Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy K-8
This updated Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy for The Rafael Hernández Dual Language School, complies with the NYC Department of Education Chancellor's Regulation A-413, issued July 24, 2025.
The Rafael Hernández Dual Language School (P.S./I.S. 218)
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy K-8
Effective for the 2025-2026 School Year
This policy has been updated to align with the NYC Department of Education Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, issued July 24, 2025.
Section 1: General Policy
In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices by students is prohibited on school grounds during the school day. The school day includes all instructional and non-instructional times (i.e., 8 am-2:20 pm), such as homeroom, lunch, and recess. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and portable music or gaming systems. Students are permitted to bring devices to school, but they must be turned off and stored for the entire school day as outlined below.
Section 2: Storage of Devices
P.S./I.S. 218 provides a mandatory storage method for all personal electronic devices to ensure they are not used during the school day, consistent with DOE policy.
Section 3: Exceptions to the Policy
The use of a personal internet-enabled device is prohibited unless an exception is granted.
A. Required Exceptions:
In accordance with DOE policy, the school must authorize the use of a device under the following circumstances:
The school may authorize the use of a device under the following circumstances:
Section 4: Prohibited Use
Regardless of any exception, personal electronic devices may not be turned on or used in the following circumstances:
Section 5: Violations and Discipline
Students who use an electronic device in violation of this policy or any DOE regulations will be subject to progressive discipline in accordance with the DOE's Discipline Code. However, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that they accessed a personal electronic device in violation of the school policy.
Section 6: Confiscation of Devices
Section 7: Emergency Contact Procedures
In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, parents who need to contact their child during the school day in the event of an emergency must call the school directly. School staff will relay messages to the student.
Please save these important numbers:
The Rafael Hernández Dual Language School (P.S./I.S. 218)
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy K-8
Effective for the 2025-2026 School Year
This policy has been updated to align with the NYC Department of Education Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, issued July 24, 2025.
Section 1: General Policy
In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices by students is prohibited on school grounds during the school day. The school day includes all instructional and non-instructional times (i.e., 8 am-2:20 pm), such as homeroom, lunch, and recess. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and portable music or gaming systems. Students are permitted to bring devices to school, but they must be turned off and stored for the entire school day as outlined below.
Section 2: Storage of Devices
P.S./I.S. 218 provides a mandatory storage method for all personal electronic devices to ensure they are not used during the school day, consistent with DOE policy.
- Grades K-8: Students will secure their device in the assigned Yondr case. Upon arrival, students will place their phone in a personal Yondr case which will be locked. Students will maintain possession of their phone in the locked case and will not be able to use it until it is unlocked at dismissal.
Section 3: Exceptions to the Policy
The use of a personal internet-enabled device is prohibited unless an exception is granted.
A. Required Exceptions:
In accordance with DOE policy, the school must authorize the use of a device under the following circumstances:
- For a specific educational purpose, if authorized by the school principal/designee.
- For the management of a student's healthcare, as documented by the student's medical provider and reviewed by the Office of School Health.
- For a student caregiver who is responsible for a family member, as determined on a case-by-case basis by a school psychologist, social worker, or counselor.
- When such use is contained in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan.
- Where required by law.
The school may authorize the use of a device under the following circumstances:
- During an individual student emergency, where the parent has notified the principal/designee of the specific emergency.
- For translation and interpretation services if other means of translation are not available.
Section 4: Prohibited Use
Regardless of any exception, personal electronic devices may not be turned on or used in the following circumstances:
- During the administration of any school quiz, test, or examination, unless explicitly authorized.
- In locker rooms or bathrooms.
- During school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
Section 5: Violations and Discipline
Students who use an electronic device in violation of this policy or any DOE regulations will be subject to progressive discipline in accordance with the DOE's Discipline Code. However, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that they accessed a personal electronic device in violation of the school policy.
Section 6: Confiscation of Devices
- Students who violate the policy may have their devices confiscated by school staff.
- If a student refuses to hand over a device, staff will not engage in confrontation and will instead notify a school administrator.
- When a device is confiscated, the principal/designee will contact the student's parent. The device will be secured in a locked office.
- The device will be returned to the parent following a parent conference, during which this policy will be reviewed.
Section 7: Emergency Contact Procedures
In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, parents who need to contact their child during the school day in the event of an emergency must call the school directly. School staff will relay messages to the student.
Please save these important numbers:
- Main Office: 718-410-7230
- Parent Coordinator, Ms. Becerra: 718-410-7230 X1011
Thank you for your partnership in creating a phone-free, focused, and safe learning environment for all our students.
