*New -Bell to Bell Internet Enabled Device Policy School Year 2025-2026*

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, 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 beginning September 4, 2025. 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 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

  1. COLLECTION/STORAGE
    1. Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
      • It will be placed in a school-issued pouch first, then in the backpack and all backpacks are secured in a classroom storage closet for the remainder of the day.If students leave early, the students can remove their internet enabled devices out of their backpack and school issued pouch once they are out of the school building.
      • In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will require a nominal fee for a replacement (similar to replacement charges for school IDs) or provide a new pouch at no charge.
  2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
    • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office Laura Kennedy or Winnie Meaney, PS 188Q School Secretaries, at 929-600-5683 at the Main Building and Cheryl Guglielimi or Isabelle Guludec, PS 188Q School Aides at the Annex at 718-464-4615 to reach their child.
    • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may bring down their phones in the pouches to access phones in the Main Office to reach their parents or guardians.
    • In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA and direct email to communicate information to parents or guardians.
    • Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system:
  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 by phone or email Mrs. Nartowicz, Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor at CNartowicz@schools.nyc.gov or phone at 718-464-4615 ext. 1081 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 15 school days.
  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.
School Community Involvement

The development of this policy will include review and consultation with:

  • The School Leadership Team
  • PTA leadership – Further input will be gathered and reviewed. Plan will be adjusted as needed.
Policy Availability and Dissemination
  • The final approved policy will be posted on the PS 188Q website.
  • A hard copy will be sent home with each student during the first week of school.
  • Staff will review the policy with students in the first days of the school year.

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 Principal Figueroa, Principal, Assistant Principal Nartowicz, Assistant Principal Fini and Mrs. Perez-Fung, Parent Coordinator at 929-600-5683.