School policies

Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy — P.S. 112 Jose Celso Barbosa School

Dear PS 112 Families,

We hope this letter finds you well. At PS 112, we strive to create a learning environment that supports academic excellence, safety, and respect for all students. We understand that many of our students may need cell phones and other electronic devices due to circumstances before and after school.

To maintain this environment, and in compliance with Chancellor's Regulation A-413 and Education Law §2803, the following policy governs student use of cell phones and other personal internet-enabled devices.

📘 In alignment with Chancellor's Regulation A-413 & NY Education Law §2803

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General Policy

Students may bring personal devices (e.g., cell phones, smartwatches, tablets) to school but must keep them turned off and stored away in student backpacks, in classroom closets, during school hours 8:30 AM – 2:50 PM, including breakfast, lunch, recess, and transitions.
School-issued internet-enabled devices (e.g., iPads, laptops) may be used under teacher direction.
Personal non-internet-enabled devices (e.g., MP3 players, music devices) may be used when approved by the teacher.

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Permitted Exceptions

Use of personal internet-enabled devices may be allowed only under the following conditions:

For educational purposes, with prior school authorization
For documented medical needs (approved by the Office of School Health)
For translation purposes, at the school's discretion
If required by an IEP or 504 Plan (when DOE devices are not available)
For students with family caregiving responsibilities, as determined by the counseling staff
In emergencies, as determined by school leadership

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Device Storage

Devices will be stored in student backpacks, in classroom cubbies/closets, during the school day.
Students may access devices during the day only if permission is granted for one of the exceptions listed above.

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Reaching Your Child During the Day

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please:

Main Office

(212) 860-5868

Non-Urgent

Contact the teacher via their stated preferred method

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Urgent or EmergencyIf a student needs to contact their family during the day for an urgent reason, they should inform their teacher or a staff member. The main office will assist in facilitating the call.

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School-Wide EmergenciesPS 112 will use the DOE Messenger system. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in NYSCA (New York City Schools Account) to receive notifications without delay.

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Violations & Progressive Discipline

First Offense Unauthorized use will result in confiscation of the device and return at the end of the day.

Repeat Violations A parent may be required to pick up the device.

Aligned With DOE Code Suspension for device use is prohibited. All discipline will align with the NYC DOE Discipline Code.

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Lost or Stolen Devices

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Bring devices at your own riskPS 112 is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

If a device is lost or stolen:

The student should notify the main office immediately.
Families should file a report with the school and submit a claim with the NYC Comptroller's Office.

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Policy Oversight & Communication

The policy will be posted on the school website and distributed to families in English and Spanish.
Any updates will be communicated in writing.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure that our students remain focused and engaged in learning. Should you have any questions or concerns about the cell phone policy, please feel free to contact the school at your convenience.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

In Partnership,
Lisa Velazquez
Principal, PS 112

View Full Policy

Visitors to the school

We encourage interest on the part of parents/guardians in school programs and student activities. However, in order to make certain of school safety, no unauthorized persons may enter the school. All classroom visits require an appointment pre-arranged with the classroom teacher. We appreciate a call to schedule an appointment to visit classrooms.Any school employee who sees, or is informed of, an unauthorized person in or near the school must report that fact to the building principal. Visitors attending an assembly program are not required to sign the visitor’s register.

ALL VISITORS will report to the school office when entering the building, sign the visitor’s register and receive authorization (a pass) to visit elsewhere in the building.

Dress Expectations

Our school promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment where students have the autonomy to express themselves through their attire, guided by the principles of safety, respect, and equality. In accordance with the New York City Public Schools (DOE) policy, students have the right to determine their own attire, except where it poses safety risks, disrupts learning, or violates anti-discrimination policies. Our dress code is gender-neutral, ensuring that all students are treated equitably and without bias. Attire containing discriminatory language, inappropriate imagery, profanity, obscenity, nudity, or references to violence or gang affiliation is strictly prohibited. Revealing clothing that does not provide full coverage of private body parts is also considered inappropriate. Our school's dress expectations prioritize inclusivity, respect, and student autonomy while maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance for all members of our school community.

Outdoor Policy

We use www.weather.com to determine the current temperature. As a guideline, if the temperature is at or below zero degrees, or a wind chill below -5 degrees, the children will stay inside. Determination of the outdoor activities will be decided by the building principal. Students will need appropriate winter clothing. Coats, hats, mittens, snow pants, and boots are necessary during the winter months because all students have recess outside on a daily basis.

Withdrawals from School

If you are moving out of town, the school office must be notified at least a day in advance so that the proper transfer records can be prepared and the child’s supplies collected. Students will be dropped from their schedules when our Registrar has received a Request for Records from another school OR when a student has been absent for fifteen (15) consecutive school days.

Releasing Students to Non-Parent/Guardian and/or Transporting Students to New Locations

No student shall be released to any non-parent/guardian or transported to a location other than the location originally designated by the parent/guardian without written permission or personal telephone contact with the parent/guardian.

Personal Belongings

The school can assume no responsibility for personal belongings brought to school by the children. Personal electronic devices (video games, iPads, etc.) are discouraged during the school day. Please do not send toys or electronic devices with your child.

Student Cell Phones

Student cell phones may not be used during the school day. The office has access to a telephone in an emergency. All personal plans should be taken care of before the student comes to school. Schools are not responsible for lost or stolen electronic equipment. Other items not allowed in school: Trading Cards, Skateboards.

Change of Address

Please notify the school of any change of address or telephone number. Make sure that the school is aware, at all times, of your correct phone number plus that of a neighbor, friend or relative to contact in the event of an emergency that might occur.