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Cell Phone and Eelctronic Device Policy

Use and Possession of Cell Phones

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. 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 8:30 am and ends at 2:50 pm.  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.
    • A designated collection point, supervised by staff members, will be set up by the entrance to the building, at 8:30 am or immediately when students arrive, if late. Students arriving late to school will drop off their devices in the main office with the principal. Students with approved early dismissal can pick up their devices when their guardians pick them up. 
    • At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff at dismissal in the lobby.

      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. 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 8:30 am and ends at 2:50 pm.  Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.


2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the office (929-344-5201) to reach their child.
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the office to reach their parents or guardians.
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use the DOE messaging app to communicate information to parents or guardians.
  1. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: NYC Schools Account 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 the school nurse at 929 344-5201 ext 6192  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 a week.

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. Students that do not adhere to the policy will have device(s) confiscated by school staff immediately. Families will be contacted by one of the assistant principals if violation is repetitive.  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.