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 include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.

Policy

Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices upon arrival at school until leaving the school premises. 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 official school day starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. 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.
• 88th Avenue Building: Children with devices will bring them to a designated collection point adjacent to the lobby, where staff members will collect the devices.
• Staff will log the submission of devices and place each device into an individually labeled storage container. Students and staff will sign for submissions. Students arriving after the initial arrival window will follow the same procedure with main-office staff.
• Staff will place devices into a locked container for storage.
• At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff from the designated first-floor location between 2:00 and 2:15 p.m. Students leaving before the end of the regular school day will retrieve their devices from the main office as they are signed out by the appropriate adult. Staff will log distribution, with students and staff signing for this.
• Parsons Building: Students will attend their classrooms directly. Staff will circulate to each classroom to collect devices. Staff will log the submission of devices and place each device into an individually labeled storage container. Students and staff will sign for submissions. Students arriving after the initial arrival window will follow the same procedure with main-office staff.
• Staff will place devices into a locked container for storage.
• At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff from the designated first-floor location between 2:00 and 2:15 p.m. Students leaving early will retrieve their devices from the main office as they are signed out by the appropriate adult. Staff will log distribution, with students and staff signing for this.

2. Emergency Communications

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the 88th Avenue Main Office at 718-298-7700 or the Parsons Main Office at 718-523-8941 to reach their child.
• Students may access phones in each building's main office in order to reach their parents or guardians.
• The school will use the NYC Department of Education Messaging System to communicate emergency information to parents or guardians.

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 purpose.
• Parents/guardians must contact Parent Coordinator Alexis Quintero at 718-298-7700 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as medical monitoring/treatments (for example, monitoring blood sugar or similar circumstances), if the student is a caregiver, for approved language purposes such as translation or interpretation services when 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 five days of submission.

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. Disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation.

As provided in 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 (for example, refusal to surrender or store a device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

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 contact Parent Coordinator Alexis Quintero at 718-298-7700.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NYCPS POLICY