New York State Cell Phone
and 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 8:10 am and ends at 2:30 pm.  Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
 
COLLECTION/STORAGE
●  Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
●  For Students in Grades 3K-5 devices will be locked in a pouch:
○  Students will place their devices in their NutKase and secure it in front of school staff.
○  Students will store their locked pouches in their backpacks and placed in the classroom wardrobe for the entire day.
○  At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch during pack-up time.
○  They will remove their device(s) and lock their pouches before leaving the school.
○  Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch upon dismissal
○ In the event that a NutKase is lost or damaged, the school will collect a $10 replacement fee.

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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
●  In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Ms. Lei, Parent Coordinator at 929-267-5900 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 GAMA and Class DoJo to communicate information to parents or guardians.  Here is how to access GAMA Messages:
○  Get a NYCSA Account: If you don't have one, contact Ms. Lei to get an account creation code and instructions on how to set up your NYCSA account. This will enable you to receive notifications from the DOE about emergencies, school closures, citywide events, and more.
○  Access the NYCSA Portal: Go to the NYCSA website or download the NYCSA mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices.
○  Sign In:  Use your NYCSA username and password to sign in.
○  Link Your Children to Your Account: To track your child's education and receive school-specific messages, you need to add your children to your NYCSA account. This is done using their 9-digit Student ID number, which is provided by the school.
○  Receive Notifications: Once your account is set up and your child is linked, you'll automatically start receiving messages and notifications from the DOE and your child's school via text message or email, as opted in.
○  Student Information: Use the "MyStudent" card to view your child's grades, attendance, and other relevant information.
 
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. Lei if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (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. Ms. Lei will forward exception requests for approval.
●  The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.  
●  Exceptions will be processed and approved within 10 school 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.
 
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. Lei, Parent Coordinator at 929-267-5900.