28Q174: Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

Purpose :

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 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

PLEASE RETURN THE SLIP BELOW TO YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM TEACHER.
  ____  ____  ____  ___  ____  ___  ___  ____  ____  ____  ___  ____  ___  ___  ____ 

 ************* Indicate if your child brings an electronic device to school**************
Student Name: _________________________________ Class: __________________
____My child brings an electronic device (Cellphone, Smartwatch) to school. 
____My child does not bring an electronic device (Cellphone, Smartwatch) to school. 
Print Parent/Guardian Name__________________________   Date _________________  

Print Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________      

The following guidelines below pertain only to students bringing an electronic device to school. 

1. STORAGE

• Contract: Parent/guardian will receive and sign a contract for Tech Protect Pouch. 
• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
• Collection of Devices Everyday
○ Students will place their devices in the provided TechProtect pouches and store in backpack.
○ When preparing for dismissal at the end of the day, student will remove phone/device from pouch and place pouch in assigned classroom location. 
○ Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices, when packing belongings and place pouch in a designated area in the classroom.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the school at 718-897-7006 to reach their child.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use the DOE email blast and/or text to communicate information to parents or guardians.
• Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: NYC Schools Account  www.schoolsaccount.nyc 

3. EXCEPTIONS

• Students are allowed to use their device if they have an individualized education plan (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 Principal Dr. Lewis at HLewis4@schools.nyc.gov if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical reasons (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.
• Exceptions will be processed and approved within one week of the request.

4. DISCIPLINE

• Sudents 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.
• First Infraction - Confiscation of cell phone by school personnel. Cell phones will be sent to the Principal’s office. Parents/guardians will be notified by the Principal or school personnel. The cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
• Second Infraction - Confiscation of cell phone by school personnel. Cell phone will be sent to the Principal’s office. Parents/guardians will be notified by the Principal or school personnel. The cell phone will be returned to a parent/guardian at the end of the school day.
• Third Infraction - Confiscation of cell phone by school personnel. Cell phone will be sent to the Principal’s office. Parents/guardians will be notified by the Principal or school personnel. The cell phone will be returned to a parent/guardian at the end of school day. There will be a revocation of cell phone privileges for students for a period of one month.
• 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 devices) 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.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Harb, Assistant Principals at 718-897-7006.