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Students » Electronic Device Policy

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: 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 8:49 AM and ends at 3:09 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.
  • Collection table with the Dean and Electronics Collection Team will be set up at Exit 8 prior to students entrance to the building, between times 8:20 AM and 9:00 AM
    • If students arrive after this window, your phone will be collected at the Main Entrance by a member of the Dean Team.
    • Phones are stored and locked in Room 527 for the duration of the school day
    • Personal electronic devices (ex. Smart watches, laptops, tablets, etc.) will be stored and locked in the Main Office
  • At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by your 9th period teachers between 3:00 and 3:09 PM in your 9th period classrooms.
    • Students who were late or had their device collected at scanning will have to pick up their device from one of the following classrooms: Room 501, Room 502 or Room 514.
    • Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices in the Main Office (Room 543) from Ms. Mendez (Parent Coordinator) or Ms. Rios (Community Coordinator).


  • EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents/guardians can call Ms. Mendez or Ms. Rios to reach their child.
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the Main Office (Room 543) to reach their parents/guardians.
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians.
    • Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system:
  • Visit https://schoolsaccount.nyc and select the “Create Account” link found on the login page. 
  • Enter your name, email address, and cell phone number to begin receiving notifications. You can create a basic account without an account creation code, but to link your student to the account, you will need the code.
  • Select “Validate Email” after you have entered your contact information. Keep this page open.
  • Open your email to get the validation number. Enter the number into the “Validate Email” page.
  • Proceed to create your password.
  • Proceed to create your account security questions.
  • Enter the unique Account Creation Code, which is specific to you and your student. 

  • 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 Jaznelle Alston (Assistant Principal) at 212-246-2183 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 5-10 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. 
    • 1. Teacher will speak to the student and notify the Dean about violation
    • 2. Dean or Assistant Principal will confiscate the student’s device and store in secure location
    • 3. Dean, Assistant Principal or Counselor will notify the parent/guardian about violation
    • 4. Continued violation of the policy will lead to a meeting with the student, student’s parent/guardian, the Dean and Assistant Principal
  • 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.


  • LOST/STOLEN DEVICE
  • 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. Alston (Assistant Principal) or Ms. Thomas (Dean).