Cell Phone & Smartwatch Policy

While students in all grades are permitted to bring cell phones and smartwatches to school, it is a violation of New York State Law and the NYCPS’s (NYC Public Schools) adherence to the law, for students to use cell phones or smartwatches during the school day while at school or at a school-sponsored activity.

Cell phones and smartwatches (including Apple Watches, Gizmos, etc.) must be turned off and kept in backpacks for the entire school day, including Kids Club, courses, and field trips.

P.S. 29 is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones, smart watches, or other electronic devices that are brought to school by students. 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.

Students who use cell phones or smartwatches are in violation of any provision 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. Students who violate this policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.

In order to implement and reinforce this policy fairly and systematically, we will adhere to the following steps:

Teachers and staff members will remind students at the start of the first period of the day (i.e., 8:35 AM) that cell phones and smartwatches must be turned off and put away in their backpacks. Cellphones and smartwatches cannot be turned on and/or visible until after the school day has ended (i.e., 2:50 PM for a regular dismissal or as late as 6:00 PM for a late P.S. 29+ Course or Kids Club dismissal).
If the teacher or staff member sees a student cellphone or smartwatch out during the school day, the device will be held by the teacher or staff member until the end of the day and given back to the student at dismissal.
If a student is in violation of the policy for a second time, then the teacher or a staff member will notify Administration who will contact the family and hold onto the device until a family member can pick it up after school.
The only exceptions might include those students who rely on a personal device as mandated by their 504 plan or I.E.P. In those rare circumstances, the family must request an exception by emailing Dawn Pender (dpender@schools.nyc.gov). Accommodations will be provided within two weeks of request.
In the event of an emergency, students will always have access to the school phones in the main office or principals’ offices throughout the school day.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TEXTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Their cell phones and smartwatches will not be accessible. Students will be able to access devices and see messages after

dismissal. If you need to send a last minute message to your child during the school day, you can call the main office at 718-330-9277.

All families must sign the attached form indicating that you have read and understand the policy. We encourage you to discuss this policy with your child - and ask that students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade also sign this form.

We will continue to use Mailchimp as our primary form of communication with families. Please make sure that you have subscribed to Mailchimp to receive our messages. Email jcavanagh@ps29bk.org if you are not receiving our communications, or if you have any questions about our form of communication.