Cell Phone Policy

JCMS Cell Phone Policy (Updated July 2025)

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 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.

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 dat starts at 8:00AM and ends at 2:20PM. Students will able to use school?NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

1. STORAGE

Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
Students will place their devices in their backpacks.
Students will store their backpacks in their classroom closet for the entire school day.
Students will only have access to their backpack wit teacher's permission.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call our main office (718)526-0160 or Parent Coordinator, Victoria Gomez (929)692-4283 to reach their child.
In case of an emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in their classroom closet to reach their parents or guardians.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA and Class Dojo to communicate information to parents or guardians.

Parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system using their NYSCA account.

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 AP Vanessa Cruz-Chica at (718) 526-0160 VCruzChica@schools.nyc.gov if a student requires an exceptions for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if student is a care giver, 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 14 business 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 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 so not hesitate to contact principal Michele Cespedes (718) 526-0160 MCespedes2@schools.nyc.gov