Parents

More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools

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. Students will not be able to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices on school grounds during the school day unless there is an approved exception.

370K 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 8:10 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day. Families should review these policies carefully and ensure their child understands the specific rules and procedures concerning personal electronic devices at our school, including where and how to store their devices securely.

1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
• At the bussing entrance, students will give the device(s) to either the Dean, a CIT or an Assistant Principal each morning.
• At the end of the school day, students will be given back their devices, they will be distributed in bus locations prior to dismissal.
• Students who are late will have to drop off their device at the main office of any site they attend.
• Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices from the main office of the site they attend.

Yes, students are permitted to bring their devices to school, but they must be stored during the school day. We encourage families to talk to their student about the device policy and support their student by:

• Contacting the school’s main office (rather than the student directly) if there is a family emergency.
• Only communicating about non-urgent matters before or after the school day.
• Waiting to respond to non-urgent texts from students until the school day is over.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call:
  • MAIN SITE: Dean Wilson OR Mr. Kurban at 718-372-3777
  • PS100 SITE: CIT Molinare OR Ms. Catalano at 718-382-2791
  • PS/IS237 SITE: CIT Brevetti OR Ms. Emanuele at 718-621-7711
  • PS/IS163 SITE: CIT David OR Ms. Graham at 718-382-3160
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office or the AP office to reach their parents or guardians.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Class Dojo and the NYC PS messaging system to communicate information to parents or guardians.

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

1. Use this link to set up your child’s NYCSA - https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc

3. 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 purposes.
• Parents/guardians must contact Robin Glaser, special education coordinator at 718-372-3777 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment, 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 60 school days.

4. 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.

5. Security, Theft, or Damage

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. Families can always reach out to our school principal or assistant principals at 718-372-3777 with any concerns or questions regarding the device policy.

Sincerely,
Susan Miller
Mrs. Susan Miller, Principal