School Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct & School Rules
Cell phone & Electronics Policy
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.
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 A.M. and ends at 2:20 P.M. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
COLLECTION/STORAGE
- Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
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- A designated collection point, supervised by staff members, will be set up by the student busing entrance to the building, between times 7:45 A.M. and 8:30 A.M.
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- At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff in bus assembly rooms between times 2:00 P.M. and 2:20 P.M.
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- Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices in the site’s main office from the site’s Unit Teacher.
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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
- In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the P352X site’s main office at each P352X site to reach their child at the following phone numbers:
- In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the school site’s main office to reach their parents or guardians.
- In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA and Parent Square to communicate information to parents or guardians.
- 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 the main office at your site 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.
- The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
- Exceptions will be processed and approved within ten school 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, 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.
- 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. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact your Unit Teacher at the following phone numbers:
What NOT to Bring to School
A serious academic environment is one without distractions; the following items not only contribute to disruptions in learning and social relationships but also may be lost or damaged. The following items should NOT be brought to school
- Laser pointers
- Firecrackers, poppers, weapons, illegal items etc.
Any student found with weapons, illegal items and explosive materials are subject to disciplinary action.
Please do not allow your child to bring any articles of value to school. We are not responsible for items that are stolen, lost, misplaced or broken
Stolen or Lost Items
In the occasion that any articles of value have been brought to school and lost/misplaced or stolen, a claim with The Office of The New York City Comptroller may be filed. Do NOT file this claim with the Department of Education. The following link provides the claim form and procedures
http://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/property-damage-loss.pdf
*For more information or help filing these forms please contact your Parent Coordinator
SUSPENSIONS
Principal’s Suspension
For a student with a disability, the principal also shall determine the number of days of exclusion from the student’s current educational program due to disciplinary action. Students must attend school however they will not attend class.
Superintendent’s Suspension
The Superintendent has the authority to suspend students for more than five (5) school days for all students in general education and special education, grades K-12. Once a suspension is authorized, the Superintendent/designee must notify the principal of the suspending school, the appropriate Network Leader and the Suspension Hearing Office.
Chancellor’s Regulations:
Chancellor’s Regulations provide guidance to school administrators, students and parents
The following regulations describe:
A-443 Student Discipline Procedures
A-210 Minimum Standard for Attendance
This regulation sets forth the procedures for granting safety transfers (1) when students are victims of a violent criminal offense on school property; and (2) in other situations, when it is determined that a student’s continued presence in the school is unsafe for the student.
All regulations can be accessed here
HOMEWORK
Homework has always been recognized by the school community as an important medium to foster the academic achievement of students and extend school activities into the home and community. Homework assignments are given on a daily basis.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are designed to coordinate with your child’s Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) they will keep you aware of your child’s progress and needs. The areas covered are your child’s social growth and academic progress. Report cards will become a part of your child’s school record.
SCHOOL MEALS
It is possible for all students to have breakfast and lunch in school everyday. All students are eligible for free breakfast and/or lunch
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Fire and shelter drills are held periodically throughout the school year to ensure that our students and staff are familiar with the procedures in case of an emergency.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/STORM DAY PROCEDURES
In the event of emergency conditions such as weather emergencies or school wide emergencies please tune in to local radio or television stations to gain information about school closing such as, WINS (1010 AM), NY1 (Cable TV) and Fox 5. Most local television stations have information beginning at 6:30 AM.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
It is extremely important that your child attend school. If possible, please schedule appointments after school hours or during school holidays.
If you child is ill, please let the school know. If a student becomes ill at school, you, or in your absence, the person designated on the emergency blue card will be contacted.
If your child will be out for three (3) days or more, please inform both the school and the bus driver. This will ensure that there is no disruption of bus service.
Parents will be notified in writing about half-days and holidays.
STUDENT SIGN IN-OUT PROCEDURES
Students not arriving on the school bus must be signed in by their parent or guardian. Sometimes it is necessary for a family member to pick up a child at school before dismissal. Please try to let your child’s teacher know in advance if you are planning to pick him/her up early. No child will be released without a parent signature. If someone other than a parent will be picking up a child, they must be listed on the blue card and classroom teacher should be notified. (Students arriving late on public transportation should report to the main office.)