District Technology Updates
2026-2027 School Year
CHPS Policy 5516 reflects NJ State Law “bell to bell” restrictions on personal internet-enabled devices (PIED) that begin this school year.
“Bell to bell" is from the start of the school day until the end of the day dismissal.
This includes during homeroom, class, study halls, lunch, passing time, and all instructional and non-instructional periods.
Any personal device capable of connecting to the internet and accessing online content must remain off, away, and out of sight.
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Smartglasses
*This does not include school-issued technology.
Focus & Attention Span
Students will be able to engage deeply with lessons and schoolwork without the digital distraction.
Mental Health
Stepping away from screens and social media can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Social Skills
Face-to-face interactions can help build strong and meaningful connections and friendships.
Active Screen Time (Engagement & Creative)
Users act as creators or critical thinkers through coding, digital art, video editing, educational games, or movement-based games that require physical input.
Passive Screen Time (Consumption)
Users receive information without requiring response or critical thought, such as browsing social media feeds, "autoplay" videos, watching content without interaction, or simple digital worksheets that require simple clicking without reflection.
- PreK: 15 minutes per day during choice time - 1.5 hours per week
- K - Grade 2: 30 minutes average per day across content areas
- Grade 3: 45 minutes average per day across content areas
- Grades 4-5: 60 minutes average per day across content areas
- Grades 6-8: No more than 1 hour per class during the week (no more than 5 hours per week)
- Grades 9-12: No more than 1 hour per class during the week (no more than 8 hours per week)
*Times will vary during benchmark and state assessment windows.
Academic Integrity
Submitting AI-generated work as the student's own is in violation of the Board's Academic Integrity Policy (P. 5701), at any level of AI involvement not expressly authorized by the assignment's AI Use Level. Students must disclose AI use, when disclosure is required.
Authorized Platforms Only
Ban on Deepfakes and AI-Generated Content Bullying
Creating, possession, distribution, sharing, or displaying AI depictions of real people to harass or bully is strictly prohibited.
Phishing emails attempt to trick users into sharing passwords or personal details by pretending to come from trusted sources. Keep these key indicators in mind when checking your inbox:
Protect Your Login: School and District staff will never ask for your account password.
If a CHCLC account is suspected to be compromised, your account will be disabled. You will be sent a temporary password that will need to be changed to access your account.
Inspect the Sender’s Full Address: Look past the displayed name (e.g., "District Office") to check the actual email address behind it. Scammers can easily fake display names.
Question Artificial Urgency: Be wary of emails claiming an issue was "accidental" or demanding immediate action under a tight deadline. Cherry Hill Public Schools will never pressure you to rapidly update your password or perform high-urgency tasks via email.
Be cautious of unexpected offers: If an email promises easy job work, or asks you to click a link, provide personal information, or deposit money to pay someone else, it is likely a scam. Always verify the sender and company through official websites before responding.
If a message feels suspicious, do not click any links or reply.