Electronic Devices

School Cell Phone and Internet Abled Device Policy

To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. An "internet-enabled electronic device" is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.

Policy statement: Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices upon arrival at school until the end of the school day. The school day is defined as the period from the moment students enter the school building until the last class of the day ends, including during lunch. The school day starts at 8:00am and ends at 2:20pm. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

1. COLLECTION STORAGE
   • Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
   • Students will place their devices in a Yonder pouch and secure it in front of school staff.
   • Students will store their locked pouches in their school bags that are placed in their classroom closet for the day.
   • At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in the hallway upon dismissal.
   • They will remove their device(s) and lock their pouches before leaving the school.
   • Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office in the presence of an office staff member.
   • In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will require a nominal fee of $20 for a replacement.
2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
   • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the school at (718) 574-0252 or Ms Cevallos, Parent Coordinator at (347) 563-4191 to reach their child.
   • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office to reach their parents or guardians.
   • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA or the school Remind app to communicate information to parents or guardians. a. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: Ensure all of your parent contact information is up to date in the NYCSA account. All messages are sent through GAMA based on the information provided in NYCSA.
3. EXCEPTIONS
   • Students are allowed to use their device if they have an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes use of an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose.
   • Parents/guardians must contact Assistant Principal Sauer at (718) 574-0252 Ext. 3012 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if student is a caregiver, for approved language purposes (such as translation or interpretation services if no other means are available), or where otherwise required by law.
   • The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
   • Exceptions will be processed and approved within one week’s time.
4. DISCIPLINE
   • Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy ("IAUSP") will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. As provided in the State law, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy. Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
5. OTHER: If lost or stolen
   • In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents can submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.

Learn About the NYCPS Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy ↗️