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School Policies » Cellphone Policy

Cellphone Policy

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

 

Section 1

In accordance with New York City's Department of Education (NYCDOE) Chancellor's Regulations A-413, students are permitted to bring the following electronic devices to school: 1) Cell phones,  2) headphones and/or airpods, 3) smartwatches, and 4) portable music and entertainment systems (such as iPods, MP3 players, PSP, and Nintendo Switch). The aforementioned items will be referred to as “devices” for the purposes of this policy. 

 

Although students are permitted to bring these devices to school, these devices may NOT:

  • Be used during the school day
  • Be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test, or examination.
  • Be turned on or used during school drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
  • Be used in the gymnasium, hallways, offices, classrooms, cafeteria, and/ or bathrooms.

 

All classrooms will be equipped and provided with technological devices for instructional purposes.

 

*EXEMPTION: These devices can be used if they are contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

 

Section 2:

Collection of Cellphones/ Devices

Upon entry to the school building all devices will be collected, securely stored for the school day, and returned at the end of the school day. 

 

Collection Protocol at Esperanza Preparatory Magnet School:

Upon entry, all electronic devices will be collected and secured in an individual polybag.

These polybags will be organized alphabetically in bins based on the students class section or scheduled last period class. 

Due to certain circumstances, students may have an extended day. In those cases, they will receive their devices at the completion of that obligation. 

 

Should a student need to contact a parent or guardian, the expectation is that all students use the main office phones to place such phone calls. 

 

Should a parent or guardian need to contact their child, the expectation is that the patent or guardian contact the school at 212-722-6507 ext. 1280. 

 

Section 3:

Violation of Device Policy

Students who use cell phones, computing devices, smart watches, and/or speaker and entertainment systems in VIOLATION of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the discipline code.

 

Section 4:

Disciplinary Action

Students who violate the cell phone/ electronic device policy as outlined above or who use these devices in VIOLATION of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, Chancellor Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) may have these devices confiscated by any Esperanza Preparatory Magnet School staff member.

 

When a student violates the Cell phone / device Policy:

Cell phone / device will be confiscated by an Esperanza Preparatory Magnet School Staff member and it will be locked in a secure location. 

1st Infraction: Discussion with students and agreed upon turning in their device every morning for the remainder of the school year.

2nd Infraction: Device will be confiscated, a phone call home will be made and there will be a parent conference with the dean / administration.

3rd Infraction: The privilege of bringing in the phone will be revoked and an intervention plan will be created / implemented. Students who engage in defiant behavior will be subject to further disciplinary action. 

 

School Liability

Esperanza Preparatory Magnet School will collect devices upon entry, secure them in individual poly bags, and store them in a secured location, accessible only to staff. The school is not responsible for stolen, damaged or lost cell phones, computing devices, or portable music and entertainment systems brought onto school grounds. In the event that a cell phone computing device, or portable music and entertainment system is reported stolen, our staff will thoroughly investigate the incident and address any student related misconduct accordingly.