School 25-26 Cell Phone Policy

 

School 25-26 Cell Phone Policy

PS 223 is committed to creating an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices. Doing so will ensure the safety and focus of all students during the school day, and follow the Chancellor’s Reg A-413 which is aligned to Education Law §2803. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.

What does this mean for 223 Students?

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 defi ned 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 8:00 AM and ends at 2:20 PM. Students will only be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

Expectations for Students:

• Upon arrival, students must power off all internet-enabled devices and place them in their backpacks.
• When arriving at their classes students will place their powered-off devices into the assigned locker slot under the supervision of their classroom teacher during morning entry routines.
• Students who come late will go directly to room 125 and will place their powered-off devices into the assigned locker slot under the supervision of the Guidance Counselor or Social Worker.
• Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their cellphones from room 125 under the supervision of the Guidance Counselor or Social Worker.
• At dismissal students will retrieve their internet-enabled devices from the locked storage units and will place them in their backpacks.
• Students must keep cell phones in their backpacks until exiting the building.

Emergency Communication:

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main offi ce at 718-558-2900, if you cannot reach anyone in the main offi ce, you may contact our Parent Coordinator Ms. Afiz at 347-996-4130 to reach their child or contact your child's teacher via Class Dojo.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main offi ce to reach their parents or guardians.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will send out text messages, emails and robocalls to communicate information to parents or guardians.

Exceptions to the Policy:

• 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, Nicole Kelly NKelly@schools.nyc.gov 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 30 days.

NYCPS Discipline Code

• 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 devices) may result in a suspension if approved by the Offi ce of Safety and Youth Development.

School Discipline Procedures for Violation of Policy:

• 1st Violation: Device confi scated, locked in an approved storage case located in an administrators offi ce. Parent notifi cation will be made and the school staff will review the policy with students and family. The device will be returned at the end of the school day.
• 2nd Violation: Device confi scated and locked in an approved storage case located in an administrators offi ce. A parent conference with the School Guidance Counselor or Social Worker will be required before returning the device. School staff will review the policy with the student and family. Students will serve detention during their lunch period for a second off ense.
• 3rd Violation: Device confi scated and locked in an approved storage case located in an administrators offi ce. A parent conference with an administrator and student. The students will enter into an individual behavioral contract regarding use of the device. This contract will also be reviewed with the student and family. Students may receive lunch detention for consecutive days or other disciplinary actions outlined in the NYCPS Discipline Code depending on the severity of the violation.
• 4th Violation: Device confi scated and locked in an approved storage case located in an administrators offi ce. A parent conference with an administrator and student will take place. The student contract will be reviewed with the student and family. Administration may revoke privilege to bring the device to school and additional disciplinary actions will be imposed. These may include a student removal, detention, guidance conferences, counseling, and other supportive interventions as outlined in the NYCPS Discipline Code.

 

Lost and or Damage to Storage Equipment

• Students who damage the assigned storage unit must report the damage immediately to their classroom teacher, who will inform Assistant Principal Mumtaz. There may be a fee incurred by the parent or guardian as a result of the damage to the storage equipment.

* In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen, guidance on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage. P.S. 223 is not responsible or liable for any personal electronic devices that are lost, damaged, or stolen.

Additional Information:

Parents will receive written notifi cation of the policy and up to date contact methods upon enrollment and at the start of each school year. This information will be posted on the school website, and DOE website Cell phone and electronic device policy; in multiple languages and reviewed with families when violations occur, and updated as needed with notifi cation to all stakeholders. This policy was developed in collaboration with the P.S. 223Q Parent Teacher Association and is eff ective for the 2025-26 school year. This policy aligns with Chancellor's Regulation A-413. For questions or concerns, please contact our main offi ce. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarifi cation regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Principal Babb at 718-558-2900 or at Tbabb@schools.nyc.gov.

 

Respect For All Brochure (English)