Dear Somerville School Community,
As we prepare to welcome students back for the new school year, we want to share an important update regarding student use of personal communication devices.
In accordance with P.L. 2025, c.195, all New Jersey public schools are required to implement a bell-to-bell policy regarding the student use of personal communication devices during the school day. The law requires every school district to establish and implement a policy that limits student use of cell phones, internet-enabled devices, and other personal communication devices throughout the instructional day while providing limited exceptions as permitted by law.
As a result, the Somerville School District will implement a bell-to-bell policy beginning with the start of the 2026 - 2027 school year. Students will be required to keep their cell phones and other personal communication devices turned off and stored throughout the school day, including during instructional periods, study halls, lunch, and hallway transitions.
Over the coming weeks, families will receive additional information outlining the specific procedures and expectations that will support successful implementation of the new policy. We recognize that this represents a significant change for high school students and families, and we appreciate your partnership as we implement this statewide requirement.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming our students back in September and sharing additional details in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Gary Lubisco, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools