Enforcement: Personal internet-enabled devices may not be used on school grounds between 8:20 AM and 2:40 PM. If a student is found using such a device during these hours, the following consequences will apply:

• Confiscation of the device for the day.

• A caregiver will be contacted to inform them of the violation, which includes a conference at which time the phone must be picked up in person by the caregiver from the school's main office..

• If this behavior becomes an ongoing issue and occurs two or more times, further steps will be taken.
  Next steps will be determined in accordance with the progressive disciplinary action outlined in the NYC PS Discipline Code.

Exceptions: Use of personal devices may be permitted under the following conditions:

• Medical Necessity: Required to monitor a medical condition, as documented by a healthcare provider and reviewed by the Office of School Health.

• Caregiver Responsibility: Approved by a school counselor for students who are primary caregivers.

• Legal Requirement: Where mandated by law.

• IEP/504 Plan: If specified in a student's Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan, and no DOE-issued device is available. 

Optional school-specific exceptions may include:

• Emergency contact initiated by a parent with prior notification to the principal.

• Translation or interpretation is needed when no alternative is available.[insert EXCEPTIONS}

Emergency Communication: 

• If a student needs to contact their parent or guardian, their teacher will provide them with a pass to visit the main office, where staff will assist the child in contacting their parent via the school's landline. 

• If a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day, please call the school office directly at 718-330-9275. Staff will assist in facilitating communication as required. 

• In case of a schoolwide emergency, Operoo and GAMA will be used to communicate information to families. Families will need to have their child's NYCSA account set up to receive GAMA notifications.  If you need assistance setting up the Operoo account, please contact the main office at 718-330-9275.

Notification: We ask all families to speak with their children about appropriate cell phone use and the importance of following school rules. This policy will be shared annually with students and families at the start of the school year.  It is also available via the PS 261 website. Additionally, teachers will review this policy with students at the beginning of the year to ensure that phones are stored adequately during the school day. 

Other: 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.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and support in helping us maintain a positive and distraction-free school environment.