Cell Phone Policy

Dear PS 889 Families:

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 §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 and early arrival for breakfast. The school day starts at 8:20 am and ends at 2:40 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 all 3rd through 5th grade classrooms beginning at 8:20 am. Students will put their devices in the designated slot that is assigned to them.
At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff in their classrooms from 2:30 pm until dismissal at 2:40 pm.
Students who are late will give their devices to Ms. Alana Ruiz, parent coordinator, who will then secure it in their classroom locker.
Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices in the main office from Ms. Anna Felicia, school secretary.
If students between the ages of kindergarten to second grade come to school with devices, they will have their devices collected by Ms. Lisa Biagioni, school aide from their classrooms. They will be stored and locked in a closet in the main office and then returned at dismissal at 2:30 pm.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS:

In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Ms. Anna Felicia, school secretary at (929)397-9171 to reach their child.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office to reach their parents or guardians.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians.
- Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/setup-guide

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.
Parents/guardians must contact Ms. Denise Pergola, assistant principal 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.
The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
Exceptions will be processed and approved within a week.

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

5. 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 Ms. Alana Ruiz, parent coordinator at (929) 397-9171
ext.1121