Internet Enabled Device Policy

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 if students arrive for breakfast, and 8:20am if they arrive at the regular time, and ends at 2:40pm.  Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

 

COLLECTION/STORAGE

●     Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.

●     Students will store their devices in pouches:

○     Students will place their devices in Yondr pouches and secure them in front of school staff.

○     Students will store their locked pouches in their backpacks for the day.

○     At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in the Gym during dismissal.

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

○     Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the Main Office from either Laura Jacobs, Office Manager or Jennifer Ludwig, Parent Coordinator.

○     In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will require a $25 fee to replace the pouch. 

 

 

 

 

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

●     In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Jennifer Ludwig, Parent Coordinator at 212-828-2710 to reach their child.

●     In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the Main Office to reach their parents or guardians.

●     In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA, the DOE messaging system, to communicate information to parents or guardians.

    1. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system:

      1. You can access NYCSA at this link.

      2. Reach out to Parent Coordinator Jennifer Ludwig to receive your Account Creation Code

      3. Visit https://schoolsaccount.nyc  and select the “Create Account” link found on the login page.

      4.  Enter your name, email address, and cell phone number to begin receiving notifications. You can create a basic account without an account creation code, but to link your student to the account, you will need the code.

      5. Select “Validate Email” after you have entered your contact information. Keep this page open.

      6. Open your email to get the validation number. Enter the number into the “Validate Email” page.

      7. Proceed to create your password.

      8. Proceed to create your account security questions.

      9. Enter the unique Account Creation Code, which is specific to you and your student.

 

 

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 Stacie Lorraine, Principal at 212-828-2710 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 7 days.  

 

 

 

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.  Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

○      Warnings

○     Confiscation of item and return at end of school day

○     Confiscation of item and return following parent conference

○     Confiscation of item and return following student entering into behavioral contract

●        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.

 

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 Jennifer Ludwig, Parent Coordinator at 212-828-2710.