School 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 8:10am and ends at 2:30pm. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
1. COLLECTION/STORAGE
· Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
o Students will be provided with electronic device pouches
o Each student will receive a pouch that they will be responsible for while attending PS/IS 128.
o Students will place their device in the electric pouch and secure it in front of school staff each morning as they enter the school building.
o At the end of the school day (2:30pm), students may remove their electronic device from their pouch once they are outside the school building.
o If a student is found with a cell phone in their pocket or in their belongings, the device will be confiscated and held for the day. The student will be directed where to pick up the cell phone at the end of the school day.
o In the event a student’s pouch is lost or damaged, the school will require a nominal fee of $15 to replace the pouch.
2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
· In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Ms. Karen Soto (718) 326-6210 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 (the school messaging service) to communicate information to parents or guardians.
· You must activate your NYCSA account to receive messages
3. 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 purposes.
· If a Parents/guardian believes that their child 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, they must email must email Ms. Trani, JRaso5@schools.nyc.gov and Ms. Petrolekas, EPetrolekas@schools.nyc.gov.
· The administration may authorize use for educational purposes.
· Exceptions will be processed and approved within one week.
4. 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.
Students must secure their electronic device in their designated pouch during the school day (8:10am-2:30pm). If a student refuses to follow the School Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy the school will follow disciplinary action.
First Violation:
The student’s cell phone will be confiscated, and the student can pick up their device at the end of the school day from the administration in the main office. The student’s parent will also be contacted.
Second Violation:
The student’s parent/guardian must attend a mandatory meeting with the administration. After the meeting the student will be required to give their cell phone to the administration every morning as they enter the school building for the remainder of the school year.
5. 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 Principal, JoAnn Trani or Assistant Principal, Eva Petrolekas.
