Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy
Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items, to be known throughout this document as “electronic devices,” to school: 1) cell phones; 2) portable music and entertainment systems, such as iPods, MP3 players, PS Vita, and Nintendo Switch.
A. The possession of electronic devices outlined above at school is subject to the restrictions below.
1. Electronic devices outlined above must be kept in students’ book bags or backpacks from when students enter the school building until the end of the school day.
2. Electronic devices outlined above may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.
3. Electronic devices outlined above may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
4. The use of electronic devices outlined above during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.
5. Electronic devices outlined above may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
6. Electronic devices outlined above may not be used in bathrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, the gym, other common areas, or on the playground.
B. Warning and discipline policy for the unauthorized use of electronic devices
1. A teacher or staff member who sees a student with an electronic device will issue a verbal warning and ask the student to immediately return the electronic device to his or her backpack.
2. A second violation of the cell phone policy will result in the student serving a lunch and recess reflection and the cell phone being confiscated for the remainder of the school day.
3. Repeated confiscation, refusing to hand over a phone, or any more serious infraction, such as posting photos or videos on the internet, will warrant a meeting with families and potential suspension. Students who use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.
C. Inappropriate Content
If possible inappropriate content is found or believed to be stored on an electronic device; the school will:
D. Theft or Damage
If a student reports that an electronic device is stolen or damaged, the school will file an OORS report.
A. The possession of electronic devices outlined above at school is subject to the restrictions below.
1. Electronic devices outlined above must be kept in students’ book bags or backpacks from when students enter the school building until the end of the school day.
2. Electronic devices outlined above may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.
3. Electronic devices outlined above may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
4. The use of electronic devices outlined above during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.
5. Electronic devices outlined above may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
6. Electronic devices outlined above may not be used in bathrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, the gym, other common areas, or on the playground.
B. Warning and discipline policy for the unauthorized use of electronic devices
1. A teacher or staff member who sees a student with an electronic device will issue a verbal warning and ask the student to immediately return the electronic device to his or her backpack.
2. A second violation of the cell phone policy will result in the student serving a lunch and recess reflection and the cell phone being confiscated for the remainder of the school day.
3. Repeated confiscation, refusing to hand over a phone, or any more serious infraction, such as posting photos or videos on the internet, will warrant a meeting with families and potential suspension. Students who use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.
C. Inappropriate Content
If possible inappropriate content is found or believed to be stored on an electronic device; the school will:
- Immediately notify the NYPD and senior field counsel.
- Immediately notify the parent.
- Wait for instructions from senior field counsel, who will coordinate with law enforcement.
- Investigate the allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Discipline Code.
D. Theft or Damage
If a student reports that an electronic device is stolen or damaged, the school will file an OORS report.
- Notify NYPD if possible criminal behavior is involved.