PS232Q Cell Policies

August 1, 2025

Dear Parents or Guardians,

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.

COLLECTION/STORAGE

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
• Students will store their phones into their storage pouch during their first period class. If students arrive after this window, they will have to get a storage pouch in the main office before they go to class.
• At the end of the school day, students will have their pouches opened prior to being dismissed.
• In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will require a $5 fee for a replacement pouch.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call 718-848-9247 and ask for the Parent Coordinator to support with reaching their child.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones by having a teacher, main office staff, dean and/or administrator open their pouch to access their phone.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA or a teacher’s communication platform to make outreach to parents.

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 Assistant Principal Woods for students in grades k-4 and Assistant Principal Collins for students in grades 5-8, if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (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. The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose. Exceptions will be processed and approved within 3 school days and/or when documentation is confirmed.

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. 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.

This policy has been discussed, reviewed and created through feedback from the SLT, PTA and is in direct alignment with the protocols provided by the New York City Department of Education. A copy of this policy can be found on our website at www.psms232.org. We thank you for your partnership in supporting a positive school environment. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at 718-848-9247 or our Parent Coordinator Ms. DeSimone at MDesimone6@schools.nyc.gov

In partnership,

Mrs. Naviha Ponce-Paz Principal