TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Westwood Regional School District students will face a bell-to-bell restriction on personal internet-enabled devices when classes resume Wednesday, Sept. 2, with the district’s existing expectations for younger students expanding to the high school.
Superintendent Patrick J. McQueeney outlined the change in a July 30 message to district families that also provided an update on summer programs, building projects, attendance and preparations for the 2026–27 school year.
Under P.L. 2025, c.195, signed Jan. 8 by then-Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey public school boards must adopt policies prohibiting students’ nonacademic use of personal internet-enabled devices throughout the school day.
The requirement takes effect with the 2026-27 school year and applies to students in kindergarten through grade 12.
McQueeney said Westwood Regional students will not be permitted to use personal internet-enabled devices from the opening bell through dismissal. The restriction includes cellphones, tablets and smartwatches, subject to limited exceptions provided by law.
District-issued instructional devices, including Chromebooks, are not covered by the restriction and will remain available for educational use.
“A similar expectation has already been in place for our preschool through eighth-grade students under district policy,” McQueeney wrote. “The most significant change this year will be the extension of the bell-to-bell restriction to our high school students.”
Principals will provide families with school-specific procedures and additional details before classes begin.
State guidance allows districts flexibility in determining how devices will be stored, supervised and regulated. Required exceptions include uses connected to individualized education programs, Section 504 plans, student health plans, translation services, caregiving responsibilities and emergencies.
McQueeney asked families to discuss the expectations at home and reinforce them throughout the school year.
Beyond the device policy, McQueeney said the district will concentrate on strengthening existing practices rather than measuring progress by the number of new programs introduced.
“We will continue to focus on the basics that matter most: student achievement, a safe and secure environment for everyone, and strong communication among all members of our school community,” he wrote. “These priorities are not new, but they require our consistent attention and a strong partnership between our schools and families.”
Attendance will remain another district priority. McQueeney thanked families for supporting efforts to address attendance concerns during the previous school year and said the district saw significant improvement.
“At the same time, we know there is more work to do,” he wrote. “Every school day matters, and our classrooms are the best places for our students to learn, connect, and grow.”
Families experiencing difficulties getting a child to school consistently were encouraged to contact their child’s school for assistance.
Although regular classes are not in session, McQueeney said district buildings have remained active throughout the summer.
Construction and improvement projects are underway across the district, while custodial, maintenance, technology, administrative and support employees prepare the schools for students’ return.
The district has also operated its Summer Enrichment and Extended School Year programs.
“It has been wonderful to see students learning, creating, building relationships, and enjoying time together,” McQueeney wrote.
McQueeney closed by thanking families for their trust, feedback and continued support of the district.
“Our schools are strongest when students, families, and staff work together,” he wrote.
— Disclosure: The writer has a student attending Westwood Regional High School.