Cell Phone Policy
P255Q Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy
2025 - 2026
Definition and NYCPS Policy:
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year and under the updated policy of Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, students are not permitted to use personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. This includes all electronic devices such as cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, tablets, and other personal communication tools capable of internet access. The school day begins at 8am and ends at 2:20pm.
Exceptions for Personal Internet-Enabled Electronic Devices:
- Educational Purposes (when approved by Principal for instructional needs including work site learning activities)
- Use by students with medical conditions
- For translation or communication purposes
- If required by IEP or 504 plan
- Individual emergency situations (when approved by Principal)
- Behavioral/Emotional Support: A school counselor, psychologist, or social worker may authorize temporary or ongoing device access for emotional regulation or crisis response as part of a student’s support plan
Storage of Electronic Devices:
Upon arrival at 8:00am, all cell phones will be collected by a designated unit office staff member at each of the 10 P255Q site locations and then safely stored in a locked cabinet located within the site’s unit office until 2:20pm. At dismissal, either 2:20pm or when parent or guardian arrives at the school to pick up their child for an approved early dismissal; devices will be returned to students upon exiting the school building by a designated unit office staff member.
P255Q Site Unit Office Storage Locations:
- 397: Room 145
- 168: Room 319B
- 7: Room 272
- 11: Room 330
- 154: Room 351
- 908: Room 102
- 128: Room 206
- 307: Room 201A
- Townsend Harris: Room 115
- Renaissance: Room 305
Establishment of Written School-Based Policies:
- In case of emergency, all parents or guardians can call the site and speak to the Unit Coordinator or Assistant Principal to communicate information as needed to their child
- 397: 718-316-6005
AP Carlstedt/UC Caridad - 168 – 718-591-8429
AP DiAngelo/UC Martin - 7 – 718-899-6528
IA AP Adolphe/UC Murray - 11 – 929-208-4514
AP Graham/UC Borleo - 154 – 718-591-5168
AP Hanson/UC Bischoff - 908 – 718-489-2282
AP DiAngelo/UC Benzel - 128 – 718-326-6250
IA AP Adolphe/UC Botti - 307 – 718-779-5241
AP Hanson/UC Paolo - Townsend Harris – 718-575-5580, ext. 115
AP Graham - Renaissance – 718-803-0060, ext. 305
AP Carlstedt
If a student or parent reports an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school:
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.
Discipline:
- Unauthorized use of a device outside of approved accommodations or supervised activities may result in temporary device confiscation until dismissal and a review of supports with the student and family
- Restorative conversations and support plans will be used instead of punitive consequences to help students learn responsible device use
Student Friendly
When Can I Use My Phone During the Day?
ONLY when approved by a teacher or staff member:
- It’s in your IEP or 504 Plan
- You need it for emotional, sensory, or behavioral support
- It helps with a medical condition
- You’re using it for translation or communication
- You’re in a work-based learning activity in or near the school
- There’s a family emergency (approved by the principal)
What’s NOT Allowed
- Phones out during class or lunch without permission
- Phones used as a reward (PBIS)
- Using phones just because you “felt like it”
What Happens If I Use My Phone Without Permission?
- You will be asked to put it away
- It will be stored by staff until the end of the day
- A meeting will be scheduled with you and your family to talk about the DOE Policy for cell phone and other electronic devices and may be subject to progressive discipline
Parent Portal/ Grading Policy
Students at P.S. 143 receive report card grades based on a 1-4 scoring system.
- Well Below Standards
- Below Standards
- Proficient
- Excels in Standards
All parents and guardians have access to the Parent Portal, where student records and report cards can be accessed at any time.
By clicking the following link NYCDOE Schools Account/Parent Portal all of this vital information is just a click away.
Report Cards are available just a few days after they are sent home by your child’s teacher.