Audience: K-12 Administrators

With New York’s “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban now in effect, school leaders face both the challenge—and the opportunity—of creating environments where students can thrive without constant digital distraction. Leading with Connection invites administrators to view this shift not simply as compliance, but as a powerful chance to strengthen relationships, re-center classroom culture, and support students’ social-emotional well-being.

This interactive workshop will help administrators anticipate areas of resistance, strengthen teacher capacity, and lead their communities with empathy, clarity, and consistency—especially when students struggle with phone separation.

Participants will:

✓ Gain a clear understanding of the new NY State bell-to-bell cell phone ban and what it means for their schools.

✓ Explore how phone-free environments can enhance student engagement, mental health, and school culture.

✓ Learn proactive strategies to communicate with students, staff, and families in a supportive and relational way.

✓ Identify common student challenges and develop compassionate, practical responses for classroom situations.

Please note: Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. 1 Consortium seat can be used.

Location: Western Suffolk BOCES, 31 Lee Ave., Wheatley Heights

Fee: $150pp (A506 member), $200pp (non-member) OR Can use 1 consortium seat

CTLE Areas of Activity: Pedagogy and Content

WS BOCES Catalog: www.wsboces.org/webreg