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Important Information » Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

PS 56Q CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY 2025PS 56Q Cell Phone

At PS 56Q, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for our students.  In compliance with New York State Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all schools across the state are required to implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day on school grounds.

An "internet-enabled electronic device" is defined as any device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access online content. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, wireless headphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music or entertainment systems.

This policy was developed in collaboration with the PS 56Q administration and the School Leadership Team, with the goal of supporting a distraction-free, safe, and academically enriching school environment for all students.

Policy Overview:

Students are not permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices from the moment they enter the school building, at 8:00 am, until the last class of the day ends, at 2:20 pm, from bell to bell, including during breakfast, lunch, and recess. Additionally, students are not permitted to use their cellphones or other electronic devices in the bathroom at any time. During the school day, students may use school-issued or NYCPS-issued devices for educational purposes as directed by staff.

If a child is picked up late, they cannot use their device while waiting for their parent or guardian. If a student attends the DYCD after-school or a PS 56Q after-school program, their device must remain off and locked in the designated pouch for the duration of the program.

  1. COLLECTION/STORAGE
  • Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
    • Students will place their devices in a Faraday pouch and secure it in the presence of school staff.
    • Students will store their locked pouches in their backpacks for the day.
    • At the end of the school day (2:15 pm), students will unlock their pouches in their classroom.
    • Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office.
  1. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
  • In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-441-4448 extension 7 to reach their child.
  • In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office to reach their parents or guardians.
  • In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, the school will use Class DOJO and the NYC Public Schools DOE Messaging System to communicate information to parents or guardians. To receive automated messages from the school, parents and guardians must have a NYC Schools Account.
    • To create an account, visit https://schoolsaccount.nyc and click on the “Create Account” link on the login page. You will need a creation code, which can be obtained from the Parent Coordinator, Lina Cardenas.
 
  1. 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 purpose.
  • Parents/guardians must contact Andrea Robinson, Assistant Principal, at 718-441-4448,  if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment (for example, to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances).
  • Exceptions will be processed and approved within five business days.
 

     4. DISCIPLINE

  • Use of personal electronic devices in violation of this school policy, the NYCPS Discipline Code, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will have their devices confiscated and held by an administrator. Confiscated devices will only be returned to the student’s parent or guardian. Students will be subject to progressive discipline, meaning that consequences will increase in severity based on the nature and frequency of the violation.
 

     5. OTHER: If lost or stolen

  • The school is not responsible for any damaged, lost, 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.


Please note this Cellphone and Electronic Device policy is available on the school website https://www.ps56q.com/ and will be shared with all families and staff at the start of the school year, as well as printed in our parent handbook.
 

PS 56Q Cell Phone Policy in ten (10) languages: 

 

 

Physical Education Shoe Policy 

In Physical Education, safety is a top priority! Students are required to wear proper sneakers for P.E.

In the class, children engage in various games, including running, moving quickly, and kicking a ball. We aim for every child to participate fully each week, without missing out on fun and exercise opportunities due to inappropriate footwear.

Sandals, flip-flops, boots, platform, and other non-athletic shoes are not conducive to the activities the students perform in P.E.

We kindly ask that your child bring an extra pair of sneakers in a labeled plastic bag or in his or her book bag on his or her designated P.E. day.