August 27, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

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. 

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 and ends at 2:20. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

In accordance with the updated Chancellor’s Regulation regarding the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day, we have created the guidelines below. While we respect that parents may wish for their child to have access to a personal internet-enabled electronic device during the school day, we also wish to respect the education of all children and ensure that electronics do not interfere with class time.  The purpose of this policy is to create a distraction-free school environment where children are fully engaged to succeed in school. Please be sure to review the policy with your child/children.

COLLECTION/STORAGE 

• Upon arrival at 8:00 AM, students must power off their devices. The devices will be collected and securely locked up in a phone locker in the student's classroom until the end of the school day. 

  • If students arrive after 8:10 AM, they will be escorted to their classroom, and the device will be collected and securely locked up. 

  • At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed from the phone locker by staff members in the classrooms. 

  • Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices from the phone locker in their classroom with assistance from school staff.

  • If the phone locker in the classroom becomes lost or damaged, PS 69 will fund the cost of a new one.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call our secretaries, Ms. Gajdos or Ms. Huang, or Ms. Coluccio, our parent coordinator, at (718) 630-3899 to reach their child.

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may use the phones in the main office to contact their families. 

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use GAMA to communicate information to parents or guardians.

  • To access the automated messaging system, you will need to have a NYCSA account set up. Please be sure you create a NYCSA account. You can use this link to support you in creating a NYCSA account, and use these directions to guide you.

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 JoAnn Yenzer, Principal I.A., at (718) 630-3899 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment (for example, to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if the 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 may authorize use for an educational purpose.  

• Exceptions will be processed and approved within two weeks.

DISCIPLINE 

• 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 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 devices) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

OTHER 

• 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. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact me at (718) 630-3899 or email me at jyenzer@schools.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

JoAnn Pellegrino Yenzer

Principal, I.A.