Cellphone and Electronic Device Policy

Confiscation: 

• If a cellphone or other electronic device is visible during the school day, staff members are permitted to confiscate the phone:
• First infraction- Student will receive their electronic device back at the end of the day and the parent/guardian will be notified.
• Additional infractions- The device will be retained until a parent/ guardian meets with Mr. Pena, school dean.  Please note that device pick-up hours are limited.

Discipline:

• Please be advised that students are responsible for their words and behavior when using technology both inside and outside of school. Using inappropriate language (vulgar, threatening, etc.), sending inappropriate messages/pictures/video, or engaging in menacing interactions will result in an investigation and disciplinary action in accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-832: Student-To-Student Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, and/or bullying.
• Students who use electronic devices in violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.

Please continue to monitor your child’s social media accounts, group chats, and devices on a daily basis to prevent any issues.  We also encourage families to discuss ways to be responsible and a good digital citizen by using social media safely and responsibly.  We will continue to offer parent/guardian workshops throughout the year in support of these efforts.

Discipline Code

PS/MS 278 is committed to ensuring that our school is a safe, secure, and orderly environment in which teaching and learning takes place each day. A safe and supportive school depends upon the efforts of all members of the school community—teachers, students, administrators, parents, counselors, social workers, safety personnel, related service providers, cafeteria, custodial, and bus staff—to treat one another with mutual respect.

The Discipline Code is also known as the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning. It:

• Is age-specific with one set for grades K-5 and another for grades 6-12.
• Explains the standards for behavior in the New York City public schools.
• Describes supports, interventions, and disciplinary responses that schools can use when students demonstrate unwelcome behavior.
• Includes the K–12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/StudentRights), which promotes responsible student behavior and an atmosphere of dignity and respect by establishing guidelines to help students strive to become productive citizens in a diverse society.

Please see links to full guides below and contact our school dean, Mr. Pena if you have any additional questions:

• K-5: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/discipline-code-kindergarten-grade-5-english
• Middle School: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/discipline-code-grade-6-12-english