School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
P186X School Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Purpose
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, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. An "internet-enabled electronic device" is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.
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. The school day starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:20 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day. P186X utilizes the Yondr program to safely and efficiently store students’ internet-enabled devices. The use of the Yondr program helps create a distraction free environment that aligns with our mission. At P186X, Our mission is for all students to become productive members of society through their educational experiences.
Procedure For Collection of Internet-Enabled Electronic Devices: 186X@X146 and SETSS
- Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
- Students will “pouch” their devices before entering the school building during morning arrival. The assistant principal is available to support students with “pouching” devices when arriving at school.
- Students will store their locked pouches on their person for the day.
- At the end of the school day, devices will be “unpouched” at the following locations: Exit 6, cafeteria, during PM dismissal between times 2:10 PM - 2:20 PM.
- In the event a student needs to pick up their device, they will receive their device in the main office (room 313).
- Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office, room 313..
- In the event that a Yondr pouch is lost or damaged, P186X will offer a new pouch at no charge.
Procedure For Collection of Internet-Enabled Electronic Devices: 186X SETSS at X140, X88, East Bronx Academy, and Bronx Studio
- Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
- Students will “pouch” their devices before entering the school building during morning arrival. The student’s teachers are available to support students with “pouching” devices when arriving at school.
- The teachers available to support students by site are as follows:
- X140 - Mx. Macellaro
- X88 - Ms. Escobar
- East Bronx Academy - Ms. Decker
- Bronx Studio - Ms. Walton
- Students will store their locked pouches on their person for the day.
- At the end of the school day, devices will be “unpouched” at the following locations during PM dismissal between the time of 2:10 PM - 2:20 PM:
- 186X SETSS at X140 - Main Entrance
- 186X SETSS at X88 - Main Entrance
- 186X SETSS at East Bronx Academy - Main Entrance
- 186X SETSS at Bronx Studio - Main Entrance ○ In the event a student needs to pick up their device, they will receive their device from their teacher. .
- Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch with assistance from their teacher.
- In the event that a Yondr pouch is lost or damaged, P186X will offer a new pouch at no charge.
Emergency Communications
- In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians will call the main office at the location of their child’s site as follows:
- Main Site: 718-378-0008
- X146/SETSS@X146: 718-328-4586
- X050: 718-860-5389
- 186X SETSS at X140: 718-401-2540
- 186X SETSS at East Bronx Academy: (718) 861-8641
- 186X SETSS at Bronx Studio: 718-864-8704
- 186X SETSS at X88: 718-716-7369
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians. This is available through parents’ New York City School Account
How Parents and Guardians Can Access the Automated Messaging System
- Visit NYC Schools Account and select your home language.
- Select Create Account.
- Enter your name, cell phone number, and email address. Then select Validate Email.
- Check your email for a message from NYCSA@schools.nyc.gov containing your 6-digit verification code.
- Enter the 6-digit code in the Email Verification Number field. Then select Submit.
- Create a password following the provided password guidelines.
- Select three security questions and provide answers. Write down your password and the answers to your security questions, and keep them in a secure place.
- If you do not have your child's Student ID number (OSIS) and Account Creation Code, select Continue Without Code. Your Parent Coordinator will follow up with you to provide this information.
- Enter each child's Student ID number (OSIS). The Student ID number can also be found on the student's report card, or you may contact your Parent Coordinator for assistance.
- Enter the Account Creation Code provided by your Parent Coordinator via email. Then select Create Account.
- Your account has been successfully created.
Need Assistance?
For assistance, please contact the main office at 718-378-0006.
For step-by-step instructions, watch the NYCSA Step-by-Step Video .
Exceptions
- Students are allowed to use their device if they have an individualized education program (IEP) that includes use of an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose.
- Parents/guardians must contact our main office at 718-378-0006 if a student requires an exception to access their device(s) for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (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.
- The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
- Exceptions will be processed and approved within five school days of the received request.
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, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy . Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
OTHER: If lost or stolen
- 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.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment as we work to create a safe, distraction-free, and supportive environment for our students to learn and grow. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact at 718-378-0006.
