PS 181 Student Cell PHONE POLICY

Grades K-8

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important change regarding student cell phones and personal device use during the school day, based on new guidance from the New York State Department of Education.

Beginning September 2025, all public schools in New York State are required to implement a "bell-to-bell" ban on student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and other personal devices. This new policy is intended to reduce distractions, improve student focus, and support a more engaging learning environment for all students.

What the Policy means at PS 181

• Device Use is Not Allowed During School Hours (8:20 AM- 2:40 PM): Students may not use personal internet-enabled devices at any time during the school day, including lunch, recess, and transitions.
• School-Issued Technology is to remain at home and utilized for remote learning. Students will be permitted to utilize technology devices officially provided by the school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets.

Grades 3K–3: Yondr Pouches -

Students in younger grades will store cell phone devices in Yondr pouches upon arrival and pouches will be stored in bins located in the classroom at the start of the day and unlocked and returned to students at dismissal.

If a student damages their pouch or is found using their phone, administration will confiscate both the phone and pouch and contact the parent/guardian for pickup. Students with a damaged pouch will receive a notice outlining the replacement fee of $30 for the damaged pouch.

Grades 4–8: Mobile Storage -

Upon arrival, students must turn off all personal internet-enabled devices. These devices will be secured in a locked storage cabinet and returned to students at dismissal.

Legal Exceptions

Students may use personal devices during the school day only in the following situations:

• For health-related needs
• In emergency situations
• If required by an IEP or 504 Plan

Please contact the Parent Coordinator Ms. John if there are questions regarding the exceptions listed above. Your request will be reviewed, and a response will be provided within 7 days.

DAILY PROCESS

As students Enter the Building, they will:

1. Turn their phone off.
2. Place their phone, headphones/ear pods, and smart watches inside the locked storage cabinet or Yondr Pouch in front of school staff.
3. At the end of the day, students will retrieve their phones and other personal items from the cabinet or bin in the presence of a designated staff member.

Please Note: Students who arrive late or leave early will follow check-in/check-out protocols with designated staff at the designated location.

Staying in Touch with Your Child

We understand that communication between families and students are important. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school’s main office at 718- 462-5298. Please ask for either the Parent Coordinator Ms. John or the Community Assistant Mr. Boone for assistance. We will ensure timely communication. Students may also use the office phone with staff permission if they need to contact you in case of an emergency.

Please Note: The school will communicate with families through messages and push notifications on the PS 181 app and GAMA. Families can access GAMA by establishing a NYCSA (NYC Schools Account). Any parent needing support in activating their account can arrange a time to meet with the parent coordinator Ms. John.

If a Student Violates the Policy

• 1st violation: The device will be held in the main office and returned to the student at the end of the day.
• 2nd violation and beyond: A parent/guardian must come to school to retrieve the device.

Please Note: Repeated violations will be addressed through the NYC Discipline Code and appropriate interventions.