Welcome Back Letter
August 20, 2025
Dear East Islip Families,
The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of possibility and this year is no different. As we are preparing to welcome students back on Thursday, September 4th, I want to take a moment to share how incredibly proud I am of the work our staff has done to get us ready for another year of learning, growth, and achievement.
Our dedicated custodial crew and grounds crew have been working tirelessly throughout the summer to ensure our buildings and campuses are clean, organized, and ready to inspire. Their efforts are the foundation for a warm and welcoming environment, and I am grateful for their continued commitment to our schools.
At the same time, our focus on safety remains stronger than ever. We are continuing to expand the installation of blue lights throughout our buildings, an important measure to enhance emergency communication during lockouts or lockdowns. Additional safety measures will continue throughout the year as we evolve and strengthen our security practices.
Alongside our ongoing safety enhancements, we want to make families aware of an important statewide change taking effect this school year. Under New York State Education Law Section 2803, all public schools must now follow a bell-to-bell prohibition on the use of personal student electronic devices. This means that any personal internet-enabled device may not be used during the entire school day in any area of the school including classes, lunch, recess, and passing periods.
The devices covered by this law include:
· Cellphones
· Personal laptops
· Tablets
· Smart watches
· Headphones of any kind
· Any other personal device capable of internet connectivity
To ensure compliance, the Board of Education has adopted Policy 5695 – Student and Personal Electronic Devices. Each school will provide more details in the coming weeks about student expectations, secure storage procedures, and ways for parents and students to communicate during the school day. You may also review our FAQ here.
While building administrators will review these rules with students, your support at home is key to a smooth transition. We encourage you to speak with your child before the first day of school to ensure they understand the new requirements. We truly appreciate your partnership in meeting this State mandate and helping us maintain a focused, distraction-free learning environment.
What truly makes East Islip special is the way our entire school community comes together with pride, purpose, and a shared commitment to our students. From the Board of Education to our staff, families, and community, we are united in our belief that every child deserves a safe, supportive, and engaging place to learn and grow.
As we open our doors to the 2025–2026 school year, we look forward to new opportunities, new experiences, and watching our students thrive. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your ongoing support.
Wishing you and your children a joyful start and an exceptional year ahead.
Sincerely
Paul E. Manzo
Superintendent of Schools