FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY VIII

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. This policy will posted online @FDAVIII.org and distributed to families prior to opening school day.

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.

1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
• Students will report to their Start Smart Meeting, supervised by staff members, between 8:00am to 8:15am where they will place their cellphones in an assigned pouch. Their phone will be placed into a cellphone lock box. If a student arrives after 8:15 am, the student will check in at the main desk and their phones will be pouched and secured until the end of the school day.
• At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff at the end of 8th period.
• Students who were late will report to the main office to pick up their pouched phones .
• Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices from the main office

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Ms. Balfour, parent coordinator at (212) 960-8920 to reach their child.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office to reach their parents or guardians.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians.
• a. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system:
  • i. Accessing your child’s NYCSA account. If you have not accessed the account, please see directions for setting up a NYCSA account linked here to access GAMA, etc.

3. 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 Mr. Rohan, Guidance counselor at WRohan@schools.nyc.gov 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 5 school days.

4. DISCIPLINE

Students who use electronic devices in violation of (linked here) 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.

5. 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 .