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

1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

   • Arrival Collection

     • Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
     • A designated collection point, supervised by staff members, will be set up by the front entrance of all sites (Ellery, Gotham and FBTH)between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
     • At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff in the cafeteria at all sites between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM.
     • Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices in the main office at each site.

   • During Collection

     • Students will place their devices in a bag labeled with their name, then a classroom lock box and secure it in front of school staff.
     • Students will store their locked pouches in the class lock box for the day.
     • At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in the cafeteria at their bussing tables.
     • They will remove their device(s) and unlock their pouches before leaving the school.
     • Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office.
     • In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will provide a new pouch.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

   • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call:
     • Ellery Site, Brian Williams-718-782-6800
     • Gotham Site, Pierce McGlone- 718-399-5760
     • Flatbush Town Hall Site, Brenton Be-973-610-7899
   • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, with administrative approval, students may access phones in the classroom lock boxes to reach their parents or guardians.
   • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Parent Square to communicate information to parents or guardians.

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 purpose.
   • Parents/guardians must contact Community Coordinator Brian Williams at 718-782-6800 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (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 two weeks.

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.  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 Pierce McGlone, Assistant Principal at 718-399-5760.