As a follow-up to the message from September 2 regarding the implementation of the New York State cell phone and device policy, please see
here for the promised video.
This short video explains the policy rationale, requirements, and disciplinary responses. Please share it with families, staff, and students to ensure consistent messaging across our school system.
Thank you for your continued leadership and communication as we work together to build distraction-free classrooms and communities.
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Dear Principals,
As we enter the new school year and implement the New York state law prohibiting personal internet-enabled devices, we recognize and acknowledge that this transition will bring both opportunities and adjustments for our schools.
As education leaders in our city, we know students are attached to their cell phones and other devices. We also know that phones need to be stored away in accordance with the law in order to create space for deeper learning and community connection.
We ask that you take a proactive, supportive posture with your entire community—students, staff, and families—as they all navigate the new state law. We will provide a short video that will explain the rationale, requirements, and disciplinary responses to ensure a consistent message across our school system. Please meet with your parents, teachers, and students to show the video and discuss your school’s implementation plan. As school leaders, it will be essential for you to keep the lines of communication open with all stakeholders; we know this is a shift for many of our students and families, which will require thoughtful, ongoing communication.
Additional resources related to the device policy can be found on the NYCPS website at
schools.nyc.gov/DevicePolicy and on the
InfoHub. You should also reference and utilize the resources and toolkit shared via Principals Digest (on
July 29 and
August 26); please backpack home the family flyer (found in the digital assets and resources section of the
toolkit) in the first week of school, along with information about your school-specific policy (a template for this is also available in the
toolkit).
Thank you for your leadership and collaboration in building distraction-free classrooms and communities.