Fletcher Elementary School Principal Amanda Sischo welcomes students to school on the first day of the 2024-25 school year. The 2025-26 school year begins on Wednesday, September 3.

Get those first day of school smiles ready! The first day of the 2025-26 school year for Jamestown Public Schools students will be Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. This will be a half-day for students. Please note the different start times depending on the level of school:

Elementary Schools: 8:20-11:30 a.m.

Middle Schools: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

JHS: 8-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 4, and Friday, Sept. 5 will be full days of school.

For parents who still need to register their children, the JPS Central Registration Office is located at the Deke Kathman Administration Offices at 197 Martin Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To expedite your registration experience, please print and complete our student registration forms, located at jpsny.org/registration, prior to your registration appointment. Please call 716-483-4344 if you would like to pick up forms.

If you have questions about registration or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 716-483-4344.

NEW NYS

DISTRACTION-FREE POLICY IN PLACE

The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education adopted a new “distraction-free learning” policy during its July 28 meeting in accordance with a new New York State law limiting the use of personal internet-connecting devices in schools.

Beginning in September of 2025, students at all JPS schools will no longer be permitted to use personal devices — including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and Bluetooth-enabled accessories — during the instructional day. The decision aligns with New York State Education Law Section 2803, which was adopted by the state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul in May. The law aims to minimize distractions, improve focus, and create a stronger learning environment for all students.

Procedures by each level include:

High School (Grades 9-12): Students will secure their powered-off devices in Yondr pouches, which remain in their possession but locked throughout the day. Pouches are unlocked at dismissal.

Middle School (Grades 5-8): Devices must be turned off and stored in lockers from arrival until dismissal.

Elementary School (PreK-4): Students are strongly discouraged from bringing personal devices. Any devices brought must remain in lockers or cubbies and unused during the day.

School-issued technology, such as district-provided iPads, will still be permitted for instructional purposes.

Parents and guardians may contact their child during the school day if needed through the school’s main office. Students needing to reach their family during the school day will also have access to use a school phone.

Exceptions to the policy may be made with administrative approval in limited circumstances, including medical needs, emergencies, translation assistance, or accommodations outlined in an IEP or 504 Plan.

This district-wide change reflects growing evidence on the impact of cell phones in educational settings. Research shows that even when turned off, personal devices can negatively impact student focus and academic performance.

To help students adjust to the new expectations, a progressive system of consequences will be followed for policy violations, ranging from device confiscation and parent contact to the requirement of daily device check-ins and additional disciplinary actions.

District schools have been communicating further guidance to families as they prepare for the beginning of the school year on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. More information is available at jpsny.org/phonefreeschools.