Cell Phone and Internet-Enabled Device Policy

PS 354Q Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy 

 

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 AM and ends at 2:20 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day. 

 

COLLECTION/STORAGE  

  • Upon arrival at the school building, students must power off their devices. 
  • All Grade 3 to 5 students are assigned a pouch to store their cellphone and any other internet-enabled device.  
  • During Period 1, designated staff will go around to the classrooms in Grades 2 to 5 and collect devices and pouch to be stored in bins in a secured location. A second sweep is done before Period 4.  
  • In the event that students in Grades 3K to 1 have electronic devices or cell phones, it will be collected by the classroom teacher at the beginning of the day and given back at dismissal. 
  • During Period 8, designated staff will go around with the bins and return the pouches with devices to the supervising teacher.  
  • In the event that your child needs to be picked up early, please allow time for the device to be given to the student in the main office.  

 

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS 

  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-276-1348 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 ClassDojo and GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians. 

 

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 Ms. Janell Tomblin, our parent coordinator, 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 48 hours.   

 

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. 
  • First Offense: Device is taken and parent/guardian is contacted. Device is given to student at the end of the school day.  
  • Second Offense: Device is taken and parent/guardian is contacted to pick up the device. Parent/guardian signs for device and warning letter. Please be advised that device pick up is up to 3 pm daily.  
  • Third Offense: Device is taken and parent conference is held with parent coordinator and administration. 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. 

 

OTHER: If lost or stolen 

  • In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school during storage, 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 the main office at 718-276-1348.  

 

Thank you for your cooperation in these matters.