District outlines new communications push and updates on NY cell-phone law implementation

Administrators told the Somers Central School District Board they are expanding outreach and communications while monitoring the first-year roll-out of New York State's ban on internet-enabled devices during the school day.

Allison McCaffrey, the district's public relations coordinator, outlined three priorities: hosting a Tusker Cafe community event (to include a presentation on hate and anti-Semitism), expanding district communications (Somers Spotlight videos, a district-wide newsletter called Tusker Tracks, a website audit and a future social-media policy) and supporting distraction-free learning required under the state law. "Our top way to stay in communication is through ParentSquare," McCaffrey said, adding that the district has a 99.5% contactability rate on that platform.

The district said it will return to a printed physical calendar next year (with short- and long-form PDFs to live online) and is exploring translation (Spanish) for the calendar. Administrators also described light-touch branding work, a monthly Tusker Shop to redistribute donated goods, and a plan to rotate customized hold music featuring district ensembles.

Superintendent and administrators addressed operational changes required by the state'mandated bell'to'bell ban on internet-enabled devices. High school students were issued pouches to store phones during the day; middle school students generally keep phones in lockers. Administrators said messaging that previously went to phones (Schoology and other apps) now routes to school devices or physical computers so students continue receiving necessary communications. The superintendent said students reported being "more focused" and noted community lunch periods where students are engaging face-to-face as an unintended positive outcome.

The board discussed accessibility measures and asked staff to ensure key materials are available in Spanish. The Tusker Cafe event, co-sponsored with the town, was promoted as an opportunity for community discussion of hate and human-rights education.

Next steps: the district will finalize a social-media policy before the next school year, continue the website audit, distribute a printed calendar, and monitor communication workflows and athletics messaging tools (SportsYou) to ensure student athletes receive team communications.