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P.S. 596X CELL PHONE POLICY

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P.S. 596X

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 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 am and ends at 2:50 pm for students who attend the 178x and 153x site. Students that attend the 498x site are from 8:20 am to 3:10 pm.  Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

 

  1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

  • Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
     

    • A designated collection point, supervised by staff members, will be set up in the unit office of each site, between 8 am and 9:30 am. Students will be accompanied by classroom staff to the collection point. If students arrive after this window, they should proceed with their teacher to the main office or their site’s unit office for device collection.

    • At the end of the school day, devices can be picked up by classroom staff, between 2:30 and 3:10 pm.

 

  1. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at 718.904.5750 or their child’s unit office and speak with a Unit Coordinator/Administrator;

498X – 718.409.3150, Tim Currie, AP

178X – 718.904-5773, Kelly Alexander, UC

153X – 718.904.5758, Danielle Machado, UC

  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the unit office for their site to reach their parents or guardians.

  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Parent Square, NYCSA account and email to communicate information to parents or guardians.

    1. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: Parents will receive an e-mail, text message or phone call with information from the DOE messaging system with all school communications. The e-mail and phone number that are used is associated with the parent's NYC Schools account. Parents can setup a NYC Schools account by e-mailing Dawn Harney, Parent Coordinator at DHarney@schools.nyc.gov or Steven Sobol, Technology Coordinator at SSobol@schools.nyc.gov. 

 

  1. 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 John Siracuse at 718.904.5750 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 24 hours.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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 John Siracuse, Principal at 718.904.5750.

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Updated: September 2025

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