New Cell Phone Policy
JHS 123 Families and Students - Please be aware of our school's new cell phone policy in accordance to the new New York State Law 2803.
Effective Date: September 2025
Authority: Chancellor’s Regulation A-413; NY Education Law §2803
Purpose
To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions from cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensuring safety and focus during the school day, and complying with New York Education Law §2803 and Chancellor’s Regulation A-413.
Definitions
- Internet-enabled electronic device – Any device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access online content (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads).
- Non-internet-enabled electronic device – Devices not capable of internet access (e.g., basic calculators, some music players).
- School day – 8:07 AM to 2:27 PM, including all instructional and non-instructional time such as lunch and recess.
- School grounds – All buildings, structures, athletic fields, playgrounds, and property within the school’s real estate boundaries.
- Parent – A parent, guardian, or person in parental/custodial relation to the student, or a designated individual acting in loco parentis.
Policy Statement
- Students may not use personal internet-enabled electronic devices on school grounds during the school day except as permitted under the Exceptions section below.
- School/NYCPS-issued devices may be used for educational purposes during the school day.
- Non-internet-enabled electronic devices may be used only as permitted by this policy.
- Devices may not be used during tests or exams (unless authorized or in an IEP/504 plan), emergency drills, or in locker rooms or bathrooms.
Storage of Devices
Students will secure their personal internet-enabled devices in Yonder Pouches upon arrival at entry as they enter the building, in front of school staff.
Locked pouches will be kept on the student’s person or in lockers if available.
At dismissal:
- Exit 5 – Grades 7 & 8
- Exit 6 – Grade 6
Students with early dismissal will unlock pouches in the main office.
Lost or damaged pouches will incur a $20 replacement fee.
Emergency Communications
- Parents/guardians may contact the main office and speak to Ms. Emma Torruella at 718-328-2105 during the school day to reach their child in emergencies or exigent circumstances.
- Students may access a school phone in the main office to contact parents/guardians during emergencies.
- The school will also use GAMA to communicate urgent messages to parents/guardians.
- Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: (include directions for setting up NYCSA account to access GAMA, etc)
Exceptions
- Authorized by the principal/designee for a specific educational purpose.
- Required for healthcare management as documented by a medical provider and reviewed by the Office of School Health.
- Approved on a case-by-case basis by a school psychologist, social worker, or counselor for a student caregiver.
- Required by law.
- During an individual student emergency (with prior notification from parent to principal/designee).
- For translation/interpretation if no other means are available.
- Contained in an IEP/504 plan for medical or educational purposes when a DOE-issued device has not yet been provided.
Requests for exceptions must be submitted to Ms. Quiroz at 718-328-2105 and will be processed within 5 business days.
Discipline
- Violations will be addressed through progressive discipline in line with the NYCPS Discipline Code, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP).
- Students will not be suspended solely for accessing a personal internet-enabled device in violation of policy.
- Persistent refusal to surrender/store a device may result in additional disciplinary action if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Devices
The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. Parents may file a claim with the NYC Comptroller’s Office; information is available on the Comptroller’s website.
Communication of School Policy
At the start of each school year or when a student enrolls, the school will provide parents and students with:
- Written notification of Chancellor’s Regulation A-413.
- This school’s specific policy.
- Policy will be posted on the school website.
- Any policy changes will be communicated in writing to parents, students, and staff.
- The policy will be posted on our school website: https://jhs123x.echalksites.com/
Confiscation of Electronic Devices
- If a student violates this policy, the Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, the NYCPS Discipline Code, or the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP), the principal/designee may confiscate the device.
- Parent/guardian will be contacted regarding the confiscation.
- Return of the device will follow school procedures as outlined in the school’s discipline plan.
