McKinley IS 259 – “Distraction Free Environment” Policy

Beginning August 1, 2025, McKinley IS 259 will adopt a “Distraction Free Environment” in alignment with Education Law §2803. This initiative is designed to ensure students can fully engage in their learning, free from the interruptions of personal electronic devices. For more details, families can visit the NYCPS website: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/policies/cell-phone-and-electronic-device-policy 

These new rules aim to create a more focused learning environment for all students. 

The core of the new regulations is as follows: 

• Cell phones and other electronic devices (e.g., smartwatches, tablets) are not permitted to be used during instructional time. Devices with cellular capability: cell phones, tablets, smart watches, MP3 players, gaming consoles, or similar items. 

• This includes classrooms, hallways during class changes, libraries, and other learning spaces.

• The policy takes effect as soon as students enter the school building. “bell to bell” for the entire instructional day.

• Schools must provide a secure method for storing devices during the school day. At McKinley IS 259, we utilize Yondr pouches for this purpose. Upon arrival, students will place their phones in their assigned pouch and lock it. Upon dismissal, all exits will have magnets to unlock pouches for all students. 

• Students will be assigned a numbered pouch that they will keep for the entire school year. If the pouch is lost or damaged, a replacement fee of $15 will be charged (similar to the cost of replacing a school ID). Please see Ms. Cullen, Ms. Urena, or Ms. Testagrossa in Room 415 to arrange payment. Payments can be made in cash or by check payable to McKinley IS 259.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, McKinley IS 259 uses Yondr pouches. Here’s how it works: 

• To support this goal, McKinley IS 259 will enforce a bell-to-bell ban on electronic device use during all instructional hours—8:35 a.m. to 2:55 p.m., including lunch and recess.

• Upon arrival at school, students will place their cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods (and other prohibited devices) into their Yondr pouch.

• The pouch will be securely locked by the student.

• Students will retain possession of their pouch throughout the school day.

• Pouches can only be unlocked at designated unlocking stations at the end of the school day.

• If a student needs to contact a parent during the day, they can go to the Main Office, any AP’s  office, the Nurse, the Deans’ office, or the Attendance Office to have their pouch temporarily unlocked.

• Students will have access to school Main Office phones to reach parents or guardians in case of emergency.

STORAGE & SELF- CARRY PROCEDURES

• Students may bring personal devices to school but must have them turned off and stored in YONDR pouches during the day.

• Devices must remain in backpacks until dismissal.

• Late arrivals must check in at the main desk, where any personal device will be asked to be placed in YONDR stored securely until the end of the day.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

If a true emergency arises, families should call the main office at (718) 833-1000. Our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Erin Cullen, can also be reached at the same number @ Ext. 4200

Students who need to reach their parent/guardian during the day may use the main office phone in Room 209.

Examples of situations that are not emergencies:

• Changes to dismissal or pick-up

• Dropping off lunch or personal items

• Bringing a forgotten water bottle

DURING AN EMERGENCY

In the event of a Building Response Team (BRT) action (e.g., evacuation), updates will be sent within 15 minutes through the NYCDOE Messaging application (GAMA). To ensure safety, please avoid calling the school during an emergency, as staff will be focused on managing the situation.

McKinley IS 259 uses contact information from both NYCSA and our internal student database (ATS). Families should:

• Keep their NYCSA account updated

• Complete BlueCards

• Complete a new Emergency Contact Form when changes occur

• Contact Ms. Cullen for help setting up or accessing NYCSA

POLICY VIOLATIONS & CONSEQUENCES

First Offense

• Verbal warning issued

• Parent/Guardian contacted

Second Offense

• Device confiscated by staff and given to the Deans and/or Assistant Principal

• Parent/Guardian must retrieve the device from school

Further Offenses

• Student will be subject to the NYCPS Discipline Code

More Information: