As we enter the 2025-2026 school year, we’d like to inform our students, parents and community about a couple of policy changes recently adapted across our buildings to comply with statewide mandates. The first relates to what New York State has defined as “Extreme Heat Condition Days.” As required by Education Law Section 409-n, the Board of Education has adopted a new policy to address the health and safety of students and employees in the warm summer and fall months. “Extreme Heat Condition Days” are defined by law as “when occupiable educational and support services spaces are 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.”
Actions to be Taken at Eighty-Two Degrees
When the temperature of an “occupiable educational or support service space” reaches 82 degrees, the district will take actions to relieve heat-related discomfort (consistent with fire and building codes). This includes, but is not limited to, turning off the overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows to increase circulation, turning off unused electronics that produce heat and not utilizing electronic equipment to the extent practicable, and providing water breaks.
How does this Impact School Days?
Students and staff will be removed from a classroom or support service space when the temperature reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit, when practicable. The Superintendent will direct Building Principals to evacuate the space, including but not limited to moving students and staff to cooler locations; or, in extreme situations, closing school early and sending students and staff home according to the district’s early closing protocols.
It is our hope that with the current air conditioning system at Homer Brink, the recent installation of building-wide air conditioning at Maine Memorial, the current capital project at the Middle School, and future work at the High School, our buildings will remain at comfortable levels – allowing students and staff to focus on education and learning.
In addition to a statewide law relating to classroom temperatures, the 2025-2026 school year will also see the adoption of the Governor’s “Bell to Bell” smart device policy. Effective September 1st, 2025, schools across New York will be required to enforce a restriction on smartphones/smart devices in all K-12 schools. Many in education applaud and support this decision, as phones, watches, etc. have become distractions, and are often used inappropriately in school settings.
What does this mean for Maine-Endwell students?
Elementary: Mobile learning devices (including smartphones, watches, etc.) are prohibited from being brought into the building unless prior permission has been granted by the building principal.
Middle School: Mobile learning devices (including smartphones, watches, etc.) must be turned off and put away in lockers between normal school hours (7:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.)
What’s new for 2025-2026?
For the High School, new restrictions will take effect on September 1st, following the same guidelines set for the middle school. (Mobile learning devices (including smartphones, watches, etc.) must be turned off and put away in lockers between normal school hours (7:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.)
It is important to note that these restrictions do not apply to school provided devices (with internet access) or non-internet enabled devices. Phones will be available for students during school hours in our Main Offices. Exceptions will also be made for students using phones for medical reasons (Glucose monitoring, etc.) The High School leadership team will be communicating the changes to parents and educating all students on new procedures. While we expect a few learning curves at first, we’re confident our students will adhere to the new expectations.