Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

M.S. 935 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 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 a.m. and ends at 2:51 p.m., with a dismissal at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

Collection/Storage

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices and place them in their provided Yondr Pouch.

• The pouch is used to keep cell phones safe and easily identified for retrieval at the end of the day.

• Students will store their locked pouches in class bins for the day.

• Yondr Pouches will be stored in the main office throughout the day; if a child absolutely needs access to their phone, they can request access there.

• Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office.

• A $5 replacement fee will be charged for any lost or stolen Yondr Pouch.

• Students receive their phone pouches during dismissal at their grade's designated exit.

• School staff will be present at dismissal with security magnets to unlock pouches.

• The school day is from 8 a.m. - 2:51 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Unauthorized Devices

• If a student brings an unauthorized internet-enabled device (e.g., AirPods/ear buds, video game console/accessories, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers) to school, the item(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and a parent will need to come to the school to retrieve the item(s).

Exceptions

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

• Parents/guardians must contact Ms. Yasslin Aponte at (929) 480-2126 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment (for example, to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if a 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 an educational purpose.

• Exceptions will be processed and approved within 5-10 business 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. 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.

Emergency Communication

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Ms. Yasslin Aponte at (929) 480-2126 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 to communicate information to parents or guardians.

• Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: To access GAMA, you must set up an NYCSA account. You can find instructions on how to set up an account on the NYC Schools Account webpage.

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 NYC 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. Yasslin Aponte at (929) 480-2126.

• M.S. 935’s School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy will be shared with families via the GAMA App and posted to our school website prior to September 4, 2025. Visit our school website at: https://sites.google.com/view/ms935/home .