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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 §2803, eff ective 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 defi ned 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 defi ned 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 7:45 AM and ends at 2:30 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

COLLECTION/STORAGE

• Students will place their devices in their distributed velcro pouches with their number on it and secure it in front of school staff .
• Students may choose to store the pouches in their backpacks or pockets during the school day.
• Students may open their velcro pouches when they are dismissed from school at 2:30 PM.
• Students who are picked up from school early will be able to open their pouch when their adult signs them out in the offi ce.
• In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will require a fee of $5.00 to replace it.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main offi ce and ask for Mrs. Magenta at 718-232-3873 ext. 2031 to reach their child.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may request to utilize the school phones in the main offi ce with Mrs. Magenta or the Assistant Principal’s offi ce Room 404a with Ms. Linares or Ms. Dywer.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA and Remind to communicate information to parents or guardians. GAMA texts information to families using the phone number you have registered your child with. If your number changes, please contact Pupil Accounting Secretary Doreen Guarneri at 718-232-3873 ext 0 to change it or you may make changes in your NYC Schools Account. You will receive information on how to set up your NYC Schools and the PS 48 Remind accounts the fi rst week of school and Mrs. Magenta will be available at Open School Night to help you as needed.

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 Principal Colleen Hogan at 718-232-3783 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.
• The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
• Exceptions will be processed and approved within 2 school days.

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.

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 Offi ce. 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 clarifi cation regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Parent Coordinator Judy Magenta at 718-232-3873 ext 0