PS 130Q School Cell Phone & 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 refers to any device capable of connecting to the internet and accessing content online. This includes, but is not limited to:
Cell phones and smartphones
Smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watches)
Tablets, iPads, laptops
Portable entertainment/music devices
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 8:00 and ends at 2:20. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
COLLECTION/STORAGE
Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
Students will place their devices in their NutKase pouch and they will secure it in front of school staff.
Students will store their locked pouches inside of their backpacks for the duration of the day.
At dismissal, students will unlock their pouch and remove their device.
Pouches will be returned to a secured bin in the classroom overnight.
Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in their classroom in front of their teacher before leaving for the day.
In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will provide a replacement pouch. For additional instances of lost or damaged pouches, the school will require a nominal fee for replacement.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the Main Office at 718-819-2230 to reach their child. The point of contact in the Main Office is our school secretary, Stacy Zoumboulis. Alternatively, parents or guardians can contact their child’s teacher through ParentSquare.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in their backpacks to reach their parents or guardians.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Parent Square and/or GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians. If you have not set up your NYCSA account yet, please follow the steps below so you can access the automated messaging system through NYCSA:
NYCSA:
Step 1: Go to the NYCSA Website
Visit https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc
Step 2: Select “Create Account” (if new)
If you already have an account, click “Sign In” and skip to Part 2.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
Provide your first and last name, email address, and a password.
Check your email for a confirmation message and follow the link to verify.
Step 4: Enter Student Information
Log in to NYCSA.
Enter your child’s 9-digit Student ID (OSIS) and Account Creation Code
Once connected, you’ll be able to view information about your child.
GAMA: How to Access GAMA Through NYCSA
Step 1: Log into NYCSA
Go to https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc and sign in.
Step 2: Find the GAMA Application
On your dashboard, look for “GAMA” (Graduation and Academic Monitoring App) in the list of applications.
Step 3: Open GAMA
If you need any assistance with this, please reach out to our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Pawson, at KPawson@schools.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-819-2230.
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 inform their child’s teacher 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.
The teacher will inform the principal, who will review the request.
Principal or designee will approve/deny the request and notify all relevant parties.
Exceptions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the school year as needed.
All initial and updated exceptions must be reviewed and processed by September 30, with additional requests handled within 5 school days of submission thereafter.
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. Specchia at cspecch@schools.nyc.gov or call the school at 718-819-2230.
Sincerely,
Catherine Specchia
Principal