P.S.200’s School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

 P.S.200’s School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy 

In compliance with NYSED and Chancellor's Regulation A-413, PS 200 is committed to fostering 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 may bring a personal device to school, but it must remain powered off and stored out of sight from arrival through dismissal, including Morning Care, during lunch, hall passings, After Care, After School Center, Summer Programs and bathroom breaks. 

Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day. 

1. COLLECTION/STORAGE 

In an effort to support student compliance with the stated policy, students in grades 3-5 will receive a school-issued DOE pouch for individualized use. These pouches will have a secure velcro closure which keeps phones secure with a loud “tearing” sound to alert faculty. The student and family is responsible for the safe keeping of the pouch and will be required to return it to the school at a designated time. 

Grades 3-5: Upon arrival, students must power off their devices and place them in their velcro pouch and keep it in their backpack. 

Grades K-2:Upon arrival, students must power off their devices and place them in their backpack to be stored in the closet and not accessible. 

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS 

To maintain a conducive learning environment, in the case of an emergency, parents/guardians who need to contact their child during the school day should call the main office 718-236-5466 Press 0 or Parent Coordinator, Lucy Lamothe at 718-236-5466 Press 4 or 347-563-4640. 

Students will not be permitted to use their personal devices to communicate during school hours. In the event of an emergency, with a classroom pass and teacher’s permission, students will be able to utilize a designated phone in the main office to reach out to their parents/guardians. 

In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians. Parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system by setting up a NYCSA account to access GAMA. NYC Schools Account, also known as Schoolsaccount.nyc is an extremely important website for parents and guardians. To create your account, click here. 

3. EXCEPTIONS 

P.S. 200’s school policy in alignment with Chancellor Regulations A-413 honors legally mandated exemptions: 

● Students with a documented medical need (for example, to monitor blood sugar or similar circumstances as part of a 504 or IEP) will be permitted alternative access to their devices as defined in their plan. Parents/guardians must contact and submit the required medical documentation to the on site DOE Medical personnel and/or submit the required paperwork to the school based support team if it is in alignment with a child’s Individualized Education Plan. 

● English Language Learners requiring real-time translation services will receive appropriate accommodations. 

● Other exemptions may be reviewed upon parent request and administrative approval in ten days other than those that may be required by law. 

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 devices) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development. 

Progressive Response to Policy Violations 

1st Offense: 

Verbal reminder and redirection 

Parent contact by school administrator 

2nd Offense: 

Assistant Principal notified; written documentation 

Parent contact by school administrator 

Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention 

3rd Offense: 

● Mandatory guardian pickup of the device 

● Parent conference by school administrator 

● Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention 

4th Offense: 

● Mandatory guardian pickup of the device 

● Student may be restricted from extracurriculars and school privileges 

● Student placed on an individual compliance plan 

● Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention 

Tampering or Pouch Damage: 

Intentional damage will result in: 

● Parent contact 

● Restitution (replacement of pouch; nominal fee of $10) 

● Documentation of infraction (Utilizing the NYCPS Citywide Behavioral Expectations Manual) 

● Detention or loss of privileges 

Loss of pouch will result in: 

● Parent contact 

● Restitution (replacement of pouch; nominal fee of $10) 

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 Mr. Vallaro, Assistant Principal, at 718-236-5466.