Electronics 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 an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access the internet. 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 8:00 am and ends at 2:20 pm. Students can 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 secure pouch and secure it in front of school staff at the start of the school day.

  • Students will store their locked pouches inside their backpacks for the day.

• Students will unlock their pouches in their classroom at the end of the school day. 

• Students with approved early dismissal can unlock pouches in front of a staff member before leaving for the day.

• If a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will provide a replacement pouch. The school will require a nominal replacement fee for additional instances of lost or damaged pouches. 

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• Parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-428-6160 to reach their child in an emergency or exigent circumstances. Alternatively, parents or guardians can contact their child’s teacher through Class Dojo.

• Students may access phones in their backpacks to reach their parents or guardians in an emergency or exigent circumstances.

• In an emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Class Dojo and the NYCPS Messaging App (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 assistance, please contact Ms. Foresta at oforest@schools.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-428-6160 Ext. 1073.

EXCEPTIONS

• Students can use their device if they have an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose.

• Parents/guardians must inform school administration (Ms. Rosa at vrosa@schools.nyc.gov and Ms. Stolz jstolz2@schools.nyc.gov) via email,  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 principal/designee may authorize use for educational purposes.  

• Exceptions will be processed and approved within one week from the date of the request made to the administration.

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 because the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device, violating school policy​.​ ​ Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e., refusal to surrender or store a device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

OTHER: If Lost or Stolen…

• If 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. Please note that this policy will be accessible through our student handbook, available on our website.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Foresta at oforest@schools.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-428-6160 Ext. 1073.