Amsterdam School District that is restricting access to cell phones during the day.

The district does not allow phones to be used during the school day. New this year, the phones will be required to be stored in what are called Yondr pouches.

Superintendent of Schools Richard Ruberti said teachers noticed cell phone use becoming a bigger problem, and administrators hope the lack of access to phones will cut down on cyber bullying.

It will be an adjustment, Ruberti said, but it is a popular idea with staff.

“It’s what our teachers want, to eliminate distractions in the classroom. Students, it’s mixed right now, and parents, it’s mixed, but it’s all about and only about education,” he said.

Amsterdam School District is also in the middle of a $62 million capital project with an emphasis on learning opportunities for jobs of the future like robotics and AI. The high school and middle school are each also getting student centers.