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 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

8:00AM and ends at 2:20PM. 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.

● PS55Q provides students with locked pouches...

  ○ Students will place their devices in a cellphone pouch and secure it in front of teacher/school staff.

  ○ Students will store their locked pouches on their person or in classroom bin for the day.

  ○ At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in their classroom location.

  ○ They will remove their device(s) and lock/seal their pouches before leaving the school.

  ○ Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in their classroom or

in the main office.

 

2. In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will provide a new

pouch at no charge.

​

a. After the second (2nd) lost or damaged pouch, the school may require a nominal fee for a

replacement (similar to charges for school IDs)

 

3. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

​

● In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Mrs. Prunty, PA secretary

or Ms. Jenkins, PR secretary at 718-849-3845 ext. 0 to reach their child.

● In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in their classroom or the

PC (Parent Coord.) room 113 to reach their parents or guardians.

● In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA and/or ClassDojo to

communicate information to parents or guardians.

a. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: (include directions

for setting up NYCSA account to access GAMA, etc.)

​

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 Russell Butts, Assistant Principal @ 718-849-3845 ext. 322 or

Rbutts2@schools.nyc.gov if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical reasons (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.

● Exceptions will be processed and approved within 72 hours of receipt.

​

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.

​

Consequences for Misuse:

​

Misuse or failure to follow guidelines will result in:

​

● 1st Offense: Verbal warning, parent/guardian contacted

● 2nd Offense: Device confiscation, returned only after a parent conference

● 3rd Offense: Loss of privilege to bring any device(s) to school for a defined period or the remainder of

the year

● 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

Russell Butts/Assistant Principal at 718-849-3845 ext. 322 or RButts2@schools.nyc.gov .