MLFA/ D.O.E. CELL PHONE and ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Distraction-Free Learning Policy for Internet-Enabled Personal Devices

Dear Families,

In alignment with New York State legislation enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and Chancellor’s
Regulation A-413, all public schools are now required to implement a Distraction-Free Learning Policy that limits student access to internet-enabled personal devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar technology—during the instructional day.

Here at MLFA, we are committed to fostering a focused, safe, and engaging academic environment for all learners. Beginning September 4th 2025, students will no longer be permitted to access or store internet-enabled devices in their bookbags or on their person during the school day.

Definitions:
● Personal Internet-enabled Electronic Devices: Includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, and portable music/entertainment systems.
● School Day: From the time a student enters the school building until dismissal, including lunch and recess.
● School Grounds: All areas within the school building and outdoor spaces under school supervision.

Collection and Storage Procedures

To ensure compliance and support of a distraction-free school experience:
● Upon arrival, students must turn off all personal internet-enabled devices.
● Devices will be stored in designated collection bins.
● Devices will be returned to students at dismissal.
● Students who arrive late or leave early will follow check-in/check-out protocols with designated staff.
● Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during instructional time, lunch, recess, and transitions.
● Personal electronic devices may not be used in bathrooms, or during emergency drills.
● The school is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices that have NOT been submitted for collection.

Communication with Families:
● Parents/guardians should contact the main office Ms. Purvis or Mr. McCammon
(718-773-7343) in case of emergencies.
● Students will not be permitted to use personal devices to communicate during the school day.
● Students may also request permission to use the main office phone in emergencies.
● The school will utilize the NYC DOE Messenger/Jupiter to communicate information to parents or guardians in case of emergency. Please ensure that you have an active NYCSA account. If you need support in creating one, please contact Parent Coordinator Claude McCammon)

Authorized Use Exceptions Students may only use personal devices during the instructional day when:
● Required by a student’s IEP or 504 Plan (requires signed documentation from a medical provider)
● Needed for medically documented reasons (example: diabetes monitoring: requires signed documentation from a medical provider).
● Approved for translation or caregiving needs.
● Please contact Assistant Principal Bell or Parent Coordinator Claude McCammon in writing to request an exception due to one of the above reasons the process for approval may take up to 14 business days.
Violations & Consequences (Aligned to Chancellor’s Regulation A-413)
Students found with an unauthorized internet-enabled device will face the following progressive consequences:
● 1st Offense: Device held in the main office and returned to the student at dismissal.
● 2nd Offense: Parent/guardian must retrieve the device from school.
● 3rd Offense and beyond: Meeting with school leadership. The item will not be allowed in school. **Additional interventions may apply based on the NYC DOE Discipline Code.

Use of Devices Outside Bell-to-Bell Instruction Internet-enabled personal devices may be used at the following times only:
● Before School: 7:30-8:00AM
● After School: At 2:40PM for students who are NOT in Afterschool and at 5:00PM for students who are attending Afterschool activities.
● School-Sponsored Activities: Field Trips Policy Review and Notification:
● This policy will be reviewed annually with the School Leadership Team (SLT).
● It will be communicated to scholars, staff, and families by October 31st each school year.
● The policy will be posted on the school’s website and included in the family handbook.