August 2026

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are writing to share an important update regarding student use of personal internet-enabled devices (i.e., cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) during the school day. In accordance with a recently enacted law and the New Jersey Department of Education’s 2026 Guidance for Schools on Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices, all school districts are required to adopt policies that prohibit the use of personal internet-enabled devices from “Bell-to Bell”. This policy requires that all personal internet-enabled devices must be turned off and not in use for the duration of the school day; from the first bell to the last bell. Except for circumstances outlined in the law and guidance, personal electronic devices may not be used at any time during the school day, including during lunch, study halls, or in between classes.

North Hunterdon is adopting an “Off and Away” cell phone policy. Here is what that means for students:

● Students are encouraged to place their electronic devices in their school-provided lockers.
● If students choose not to use their lockers, all internet-enabled devices should be “off and away.” Off and away means the device should be turned off and placed in their backpacks. Internet-enabled devices should not be seen at any time during the school day.
● Students who have special accommodations, as outlined in the NJDOE Guidance, can only use their internet-enabled device within the scope of the exception.
● Students may access the main office if they need to contact a parent or caregiver.
● Students may continue to use their district-issued email accounts to communicate with their parents as appropriate on their district-issued Chromebook.

We recognize that many families may have grown accustomed to communicating directly with their children during the school day. To support this transition, we encourage the following:

● In case of an emergency, please contact the school’s main office at 908-713-4199, and staff will ensure messages are delivered promptly.
● If you need to share a routine, non-emergency update with your child (such as post-school plans), please feel free to send a message via email, which they can see on their Chromebook throughout the day, or text, which they can check after the final bell rings at the end of the school day.

We understand that this represents a significant shift in our daily routine, but our faculty and staff are fully committed to supporting your children through this transition. We will thoroughly review these new procedures with all students on the first day of school to ensure they feel prepared, informed, and supported for a successful year ahead.

Sincerely,

Greg Cottrell, Ed.D.
Principal