🎯 Purpose

To foster a focused and safe learning environment by minimizing distractions from personal internet-enabled electronic devices. In accordance with Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all NYS schools must prohibit the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. These include, but are not limited to: cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music/entertainment systems.

🚫 Policy Statement

• Students may not use or access personal internet-enabled electronic devices from arrival until dismissal. The school day at PS 75 runs from 8:20 AM to 2:40 PM, including lunch. Students may use DOE-issued devices for instructional purposes.
• In class
• At lunch or recess
• In bathrooms
• During drills or emergencies

📦 Collection & Storage

• Devices must be powered off upon arrival.
• Upon arrival at the classroom students will place devices in Yondr pouches, locking them in front of staff.
• Locked pouches will be stored in designated bins safely.
• At dismissal, students will unlock pouches in classrooms, retrieve devices, and relock pouches before exiting.
• Students with approved early dismissal may unlock pouches in class with teacher permission.
• If a pouch ever gets lost or damaged, PS 75 replaces it—no worries!

📞 Emergency Communications

Students may use the main office phones for emergencies. Parents can contact:

• For questions, contact Mr. Ramos, Parent Coordinator at (646) 852-1795 or Ms. Bueno at (718) 860-1630 ext. 2114.
• In emergencies, students may use main office phones to contact families.
• PS 75 will use GAMA to notify families during emergencies.
• Parents/guardians can access GAMA by setting up a NYCSA account. (Included here are directions for setting up a NYCSA account to access GAMA.)

✅ Exceptions

• Students with an IEP or 504 Plan requiring devices.
• Requests may be made for:
  • Medical needs (e.g., blood sugar monitoring)
  • Caregiving responsibilities
  • Translation/interpretation (if no other option)
• Requests submitted to Mr. Ramos (yramos14@schools.nyc.gov) within 5 days.

⚖️ Discipline

Violations of this policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, the NYCPS Discipline Code will result in progressive discipline:

• 1st Offense: Verbal warning
• 2nd Offense: Parent contact
• 3rd Offense: Device collected; parent must sign it out from main office

Note: Students cannot be suspended solely for accessing a personal device. However, repeated insubordination (e.g., refusal to surrender/store device) may result in suspension, pending approval from the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

📱 Lost or Stolen Devices

If a device is lost or damaged at school, families may file a claim with the NYC Comptroller’s Office. Details are available on the Comptroller’s official webpage.

File a claim here