Cell Phone Policy

School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

PURPOSE

To create an environment conducive to learning, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, PS 51Q, in consultation with the School Leadership Team, has adopted a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.

POLICY

Students in Grades Pre-K to 1 at PS 51Q typically do not bring electronic devices to school and are strongly discouraged from doing so. If a cell phone is required for safety reasons, parents must contact the school in writing.

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 starts the moment students enter the building, whether it is at 7:40 a.m. when we open our doors or at 8:00 a.m., and it ends at 2:20 p.m. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

Upon arrival, students who have devices must power them off AND leave them in their schoolbags. Once in their classrooms, their devices will be collected and placed in a locked bin.
At the end of the school day, students will receive their devices in their classrooms and place them in their schoolbags.
Students whose parents/guardians sign them out of school prior to the regular dismissal time will receive their devices from the locked bin and will immediately place them in their schoolbags.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Jan McDougal-Wong, Guidance Counselor at 718-850-0738 ext. 2041 to reach their child.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the Guidance Counselor’s Office to reach their parents or guardians.
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use the NYCPS Messaging APP and ClassDojo to communicate information to parents or guardians. Parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system via their NYCSA account, which they can set up at this link: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/setup-guide

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 purposes.
Parents/guardians must contact Assistant-Principal Laura Alicea at 718-850-0738, ext. 2122, if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (for example, to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances).
Exceptions will be processed and approved within three days of receipt.

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 may initially mean that the device will only be returned to a parent or guardian and may ultimately lead to a loss of privileges.

OTHER

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Devices:

PS 51Q is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic devices.
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.

The Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy is available on the school website https://www.ps51q.org/, and in the Parent Handbook. It will be posted on ClassDojo, disseminated to parents via the NYCPS Messaging App,

and will be backpacked home at the start 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 Guidance Counselor Jan McDougal-Wong at 718-850-0738, ext. 2041.

Parent Acknowledgement Form

Please return the signed acknowledgment below to your child’s teacher by Friday, September 12, 2025. Keep the top portion for your records.

I have read PS 51Q’s Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy, and I agree to support the school’s expectations regarding my child’s use of cell phones and electronic devices during school hours.

Student Name: _____________________________________ Class: ________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________