P.S. 48 Internet-Enabled Device Policy Statement
P.S. 48 is committed to fostering a distraction-free learning environment that promotes student engagement in instruction and meaningful peer interactions. In alignment with Governor Hochul’s May 6, 2025, directive and New York State legislation, the use of personal internet-enabled devices is prohibited on school grounds during the instructional day — from 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM — unless explicitly authorized. This policy ensures consistent, equitable, and transparent enforcement for all students.

• Internet-Enabled Device: Any personal smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or similar device capable of connecting to the internet or accessing online content (including social media).
• Non-Internet-Enabled Device: A device that cannot access the internet.
• School-Owned Device: Devices provided by the school for instructional purposes (not covered by this policy when used as intended).
• School Day: All instructional and non-instructional time (homeroom, classes, lunch, recess, study halls, passing periods).
• School Grounds: Any building, structure, athletic field, playground, or land within the school’s property boundary.

From the moment students arrive until dismissal, students may not possess or use personal internet-enabled devices on school grounds, including:

• Classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds, buses under school jurisdiction, and study halls.

Backpacks or pockets are not acceptable storage during the day.

To ensure families receive real-time updates and emergency alerts:

• PS 48 uses the New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) and GAMA (Guardian Access Management Application) to send automated messages, attendance alerts, report cards, and emergency notifications.
• Parents can set up their NYCSA account by visiting: https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc
• To access your child’s GAMA information, log into NYCSA and follow the prompts to verify identity and set up alert preferences.
• For assistance, families may contact Ms. Idalia or Ms. Scaduto in the main office, or reach out to the Parent Coordinator, Mr. Polanco, at (347) 939-3858 between 8:00 AM and 2:20 PM

Each grade level will use one of the following onsite storage methods to secure devices upon arrival:

• Collection Location:
  All students' internet-enabled devices will be collected at the main entrance of the building upon arrival each morning. Devices will be placed into secure, grade-labeled class bins by assigned school staff.
• If a student arrives late, they must report to the main office to turn in their device. The device will then be securely stored in the appropriate designated locker for that student
• Storage Procedure:
  After collection, all bins will be secured in designated storage areas. Devices are not permitted to remain in backpacks, desks, or in student possession during the instructional day.
• Device Retrieval:
  At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their devices in the Faile Gym prior to exiting the building. This process will be supervised and follow an organized dismissal protocol.

Early Dismissals:
Students with authorized early dismissals will be escorted by school staff to the Main office to retrieve their device before leaving school grounds.

Students may retrieve their device only at dismissal or upon authorized release (see Section 6).

To ensure that families can reach students in urgent situations, P.S. 48 provides the following contact options:

• Main Office Phone: (718) 589-4312
  Messages are delivered promptly to students by office staff. Please ask to speak with Ms. Idalia or Ms. Scaduto for assistance.
• Parent Coordinator Contact:
  You may also contact our Parent Coordinator, Mr. Polanco, directly at (347) 939-3858 during school hours, from 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM.
• School Messenger App:
  Families can opt in to receive emergency alerts and direct messages through the School Messenger platform. Information about enrollment in this service will be shared before the start of the school year and during new student registration.

Parents will receive written notice of these contact options prior to the first day of school and again upon the enrollment of any new student.

In the event of an emergency or urgent need to contact a parent or guardian:

• Students must report to the Main Office.
• Office staff will assist students in contacting their parent or guardian via the main school phone.
• Each teacher will have a classroom magnet key that unlocks the classroom phone for emergency use only when deemed necessary by the teacher.

Emergencies are defined as situations involving immediate health, safety, or family concerns

A student may use or carry a personal internet-enabled device during the school day only if:

1. Educational Authorization: A teacher, principal, or school leader grants permission for a specific lesson or activity.
2. Health Management: The device is required for medical monitoring or to manage a health condition.
3. Emergency Use: The student or staff member deems it necessary to ensure safety.
4. Translation Services: The device is needed to facilitate communication for an English Language Learner.
5. Caregiver Role: A school psychologist, social worker, or counselor approves use for a student with caregiving responsibilities.
6. IEP/504 Plan: The student’s IEP or 504 plan explicitly allows device use.
7. Exemption Process: All request for exemptions must be submitted in writing to the Principal Joseph DiCrescento with all the supporting documentation.  All decisions will be made in within a week of the request .

Prior to adoption, P.S. 48’s leadership solicited input from:

• Teachers’ union representatives
• Parent –Teacher Association
• Student government leaders
• Support staff and related-services personnel

Feedback shaped our storage options, communication protocols, and exemption procedures.

• First Offense: Verbal reminder and device secured until end of day.
• Second Offense: Device held until parent/guardian retrieves it.
• Further Offenses: Progressive discipline per the Student Code of Conduct; no suspensions solely for device violation.

• 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 (https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/e-filing/).

This policy will be:

• Published on the school website under the “Family Resources” section.
• Distributed via email to all families prior to the first day of school.
• Sent home as a hardcopy handout on the first day of school as part of the student welcome packet.

Policy Access & Translation:
This policy is posted on the P.S. 48 website. Upon request, it is available in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by our families.

Contact:
For questions or to request an exemption, please contact the Main Office at (718) 589-4312