As we prepare for an exciting new school year, I want to extend a GRAND WELCOME to all of our students and families.

At The Lighthouse Elementary School-P.S.106Q, we are committed to ensuring the safety and focus of all students within an engaging learning environment during the school day for every child. To support this goal and in compliance with New York State Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all schools across the state are required to implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day on school grounds.

The Lighthouse Elementary School-P.S.106Q School Leadership Team reviewed this policy, and it reflects our shared commitment to minimizing distractions, promoting student well-being, and maximizing instructional time.

An "internet enabled electronic device" is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet.

Examples of such devices include: cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.

Lighthouse Elementary School-PS 106Q Policy statement :

Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices upon arrival at school until the end of the school day. The school day is defined as the period from the moment students enter the school building until the last class of the day ends, including during lunch. The school day starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:20 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

1. COLLECTION/STORAGE

• Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.

If the school collects devices…

• A designated collection point, supervised by staff members, will be set up in the auditorium, between times 7:40 and 9:30. If students arrive after this window, they will need to go to the main office to drop off their phone.
• At the end of the school day, devices will be distributed by school staff in the auditorium between times 2:15 and 2:20PM.
• Students with approved early dismissal will retrieve their devices from Ms. Singleton-School Aide

If school provides students with locked pouches…

• Students will place their devices in cellphone pouches and secure it in front of school staff.
• Students will store their locked pouches in a storage cart for the day.
• At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch in the auditorium.
• They will remove their device(s) and lock their pouches before leaving the school.
• Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the auditorium or from Ms. Singleton-School Aide.
• In the event that a storage device, such as a pouch, is lost or damaged, the school will require a nominal fee of $5.00 for a replacement.

2. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Dimaris Leary-Parent Coordinator to reach their child.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office to reach their parents or guardians.
• In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use [GAMA] to communicate information to parents or guardians.

a. Here is how parents/guardians can access the automated messaging system: NYCSA Account Set Up Guide for Parents — Link

3. EXCEPTIONS

• Students are allowed to use their device if they have an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes use of an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose.
• Parents/guardians must contact Althea Johnson-Principal at 718-327-5828 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatments (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if student is a caregiver, for approved language purposes (such as translation or interpretation services if no other means are available), or where otherwise required by law.
• The principal/designee may authorize use for an educational purpose.
• Exceptions will be processed and approved within 5 business days.

4. DISCIPLINE

Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy ("IAUSP") will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. As provided in the State law, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy. Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

5. OTHER: If lost or stolen

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

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact: Dimaris Montanez-Parent Coordinator( 718)-327-5828.

Note: The Cellphone & Electronic Device Policy is available on the school website (Lighthouse) and will be shared with families and staff at the start of the school year, as well as with newly enrolled students through the student/parent handbook. https://www.lighthouse106q.org/