Dear PS/IS 48 Families,
As part of a statewide mandate to support safe, focused, and healthy learning environments, our school will implement a bell-to-bell cell phone and personal electronic device policy beginning September 2025. This policy is in alignment with New York Education Law Section 2803 and Chancellor's Regulation A-413. For more information on this policy, visit the NYCDOE Family-Facing Page.
Legal Background New York Education Law Section 2803, enacted in May 2025, requires all public schools to prohibit the use of personal internet-enabled devices (such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets) by students during the school day, with exceptions only for educational use, medical needs, emergencies, or legal requirements. Chancellor's Regulation A-413, revised in June 2025, mandates secure storage of student devices, clear communication procedures for families, and written policies shared with all stakeholders.
PS/IS 48 is committed to fostering a safe, distraction-free, and respectful learning environment. To that end, personal electronic devices (cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, etc.) are not to be used, seen, or heard during the instructional school day.
Effective the first day of school, September 4, 2025:
School hours: 8:00am-2:20pm
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Students will place their devices in a school-issued pouch and secure it in front of school staff during morning arrival. Pouches will be issued on the first day of school.
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Students will store their tight velcro locked pouches in their school bags for the entire school day.
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At the end of the school day, students will open their pouches at the end of period 8 in front of school staff.
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Students will remove their device(s) and place their pouches in their schoolbag before leaving the building.
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Students with approved early dismissal will be able to open their pouch in the main office or at the Dean’s/Assistant Principal’s Office.
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In the event that the pouch is lost or damaged, the school will collect a $5 replacement fee.
Student Contact with Families:
If a student needs to contact their parent or guardian during the school day, they may request to use the designated phone in the Main Office or Assistant Principal's office with the permission of their classroom teacher.
Elementary Assistant Principal - Danielle Iacoviello - Office 221
Middle School Assistant Principal - Marilyn Corson - Office 321
In the event of an emergency or extenuating circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at (718) 447-8323 extension 0 to reach their child.
Emergency Communication:
In the event of a school emergency (such as an evacuation, lockdown, or shelter-in-place), we will notify all parents and guardians via Parent Square, Operoo and NYCPS Schools Account with updates and instructions.
Please ensure your contact information is up to date in Parent Square, Operoo and My Schools Account
Progressive Discipline Policy:
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.
Progressive Response to Policy Violations
1st Offense:
2nd Offense:
3rd Offense:
4th Offense:
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Mandatory guardian pickup of the device
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Student may be restricted from extracurriculars and school privileges
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Student placed on an individual compliance plan
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Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention
Pouch Request: * Please complete this survey by Tuesday, September 2, 2025, if your child plans to bring a device to school and will require a pouch. (Translated copies of the form to follow) * Please complete one form per child who will bring a device to school.
Other- Lost or Stolen:
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 Web Page
We appreciate your partnership in creating a focused, respectful, and emotionally healthy school environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Allison O’Donnell
Principal
