I’m going to say it, we may not like it, but summer is rapidly coming to an end. I think overall it has been a very hot, fun and enjoyable summer. Soon, our beaches will close for swimming, some of our food vendors will say goodbye till next summer, and we will see less and less DFD people. However, I’m sure there are many parents who see a silver lining as the end of summer also means kids are going back to school! Does anyone remember the Staples commercial from the 90’s (the most wonderful time of the year) and how happy the dad was that his kids were going back to school? I do, and I had the same excitement to send my kids back to school! As the school year begins let me wish everyone a happy, safe, and successful year. Now, as we prepare to go back to school, I want to take this opportunity to inform parents that there are going to be two changes impacting schools throughout New York starting this school year: 1) every child will be eligible for free school meals, and 2) mobile phone/smart devices will NOT be allowed during the school day.

1) The implementation of universal free meals for all schools, including nonpublic and charter schools, is something I have been focused on for years. During the 2025 New York State Budget, it was my honor to work on this issue with my colleagues to ensure that New York State would give every school district, including NYC, the resources to make this a reality. Through that hard work, free breakfast and lunch will be provided to all school-aged children at all schools - guaranteeing that every child will be eligible for healthy and nutritious meals. We all know that students do better at school when they have full stomachs, and one thing all of us can agree on is that no child should ever go hungry in school. I am proud to be able to stand up and say that through this work with Governor Hochul, I am able to bring this to our community and make this a reality throughout the State. Of course, parents are still allowed to send their kids to school with their own lunch, but the free breakfast and lunch option is available to everyone, regardless of income.

In addition, while New York State is ensuring that our kids are fed, we are simultaneously providing massive cost-savings to families. According to a State-wide estimate, this new policy will save families over $165 per child, per month. As I have said, that’s money back in your pocket where it belongs! If you have any questions regarding your specific school, I encourage you to visit the school’s website as the NYC DOE has outlined the menu and policy or reach out to the school directly.

2) During the 2025 State Budget, the State Legislature voted to enact an initiative proposed by Governor Hochul that we refer to as the “Bell-to-Bell” Policy. Starting this school year, there will be a full-day ban on the use of mobile phones/smart devices from the first bell till the last bell. This State-wide rule is aimed at creating a distraction-free learning environment, as our kids are in school to learn, not scroll on social media!

Now, I’m sure many of you are wondering what this will look like? The law mandates that each school district create a specific plan, and the Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education has created regulations, A-413, for all public and charter schools in our city. The specifics of those regulations will be explained to each student, along with their parents, at the beginning of the school year. As it stands now: cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and other similar devices will not be permitted to be used during the school day. While a student is allowed to bring their device to school, upon the school day beginning, students will be required to store their devices in school-provided storage, like a locker, individual cell phone pouches, or another secure storage system, for the whole day. Phones will not be allowed during instructional time or even non-instructional time which includes homeroom, lunch, recess, or study hall. Of course, should a student need a device due to an IEP or medical issue, they will be free to use it as directed.

In the event a child needs to contact their parent, all students will have access to a school phone line that will allow students to make emergency calls when necessary. I would recommend that parents review their phone number(s) with their kids, as students won’t have access to their contacts on their phone. I personally tried this with my adult children and neither of them knew Frank’s or my cell phone numbers without looking at their phone - not a proud moment. I also encourage parents to make sure the school has updated and correct emergency contact information. For more specific or situation-based cases, parents can reach out to their school. I want to reemphasize that the schools will explain the details to you, and your child, at the beginning of the school year. Our goal is to provide a distraction-free environment because kids are at school to learn, not scroll on their phones.

With summer officially ending and the first day of school fast approaching, I know there is still so much to do. Take those walks along the boardwalk, enjoy eating outside, and make sure to stock up on back-to-school supplies. Should you have any questions or need anything, please feel free to contact my office by phone at 718-945-9550 or by email at amatos@nyassembly.gov. It is a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to representing you for many more years to come.