To the Uniondale Community
Success with Our Cell Phone and Electronics Policy
Dear Parents, Staff, and Students,
I hope you are all doing well.
I am thrilled to report the tremendous success we've had with our new cell phone and electronics policy. We are seeing a remarkable shift in student behavior and engagement. Students are now taking books out of the library, playing card games, and interacting with each other more. There is a new, positive energy throughout the building, and teachers are excited to see our students re-engaging with their education and with each other.
This success would not be possible without the incredible support of our parents. Many of you have been instrumental in this process, and I want to express my deepest gratitude. Out of our 2,000 students, we have had fewer than 20 issues regarding electronic devices, which is a testament to your cooperation.
One of the key things that has been working so well is the self-restraint many of you have shown by not immediately coming to the school to retrieve a confiscated device. Thank you for supporting our efforts. By allowing your child to experience a natural consequence, you are reinforcing the importance of our policy and helping them develop healthier habits. I am confident that this will lead to a significant improvement in our students' academic performance.
For any parents still struggling with this transition, I want to encourage you to maintain a firm boundary. The investment you are making now by supporting this policy will lead to significant academic gains for your student.
Let's keep up the great work, Uniondale!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn F. Brown, PhD
Principal, Uniondale High School
Dear Uniondale Community,
This school year is off to a great start. To ensure a smooth transition with the new state-mandated cell phone policy, I'm sending this update.
Returning Confiscated Devices: Parents and guardians must pick up confiscated devices after school. We cannot interrupt class time to return them. If your concern is about tracking your student, please consider purchasing tracking devices such as AirTags and placing them on your student's belongings.
I recommend waiting until the next day to retrieve the device. This allows students to experience the consequences of their actions. Rushing to the school to argue sends a negative message. By waiting, you help your child refocus on their academics. We are already seeing students who are more focused, less distracted, and developing healthier social skills. Arguing over the phone can be more harmful than you know.
Please also be aware of the following addition to our policy: Once a student violates the cell phone policy, they will be prohibited from bringing any electronic devices to school for an extended period. This is a critical step to ensure a focused learning environment for everyone.
Additionally, I will be confiscating ski masks, hats, and durags. I expect that students do not wear these items indoors. If you have an issue with this, please schedule a meeting with me directly.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn F. Brown
Principal, Uniondale High School
Dear Uniondale School Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to reiterate a few important points regarding our school's cell phone policy to ensure everyone is on the same page. Your support is crucial in helping us create a focused and productive learning environment.
Cell Phone Policy Reminders
Pouch Use: All students must place their electronic devices in the provided pouch and securely lock it upon entering the building.
Unauthorized Devices: Students may not use iPads or any other electronic devices that are not authorized by the school district. If a student needs a device for learning, one will be issued by the school.
No Staff Storage: Please remember that staff members are not responsible for holding or storing any student's electronic devices.
Statewide Mandate: It is essential to recognize that this policy is a statewide mandate, not a personal choice. We are all required to follow these guidelines.
A Note on Pouch Care
Thank you for your cooperation with the Yondr cell phone pouch procedures. To ensure your pouch remains in good working condition, please get in the habit of locking it immediately after removing your phone at the end of the day. Leaving the pouch open can easily damage the locking pin.
If a pouch is broken or lost, a replacement must be purchased for $40. Please keep in mind that without a working pouch, a student is not permitted to bring an electronic device to school.
Your cooperation is essential in helping us uphold this policy. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Principal Shawn F. Brown, Ph.D.
Uniondale High School
Dear Uniondale High School Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to provide an urgent reminder about our school's cell phone policy.
Students are not permitted to bring any electronic device to school if they have lost or broken their cell phone pouch.
This is a critical rule to ensure a smooth and productive learning environment. If a student arrives at school with a broken or missing pouch and is found with a device, they will not be allowed to enter the building.
A parent or guardian must come to the school to retrieve the device.
Please be aware that the school is not responsible for storing any student's phone. Our staff cannot hold or secure devices for students.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Your cooperation is essential in helping us manage this policy effectively.
Sincerely,
Uniondale High School Administration
Dear Uniondale High School Parents,
As we start the new school year, I'm writing to you today with some important updates regarding our campus and new cell phone policy. I understand that change can be challenging, but I'm confident that these adjustments will help us create a safer and more focused learning environment for our students.
Navigating Our Campus: Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups
Student safety is our top priority, and that includes ensuring a smooth and secure traffic flow around the school.
Starting this year, our campus will be a closed area for student drop-offs and pick-ups. We ask that parents **do not drive through campus** to drop off or pick up students. All student drop-offs will now be on **Goodrich Street**. From there, you will make a right through the visitor's parking lot and continue onto Hempstead Boulevard.
To avoid traffic congestion, especially in the mornings, I strongly recommend dropping your student off a block or two away and letting them walk the rest of the way to the building. This is an excellent opportunity for them to get a little fresh air and allows you to avoid morning rush hour.
Please note that student parking is not permitted on campus. All staff members are required to have a registered parking pass and a valid license; any unauthorized vehicles may be ticketed.
Our New Cell Phone Policy
I know that cell phones are a significant part of our daily lives, and the following change is substantial. We're implementing a new policy this year where students will be required to place their cell phones in a Yondr pouch for the duration of the school day.
I want to be very clear that this policy is not about creating a barrier between you and your child. It's about helping our students fully engage in their education, reduce distractions, and interact with their peers in a more meaningful way.
We understand that emergencies can happen. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call the school directly at our main number. We will ensure that any urgent messages are delivered to your child.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to make Uniondale High School the best it can be. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Warmly,
Shawn Brown
Principal, Uniondale High School
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
