Parents » Cell Phone Policy

Cell Phone Policy

Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy                              

At our high school, students are required to check in their internet enabled electronic devices (an internet-enabled electronic device is any gadget, like a phone, tablet, smartwatch, earbuds or laptop, that can connect to the internet) before class so everyone can stay focused and engaged throughout the school day. 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. Starting August 1, 2025, all schools in New York State must follow a new rule that says students cannot use personal devices that connect to the internet during the school day. These devices include things like cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and music players. The goal is to make school a safe and distraction-free place for learning.  

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. 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. 
  • Scanning opens at 7:30 AM, in room 180. Students will enter and drop off all internet enabled electronic devices in their respective grade bins. 
  • The bins will remain at scanning until 10:00 AM. Class begins at 8:05 AM. The school day ends at 2:36 PM.  Students will retrieve their internet enabled electronic devices from their respective bins at that time. Students that have PM school, (Credit recovery), and Regents Prep must keep their internet enabled electronic devices in the bins until they are dismissed.
  • Staff members will facilitate distribution of their internet enabled electronic devices. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

COLLECTION/STORAGE:

  • Upon entering the school, students must power off their internet enabled electronic devices.
  • Millennium Art Academy will have bins for each respective grade where students will submit their internet enabled electronic devices prior to going through scanning. There will be a designated staff member supervising the drop off. 
  • The bins will be located by scanning, room 180, at the student entrance, from 7:30 AM until 10:00 AM. 
  • If students arrive after this window they will enter the building through the main entrance where they will submit their internet enabled electronic devices to Dean Fleitman. Dean Fleitman will collect and place the internet enabled electronic devices in the appropriate grade bin. 
  • At the end of the school day, 2:36 PM internet enabled electronic devices will be returned to the students by designated staff members. One staff member per cohort will distribute student internet enabled electronic devices. 
  • 9th grade cohort internet enabled electronic devices will be distributed by room 103B
  • 10th grade cohort internet enabled electronic devices will be distributed by room 198
  • 11th grade cohort internet enabled electronic devices will be distributed by room 193
  • 12th grade cohort internet enabled electronic devices will be distributed by room 190
  • Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their internet enabled electronic devices in room 103B, from Dean Fleitman, 718-824-0978, email [email protected].

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

  • In case of emergencies parents/guardians can call Mrs. Melendez, parent coordinator, located in our main office, at 718-824-0978 to reach their child or email at [email protected].
  • In case of an emergency students can access their phone in room 103B, from Dean Fleitman, 718-824-0978, email [email protected].
  • In case of emergencies the school will use Kinvo, GAMA, to message parents/guardians and phone calls will be made as well. 

EXCEPTIONS

  • Parents/guardians must contact Mr. Swanzey, IEP Coordinator at 718-824-0978 or email at [email protected] to request use of their internet enabled electronic devices 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 Dean Fleitman, 718-824-0978 or at [email protected] if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (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.
  • Exceptions will be processed and approved within 2 business days. 

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. Device access alone cannot lead to suspension, repeated incidents of insubordination (e.g., refusal to surrender a device) may result in suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
  • 1st infraction: Student receives a verbal reminder about the policy.
  • 2nd infraction: Student completes a short reflection sheet on how device use affects learning.
  • 3rd infraction: Teacher contacts the parent/guardian.
  • 4th infraction: Student meets with an administrator.
  • 5th infraction: Parents/Guardians meeting with student and administrator.

OTHER: IF LOST OR STOLEN

  • In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, Parents/guardians can submit a digital claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.

Thank you for helping us keep our school a place where everyone can focus and learn. If you have any questions about these rules, please feel free to ask Assistant Principal Brendan Connolly at 718-824-0978 or email at [email protected].