August 27, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we want to make you aware of New Jersey’s new Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Law, which requires public schools to establish and enforce policies governing student use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices throughout the school day.

Beginning this school year, John F. Kennedy Memorial High School will enforce a bell-to-bell prohibition on the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices, from the start of the school day through dismissal. This includes cell phones, earbuds, headsets, headphones, and other internet-enabled devices. Students are expected to have their devices silenced and securely stored and may not wear earbuds, headsets, or headphones during the school day. 

The purpose of this policy is to reduce distractions, improve student engagement, and create a school environment where students can focus on learning and interacting with their peers.

Progressive Consequences

• 1st Incident: Warning; incident documented in Genesis.

• 2nd Incident: Parent/guardian contact; phone/device secured in the main office; incident documented.

• 3rd Incident: Administrative parent/guardian contact; cell phone pouch for 5 school days.

• 4th Incident: Administrative parent/guardian contact; 1 day in an alternate class setting and cell phone pouch for 10 school days.

• 5th+ Incident: Administrative parent/guardian contact; 1–2 days in an alternate class setting; mandatory parent/guardian conference; and cell phone pouch for 20 or more school days.

We ask parents and guardians to support this initiative by discussing these expectations with their children and refraining from contacting students directly on their cell phones during the school day. In an urgent situation, please contact our main office at 732-602-8650.  If students need to contact home, they will be directed to their guidance counselor and will call from their phone.  

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to provide a focused, safe, and productive learning environment for all students.

Best,

James Parry