not Following the Policy
Our goal is to create an environment focused on learning without the distractions of personal devices. We believe this policy is crucial for your academic success. To ensure everyone follows the new rules, here are the consequences for any violations:
First Infraction: If you are caught on your phone, open your Yondr pouch, or otherwise violate the policy, your phone will be confiscated. A parent or guardian must come to the school the following day to retrieve it.
Second Infraction: Your phone will be confiscated, and you will not be permitted to bring a phone to school in a Yondr pouch for one week.
Third Infraction: Your phone will be confiscated, and you will not be allowed to bring a phone to school for the remainder of the school year.
Please understand that school staff will not be responsible for holding onto any student's phone. To avoid these disciplinary actions, the simplest solution is to either leave your phone at home or follow the Yondr pouch procedure exactly as outlined.
I look forward to an amazing and productive school year with all of you.



Dear Uniondale High School Families,
As we prepare for the new school year, we would like to inform you of a significant update to our school’s cell phone policy.
Like many schools nationwide, we're re-evaluating the role of personal devices in education. Starting this year, Uniondale High School will implement a new policy aimed at creating a more focused and productive learning environment. Our goal isn't to restrict students, but to empower them with better concentration, stronger social skills, and reduced anxiety.
We believe this is a great opportunity for all of us. Research indicates that high expectations and a supportive home environment are the most significant factors influencing a child’s academic achievement. By working together, we can help our students build the resilience and discipline they'll need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Many families have already begun conversations about establishing clear boundaries for technology, such as setting screen-free time after 10 p.m. We encourage all of you to join us in this effort.
Thank you for your partnership and dedication to the success of every student.
Sincerely,
The Uniondale High School Administration

Dear Uniondale High School Parents and Students,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break. As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, I would like to share some important updates and review a significant change that will impact our entire school community.
The most significant item we are addressing is the implementation of a new cell phone policy. We understand that this will be a challenging transition for everyone, as these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. As we finalize the policy with the district, I am strongly encouraging students not to bring these devices to school. This simple step would alleviate a vast majority of the potential challenges. We will ensure students have access to school phones for any necessary emergency calls. Furthermore, students will be issued laptops for online assignments and other academic needs.
We are also exploring a system in which students will be required to store their phones away for the entire school day. This means that students will not be allowed to carry their personal phones in their pockets, pouches, or on their person for any reason.
As a school community, we must work together to make this transition a success. I ask that you begin preparing your student now. You can help by taking measures such as reducing screen time in the evenings, such as turning off social media apps after 9:00 p.m. If we collaborate and face this challenge together, our students will benefit tremendously from a more focused and productive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to a successful and rewarding school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn F. Brown
Principal
Uniondale High School


🌍 You're Invited: UHS2Ghana Virtual Information Meeting – August 4 at 7 PM
Dear Students and Families,
We are excited to invite you to a Virtual Information Meeting to learn more about the upcoming Uniondale 2025 Youth Ghana Culture Immersion Tour! This unique opportunity will enable students to explore Ghana’s vibrant culture and history and engage in service-learning experiences during an unforgettable journey abroad.
📅 Date: Sunday, August 4
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
💻 Zoom Meeting ID: 860 9495 5843
🔐 Passcode: UHS2GHANA
Total cost: Only $2500
During the session, we will provide essential details about the trip, including the itinerary, cost, fundraising opportunities, and how to reserve a spot.
We strongly encourage all interested students and their families to attend. This meeting will help you make an informed decision about participating in this life-changing experience.
If you have any questions before the meeting, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Uniondale High School Parents, Students, and Teachers,
I am writing to you today to address a significant new mandate from New York State regarding cell phone use in schools, taking effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. Governor Hochul has announced a "statewide "bell-to-bell" restriction on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices in K-12 schools. This bold step is aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments and promoting student well-being.
You can read Governor Hochul's official statement and learn more about this policy here: (https://www.ny.gov/programs/distraction-free-schools-implementation-resources).
At Uniondale High School, we are actively considering the best solution for implementing this new system within our district. We understand this change will require adjustment, and we are diligently exploring options to ensure a smooth and effective transition that supports both academic focus and student safety. Our goal is to structure a system that benefits all members of our school community.
While we finalize our specific plan, we strongly encourage all parents to begin preparing your children now by limiting their screen time and reducing their engagement with social media. This proactive approach will help students adapt to a less device-dependent school day.
Please be aware that this mandate extends beyond just cell phones. It includes all alternative digital devices, such as iPads, smartwatches, AirPods, wireless headphones, and any other internet-enabled personal devices. These items will not be permitted during the school day.
We believe firmly that this policy, while a change, is an essential step towards fostering deeper learning, enhancing social interactions, and supporting the mental health of our students. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create an optimal learning environment at Uniondale High School.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn F. Brown
Principal, Uniondale High School























