Electronics 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 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm.  Students will only be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

Device Pouches:

• Students will place their devices in pouches and secure the pouches in the presence of school staff at Entry (Main Lobby) from 8:00am to 9:40am. 
• We will have a staff member at all times in the main lobby supporting late students with devices and pouches. 
• Students will remain in possession of their pouches for the duration of the day.
• At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in the main lobby by Exit A and drop off the pouch to a school staff member. 
• Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main lobby, subject to Principal/Assistant Principal approval. 
• In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch is lost or damaged, a mandatory meeting will be held with the student and parent/guardian. Families may be held responsible for the cost of replacing the pouch.
• Students who claim they do not have cell phones must get parent verification of no phone and if the parent is able to verify the student may be subject to being searched.  

Emergency Communication:

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the school at 718-840-1900 to reach their child.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office with Principal/Assistant Principal approval. The device must go back in the pouch at the conclusion of communication.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Jumprope to communicate information to parents or guardians.

1. Parents and guardians are automatically enrolled in Jumprope messaging using the phone number we have on file.

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 should contact the Parent coordinator if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (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 14 days.

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.

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. Abdeljabbar Assistant Principal of Student life or Principal Negron at 718-840-1900 Ext 4221.