Cell Phone Policy for the 2025-26 School Year
CELL PHONE USAGE AND ALL OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
ARE NOT PERMITTED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY FOR THE 2025-26 YEAR
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Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices (cellphone, ear pods, bluetooth devices, smart watches, laptops, tablets, MP3 players and consoles), upon arrival at school until the end of the school day.
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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 classes start at 8:20 and end at 2:40.
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Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
Middle School Students Cell Phone Collection/Storage Procedures:
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Students' will place their device(s) into a secure bin in the cafeteria each morning between times 8:00 and 8:20 am.
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At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff during period eight classes between times 2:35 and
2:40 pm. -
Students who are late will have their device confiscated and will have to pick up their device after serving detention from
the detention room. -
Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices in the main office from one of our IN-Tech staff members
High School Students Cell Phone Storage Pouch Procedures:
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Students will place their device(s) in a secure pouch in front of our school staff while leaving the auditorium.
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Students will store their locked pouches on their person for the day.
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At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch as they exit the building after the school day at 2:40 pm.
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Students will be responsible for their assigned pouch.
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Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office from one of our IN-Tech staff
members. -
In the event that a pouch is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay a nominal fee of $30 for a replacement
(similar to replacement charge for school IDs).
Emergency Communications:
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In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-432-4300 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 to communicate information to parents or
guardians. Setting up NYCSA account to access GAMA: https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc
Exceptions:
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Parents/guardians must contact Assistant Principal Tobin at 718-432-4300 if a student requires an exception for reasons
such as: medical monitoring/treatments or where otherwise required by law. -
Exceptions will be processed and may be approved within a two week timeframe.
Discipline:
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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.
Other: (if lost or stolen)
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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 our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Velazquez at 718-432-4300 or rvelazquez5@schools.nyc.gov