373R Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Important Update:
Student Use of Personal Devices in School Starting in the 2025–26 school year, New York City Public Schools will follow an updated policy (Chancellor’s Regulation A-413) on the use of personal electronic devices. Under this policy, students will not be allowed to use personal internet-enabled devices—such as cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems, during the school day. This change comes directly from New York state law designed to create safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environments.
Please note:
This policy does not apply to devices required as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
- Upon arrival, students must power off any personal devices.
- Personal electronic devices will be collected at each site by designated school staff and securely stored in a locked box throughout the school day. Devices will be returned to students at dismissal. If a student is approved for early dismissal, the designated staff member will return the device to the student at that time.
- In case of emergency, parents/guardians can contact staff on Parentsquare, our school to home communication platform; alternatively, they can call their student’s school site directly at:
P373R Main & Mini Campus: (718) 816-8897
P373R @ PS 48: (718) 556-4470
P373R @ PS 58: (718) 761-2570
P373R @ 861: (718) 697-3150
P373R @ PS 84: (929) 560-8060
P373R @ PS 57: (718) 876-4097
P373R @ EEC: (929) 560-9400
P373R @ IS 61: (718) 477-3702
EXCEPTIONS
- Students are allowed to use their personal 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 purposes.
- Devices are allowed for medical monitoring/treatment (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if student is a caregiver, or for approved language purposes (such as translation or interpretation services) if no other means are available.
* To request an exception to the electronic device policy, families should contact Ms. Julia Luppino, Parent Coordinator, at (718) 816-8897, extension 2572 during school hours (Mon-Thurs 8:00am-2:50pm and Friday 8:00am-1:50pm). Please allow 48 hours for processing and authorization.
REGULATIONS
Students and families are expected to adhere to the school's electronic device policy.
- First Violation: Parents/guardians will be contacted, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the day.
- Second Violation: A parent conference will be scheduled, and the device will be returned during the conference.
In the unlikely event that a personal 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 website.
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 us.
DOWNLOAD THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICIES
