Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy for P.S. 112 Lefferts Park

  At P.S. 112 we are committed to creating a focused, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. As part of this commitment, we are implementing NYC Public Schools new citywide policy on cell phones and electronic devices.

1. What You Need to Know:

• Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, states that all NYC public schools are required to have a policy that prohibits student use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day and on school grounds.

• Students may still bring cell phones and other internet-enabled devices to school but cannot use them during the school day unless an approved exception applies.

• At P.S. 112, 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 moment students enter the school building until the end of the last class of the day, this includes lunch periods.
  The school day starts at 8:00 am and ends at 2:20pm.

• School laptops or tablets are permitted.

Devices covered by this policy include, but are not limited to:

• Smartphones

• Smart watches

• Tablets

2. Devices will be stored:

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.

• Students will be provided with a Velcro pouch that they will use to secure their phone or electronic device in every day. This pouch will be stored in their school bag in the locked classroom wardrobe closet until the end of the day.

  • 1. 1. • While unpacking in the morning, Students will place their devices in the Velcro pouch in front of school staff.

          • Students will store their locked pouches in their school bag, in the classroom wardrobe closet for the day.

          • At the end of the school day, students will open their pouch in class and remove their device.

          • They will remove their device(s) and close their pouch and leave the empty pouch with the teacher before leaving the school.

          • Students with approved early dismissal will be able to remove their device from their pouch in the classroom and leave their pouch with their teacher.

          • If a pouch is lost or damaged, please notify the school immediately. See replacement fee schedule below.

Replacement fee Schedule: first additional pouch at no charge. A second lost pouch will require a fee of $11.

3. Emergency Communication:

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Martha Ryan and/or Angela Castiglione in the main office to reach their child, at (718) 232-0685.

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Gama to communicate information to parents or guardians. GAMA can be accessed through your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA). NYCSA Set Up Guide and NYCSA Mobile App.

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in their classrooms to reach their parents or guardians.

4. 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 contact Assistant Principal Ms. Trunzo, at atrunzo@schools.nyc.gov, 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 an educational purpose.

• Exceptions will be processed and approved within a two-day time frame.

5. 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.

6. 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 Parent Coordinator, Cathleen Giordano at 718-232-0685 or CGiordano7@schools.nyc.gov.

Sincerely, 

Principal Jennifer Potter