Cellphone & Electronic Device Policy

At P.S. 66, we are committed to creating a safe, focused, and engaging learning environment for every child.

To support this goal and 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. The P.S. 66 School Leadership Team reviewed this policy, and it reflects our shared commitment to minimizing distractions, promoting student well-being, and maximizing instructional time.

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.

Policy statement:

Students are not permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices from the moment they enter the school building until the last class of the day ends, 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 after-school, their device must remain off and locked in the designated pouch for the duration of the program.

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
• Students will place their devices in a Faraday pouch and secure it in front of school staff.
• Students will store their locked pouches in their backpacks for the day.
• At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouches in their classroom.
• Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office.
• If the storage device (Faraday pouch) is lost or damaged, the school will provide a one-time replacement at no cost. Any additional replacements will require a small fee.

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Francisca Vidal, Parent Coordinator, 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. 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.

• 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 Fallon Panetta, Guidance Counselor at 718-558-2810 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.

• 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 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.

• P.S. 66 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.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment.