Electronic Device Policy

Cell Phone Policy and Plan - 2024-2025

Policy for the use of cell phones, computing devices, ear buds, portable music & entertainment systems on school property: Queens Technical High School, in alignment with NYC Public Schools policy, is working to create cell-phone free classrooms.

September - December 2024

1. Each classroom will be furnished with cell phone bins or pouches. Students will be expected to turn off their devices and place their electronic devices in the bin by the teacher’s desk.
2. Cell phones/electronic devices must remain in the classroom bin/pouch for the entirety of the class period; students may not retrieve the device if they must leave the classroom (i.e. with a bathroom pass), unless they receive explicit permission from the teacher.
3. Cell phones are expected to remain off during transition between classes and may not be used in bathrooms, locker rooms, staircases, hallways or other school spaces.
4. Cell phones may be accessed during lunchtime, only in the cafeteria. Students participating in other lunchtime activities (i.e. library, tutoring, clubs, etc.) are expected to place their cell phones in classroom/library bins
5. Cell phones are expected to remain powered off during fire drills, town halls, assemblies or other whole-school events
6. Cell phones may be used during after-school, on school sponsored events/trips only with the approval of the supervising staff member
7. Earbuds/headphones are expected to be powered off and not worn during the school day.

1. If an electronic device is confiscated, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted and the return of such items will take place on Fridays from 8:00am - 3:00pm in room 108.
2. Queens Technical High School is not responsible for any lost/stolen electronic devices
3. Families who need to contact their child during the school day must call the main office at 718 937 3010

1. Share printed and verbal communication regarding the Cell Phone Policy during class time, as designated
2. All staff members are expected to uphold the expectations of the Cell Phone policy
3. Classroom staff are ensure that each of the following are clearly posted in the classroom daily:
   1. Cell phone policy poster
   2. Cell phone receptacle (pouches, cell box, locker)
4. Address students who are in violation of the cell phone policy:
   1. Ask students to turn off devices and place into the cell phone receptacle immediately
   2. Ask students to immediately remove and turn off headphones/earbuds. These can be placed in the receptacle or placed into their bags.
   3. Inform students that they will be referred for follow up with administration/deans office for non-compliance
   4. Follow up with a family contact within 24 hours
   5. Report the circumstances via the Online Cell phone referral system Google Form.
      1. Provides a log for student infractions that will help to assess the effectiveness of the policy
      2. Provides for a 1:1 conversation with students regarding their challenges regarding the cell phone policy
      3. Avoids a public disagreement around compliance
      4. Creates a queue for admin/deans to address cell phone violations
      5. Accessed by APs, deans & GCs
      6. Information entered for all electronic devices: Name, OSIS, description (drop-down), refusal to put phone in bin, use of phone during class, took phone out of bin, family contact (yes/no), notes (optional)

We will be working this year to support our young people in how to manage the use of technology and will be revisiting the effectiveness of the policy during our November PD. All staff are expected to adhere to the above and to seek support in the implementation of this policy, communicate suggestions and share their experiences as we are all working together in the interest of young people and our school community.

If you have a NYC Public School-loaned iPad or laptop, learn more about acceptable use policies here: Digital Learning Devices