Cell Phone Policy 2025

September 4, 2025

Dear P.S. 108K Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.

In alignment with updated New York State Education Department guidance and the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Bell-to-Bell policy, P.S. 108K will be implementing a new cell phone and smart device policy beginning, on the first day of school, Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Key Policy Highlights:

🔒 Device Collection & Return
All internet-enabled personal devices (e.g., cell phones, smartwatches) will be placed in a pouch that is sealed during arrival, students will keep their device, in their possession, in the sealed pouch throughout the school day and it will be unsealed during dismissal.

📵 Leave Devices at Home (If Possible)
To reduce distractions and loss risk, we encourage families to have students leave cell phones and smartwatches at home.

☎️ Communication During the Day
Students may use the main office phone if they need to reach you during the day. Families needing to contact their child should call the school directly.

🛑 Use During School Hours is Prohibited
At P.S. 108K, we follow the NYCPS Discipline Code, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP) to ensure a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students. Students may not use “personal internet-enabled devices” at any point during the instructional day, including lunch, recess, and hallway transitions.

Students who use electronic devices (such as cell phones, smartwatches, or other internet-enabled devices) during the school day in violation of school policy will be subject to progressive discipline. This means consequences will become more serious if the behavior continues.

🔹 Progressive Discipline Measures May Include:

• 1st Infraction - The student will receive a verbal warning and a clear reminder of the school's electronic device policy.
• 2nd Infraction  - The device will be confiscated and a parent will be contacted. Devices will be secured and returned to students at dismissal through the main office.
• 3rd Infraction  - A parent will be required to pick up the device from school, and both the parent and student will meet with the Director of Student Affairs.
• 4th Infraction  - The student will lose the privilege of bringing electronic devices to school.

💼 Important Notes:

• 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.
• Devices must remain silent and secured in pouches throughout the school day.

We understand the importance of staying connected, and we appreciate your support as we implement this policy to create a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Parent Coordinator, Evelyn Polanco, at (718) 277-7010 est. 1076 or by email at epolancovasquez@schools.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Constance Hahn,

Principal, PS 108K