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 at PS 142 Amalia Castro 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 8:20 AM and ends at 2:40 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
COLLECTION/STORAGE Upon arrival, students must power off their devices. Upon arrival students must bring their devices to our Parent Coordinator, Madeline Garcia, in the main office. Ms. Garcia will secure those devices in a designated lock box. Students will sign their devices in and out each day. At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by office staff starting at 2:30 PM and continuing until 2:45 PM. Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices from the main office.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the school and ask to speak to our Parent Coordinator, Madeline Garcia, who will either deliver a message to your child or have your child call you back. She can be reached at (212) 598-3800 extension 1470. In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office to reach their parent/guardian/families. Students may also ask the assistant principal or the school counselor on the 2nd floor to help make emergency phone calls. In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Class DoJo to communicate information to parents or guardians. Please make sure your account is activated. This year we will also use GAMA so please make sure you have an active NYCSA account and GAMA access. If you need assistance setting up your account please contact our parent coordinator, Madeline Garcia.
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 the principal or the assistant principal if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if 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/assistant principal may authorize use for an educational purpose. Please email the request to the principal, Kimberley Mascoe, at [email protected]. Exceptions will be processed and approved within one week of the request.
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 device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
OTHER: If 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 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 Kimberley Mascoe at (212) 598-3800 extension 1050.
