PS196Q Electronic Device Policy

PS196Q Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

PS 196Q Personal Internet-Enabled Device Policy 2025-26 School Year

To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, to ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and to 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.

PS 196Q PERSONAL INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICE POLICY:

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 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m. Students will, however, be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

  1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

Upon entering the school building all communication devices must be turned off.   Students in all grades must place their device in the lockbox in their classroom. It will be returned to them at dismissal. 

  1. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
  • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the PS 196Q Main Office at 718-263-9770 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 SchoolStatus/Operoo to communicate information to parents or guardians.  Please be sure to reach out to our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Medero, (kmedero2@schools.nyc.gov) to ensure you are connected to Operoo. 
  • The School Nurse will be in communication with you in the event your child is sick. Students are not permitted to use their personal internet-enabled devices to contact families during the school day.
  1. 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 Assistant Principal Blimie Berkowitz (bberkowitz2@schools.nyc.gov) 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 one school week (5 school days).
  1. 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 a device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

  • Progressive Discipline:
    • First Infraction: Verbal Warning & Storage Requirement: The teacher will provide a verbal warning and instruct the student to store it in a designated location (e.g., locker).
    • Second Infraction: Teacher Confiscation & Parental Notification: The teacher will confiscate the phone and contact the parent/guardian to inform them of the violation. The student will pick up the phone from the teacher at the end of the day. 
    • Subsequent Infractions: Parent Conference: A conference will be scheduled with the student's parent or guardian to discuss the student's phone use.
  1. 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 me via email at smiglia@schools.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-263-9770.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support as we navigate this new State Law together. 

Sincerely,

Susan Migliano

Principal