Cell Phone Policy » P993Q School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

P993Q School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

2025-2026 School Year
 
September 4, 2025
 
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 528031 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 8:00am and ends at 2:50pm. 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.
 
  • When P993Q collects devices...
    • A designated collection point, supervised by staff members, will be set up by unit entrance to the building, between times 8:00am and 8:50am.
    • At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff in the unit office between times 2:30pm and 2:50pm.
  • When P9930 provides students with locked pouches...
    • Students will place their devices in locked phone pouches and secure it in front of school staff.
    • Students will store their locked pouches in the unit office for the day.
    • At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in the unit office.
    • They will remove their device(s) and lock their pouches before leaving the school.
    • In the event that a storage pouch is lost or damaged, the school will require a nominal fee of $20.00 cash paid for by families for a replacement.
 
2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
 
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call our P993Q's Pupil Accounting Secretary at 718-831-4040 ext. 0 to reach their child.
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the unit office to reach their parents or guardians.
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use ParentSquare to communicate information to parents and/or guardians. In order to activate your ParentSquare account, sign up ParentSquare.com or on the ParentSquare app. The ParentSquare app is available on both Apple iOS and Android stores, free of charge.
 
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. For this, a written note is required by the parent/guardian to keep on file at the school.
  • Parents/guardians must contact P993Q's Pupil Accounting Secretary at 718-831-4040 ext. 0 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.
    Exceptions will be processed and reviewed within 72 hours of written notice.
 
4. DISCIPLINE
 
  • Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPSDiscipline Code, P993Q's policy, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will be subject to progressive discipline.
    • If a student fails to comply and they are found with their phone, the phone will be taken away immediately and for the first offense will be returned at the end of the school day. A phone call will be made to the parent and/or guardian informing them of the violation and reiterating P993Q's cell phone policy.
    • If there is a second violation, the phone will be taken away and will not be returned until the parent and/or guardian comes to the school to pick up the phone.
    • If there is a third violation, the student will be subject to an in-school suspension, and the phone will not be returned until there is a Team Meeting with the parent and/or guardian present.
 
5. OTHER: If lost or stolen
 
 
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 P993Q's Pupil Accounting Secretary at 718-831-4040 ext. 0.
 
Jonathan Lonshein
P993Q Principal