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Electronic Device Policy » Electronic Device Policy

Electronic Device Policy

2025-2026 School Year

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 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

  • 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. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day. 
  • Students will receive a cell-phone pouch that is assigned to them for the 2025-2026 school year. Each morning, students place their devices in the assigned cell phone pouch and secure it in front of school staff. 
  • Students will store their locked pouches on their person for the day. 
  • At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch as they exit the school building. 
  • They will remove their device(s) and keep their pouches before leaving the school. 
  • Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office (room 106) or with a dean in room 413. 
  • In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will collect students’ devices until the pouch is replaced or found.

Emergency Communications

  • In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-937-3010 x1060 to reach their child. 
  • In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office (room 106) to reach their parents or guardians. 
  • In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, the school will use the parent/guardian information listed in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA). If you have not set up a NYCSA account, please contact the Parent Coordinator, Blanca Rodriguez at 718-937-3010 x1026.
  • 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.

Lost or Stolen Devices

  • 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.

Further Information

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 AP Alikakos, AP Ocampo or Principal Garcia at 718-937-3010.

Additional information is available on the NYC Public Schools website: Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy.