Electronics Policy

POLICY FOR USE OF CELL PHONES, COMPUTING DEVICES, AND PORTABLE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

 

Overview

To maintain a focused and productive learning environment, students are permitted to bring cell phones or smart watches to school but are not permitted to use or access personal internet-enabled electronic devices from the moment they enter the school building until the end of the last class of the day, including during lunch and self-sustaining afterschool programs.

The use of personal laptops, tablets, Kindles, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems such as iPods, MP3 players, PSPs, and handheld gaming devices is prohibited, unless otherwise authorized by the school for educational purposes.

The school is not responsible for any electronic device brought to school, with or without permission.

Permitted Use of Devices

• During the School Day:
  Students may use NYCPS-issued devices for instructional purposes.
  All personal electronic devices (including cell phones) must be powered off and stored upon entering the school building and may not be accessed until the end of the school day.
  
  
• Start/End of School Day:
  The school day is defined as beginning at 8:00am and ending at 2:20pm.
  Students may only access their devices after the last period or after dismissal from school activities.

Collection and Storage of Devices 

Device Collection: Locked storage bin

• If a student has a device they will power them down upon arrival
• If students have a device they will place their powered-off device in a personal zip lock storage bag and secure it in a locked storage bin.
• Students retrieve devices from the storage bin at the end of the day
• Students with approved early dismissals will retrieve their devices from the storage locker

Emergency Communication

• Parents/Guardians needing to contact their child during the day should call the school at 718-831-4021
• In emergencies, students may request access to a school phone in their classroom.
• The school will communicate emergency information to families using GAMA (DOE messenger service)
• Please see our parent coordinator Mrs. Lisa Kruger if you need assistance setting up your NYCSA account

Exceptions

Exceptions may be granted for the following reasons:

• Students with IEPs or 504 Plans that require an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device.
• Medical monitoring or treatment (e.g., glucose monitoring).
• Caregiving responsibilities, or approved translation/interpretation needs.
• Educational purposes authorized by the principal/designee.
  
  

Parents seeking an exception must contact Lisa Kruger at (718)-833-4021 and you will receive a response from the school within 2 school days

Discipline and Progressive Consequences

Use of electronic devices in violation of this policy, the NYCPS Discipline Code, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, or the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP) will result in progressive discipline in accordance with the chancellor's regulations for discipline.

Cell Phone Violations

1. First Infraction: Confiscation by teacher; parent notified; device returned to student at end of day.

2. Second Infraction: Confiscation; device sent to principal’s office; parent notified; returned to student at day’s end.

3. Third Infraction: Device returned only to a parent; student receives disciplinary action per the Discipline Code.

Please note: Discipline is for insubordination and not exclusively for using or having out an electronic device.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Devices

If a personal device is lost, stolen, or damaged on school property, parents may submit a claim to the NYC Comptroller’s Office.

Questions or Concerns?