Letter from Principal Della Ragione

August 29, 2025

 

Dear PS 230 Families,

By September 4th, 2025, cell phones and other electronic devices will no longer be allowed to come with your child to school.  This is in accordance with the New York State State Education Law § 2803 and Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, which prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices by students during the school day, from the first bell to the last bell.

Here is some information you need to know:

Why This Policy?

  • New York State passed the Safe for Kids Act, followed by the statewide “distraction‑free” law signed in mid‑2025 by Governor Hochul.
  • Goal: Protect learning time, support student well‑being, and reduce screen distractions during the school day.

What’s Covered?

  • Internet‑enabled personal devices: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds with internet, portable gaming devices.
  • Not covered: basic phones without internet, devices provided by school for class use.

When & Where? Children cannot have cell phones or electronic devices:

  • From Bell‑to‑bell: From the morning arrival bell to the dismissal bell — includes classroom, lunch, hallways, recess, etc….
  • On School grounds: Applies inside buildings, playgrounds, sports fields — any area on PS 230 property.

Storage Options & Policies (if a student brings cell phone or device)

  • Students must turn off and store devices during the school day inside personal bookbags; sealed pouches; or in a designated secured storage determined by SLT  with a designated PS 230 Staff Member.
  • PS 230 will be purchasing approved locked storage, i.e. Yonder pouches/compartments to hold the device or phone.
  • Damaged storage devices will be replaced by the school.
  • Lost or damaged devices are not the responsibility of PS 230.
  • The student will receive the phone at the end of the day.
  • Violations of the Cell Phone Policy will result in:
    • First Offense: Device confiscated for the remainder of the day; student picks it up at dismissal; family notified
    • Second Offense: Device held until picked up in person by a parent/guardian
    • Additional Offenses: Progressive disciplinary action aligned with the NYC DOE Discipline Code and parent conference as needed

How Can I Contact My Child (if needed) during the Day?

Families can still reach their children during school hours as always by:

  • Calling the Lower School at 718-330-9212
  • Calling the Upper School at 718-437-6135
  • Parent Coordinator - Ummeh Kashem - 718-330-9212
  • Messaging the teacher via Class DOJO
  • Students that need to contact parents during the school day by requesting to reach home through their classroom teacher and use the main phone in the main offices.
  • Messages will be delivered to students promptly in case of emergency. Students are not permitted to use personal devices to contact families during school hours.

Allowed Exceptions (contact PS 230 Administration if you feel your child qualifies under any of the following)

  1. Required for medical reasons, e.g., health monitoring and has documentation or included in their IEP (see below).
  2. Part of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
  3. Educational purposes, as directed by a teacher.
  4. Other approved use by school staff.
  5. To request an exception please contact a member of administration (see above) and a determination will be made within two weeks.

Your Role & How You Can Help

  • Please review the policy with your child before school starts.
  • Do not have your child bring a cell phone or electronic device to school.
  • Support our goal: By working together, we’ll foster focus, engagement, and healthier tech habits at school and beyond.

Notification

This policy will be:

  • Distributed to all families prior to the start of the school year
  • Posted on the school website and displayed in visible areas throughout the school
  • Reviewed during student orientation and reinforced during grade-level and staff meetings

Thank you for your continued support,

 

Maria Della Ragione

Principal, PS 230

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