Cell Phone Policy

Dear Edison Families and Students,

To create an environment conductive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cellphones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during 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 and smartphones
• Smartwatches
• Tablets and iPads
• Laptops
• Portable music and entertainment systems

Effective Thursday September 4, 2025, through Friday June 26, 2026, students will be required to secure their cellphones, smartphones, and smartwatches in the approved NYCPS electronic pouch upon arrival at school until the end of the school day (including Saturday School, PM School or any other instructional programming). Internet enabled electronic devices are not permitted to be used or accessed during class time, in hallways, in the auditorium, gymnasium, in the library, or in the cafeteria. 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. 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.
  • Students must have their electronic device in the electronic pouch and seal before entering the school building.
  • Students will be required to show that their electronic pouch is sealed before entering the building.
  • Students will remain with their sealed electronic pouch for the day.
  • At the end of the students' school day, they will be able to unseal their electronic pouch.
  • The electronic pouch must remain sealed at all times during the school day.

2. MISPLACED / LOST ELECTRONIC POUCH

• The electronic pouch is the student's responsibility. If it is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay a $5 fee for a replacement.
• If a student forgets their electronic pouch at home or the electronic pouch is misplaced the student must surrender their phone upon arrival. The device will be securely stored in the dean’s office and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
• If a student forgets their electronic pouch a second time, they must surrender theircellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch, which will be securely stored in the Dean’s Office, however, a parent or guardian listed on the student's Blue Card must come to the school to retrieve it. Upon a third offense, the student will again surrender their cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch, and a meeting will be scheduled with their parent or guardian listed on the Blue Card.

3. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• Families or guardians who need to reach their child should contact the student’s School Counselor by dialing (718) 297-6580 Ext. 1361
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the Main Office at (718) 297-6580. If you are not able to get through to the Main Office please contact the Parent Coordinator, Ms. Chevry at (718) 297-6580 Ext. 1471.
• Students may use their phones in case of emergency or exigent circumstances in the following rooms: Room G41 (Deans Office), Room 133 (Main Office), Room 136 (Guidance Suite), Room 138 (Guidance Suite) to reach their family or guardians.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use our communication software to communicate information to parents or guardians. In order to receive communication parents / guardians must have a NYCSA (New York City Schools Account).
  1. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system:
     1. Parents are encouraged to email Ms. Chevry MChevry@schools.nyc.gov with your child’s full name and OSIS number.
     2. Once your request is received, Ms. Chevry will send you a personalized letter with step-by-step instructions, including a one-time password. By following these instructions, you will gain access to NYCSA (New York City Schools Account).

4. 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 Mr. Jamieson at (718) 297-6580 Ext. 1388 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment (monitoring 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. Documentation is required to apply for these types of exceptions.
• The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
• Exceptions will be processed and approved within ten school days.

5. 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. However, 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 Discipline Outline

• First Infraction: Students found with an opened electronic pouch and or using their cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch will receive a verbal warning and may lead to the cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch being confiscated and securely stored in the Dean’s Office until the end of the school day.
• Second Infraction: Students found with an opened electronic pouch and or using their cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch will lead to the cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch being confiscated and securely stored in the Dean’s Office and a parent or guardian listed on the student's Blue Card must come to the school to retrieve it.
• Third Infraction: Students found with an opened electronic pouch and or using their cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch will lead to the cellphone, smartphone, and/or smartwatch being confiscated and securely stored in the Dean’s Office and a parent or guardian listed on the student's Blue Card must come to the school to retrieve it and may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

6. 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. Erin Pinto, Coordinator of Safety & Security at (718) 297-6580 ext. 4416.