BELL Academy Cell Phone Policy

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The "Distraction-Free Schools" law in New York State requires public schools to implement policies prohibiting student use of personal internet-enabled electronics during the school day (7:50 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.), from "bell to bell". This means no smartphones or other devices, including during non-instructional time like breakfast, lunch and before/after school programs. The law aims to minimize distractions and promote a more focused learning environment.

The following items are considered electronic devices under this policy and are subject to regulation:

Cell phones
Smartwatches and wearable electronic devices
Personal laptops, tablets, and iPads (“computing devices”)
Headphones, AirPods, and other portable music/entertainment systems

At BELL Academy, in partnership with our School Leadership Team, we have established a policy that reflects what we believe is in the best interest of our students. This policy will be published on our school website. If any updates or revisions are made throughout the year, notification will be provided to parents through email and the updated policy will be published on the website.

In alignment with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/policies/chancellors-regulations/volume-a-regulations), students are allowed to bring electronic devices to school; however, these devices must remain out of sight and silent at all times while inside the building. Students are expected to power off their devices upon entering the school. This also includes those students who arrive prior to 7:50 a.m. or who stay beyond 2:10 p.m..

To support a focused learning environment, all students who bring a cell phone, smart watch, or other wearable device, will be assigned a Velcro pouch to securely store their electronic devices throughout the school day. If a child does not carry any of the mentioned electronic devices with them to and from school, a parent can decline the assignment of a Velcro pouch by checking the appropriate box on the return form at the end of this policy. Should the decision for a child to bring an electronic device to and from school change, families should inform the school immediately by contacting the school’s dean, Mr. Williams. Upon arrival at the school, students will be expected to do the following:

Students must place their electronic devices in their assigned Velcro pouch immediately upon entry to the school.
During morning arrival, staff will check that all students who have electronic devices have secured these items in their Velcro pouch. If a student does not bring their assigned Velcro pouch to school, one may be provided for the day or the electronic devices may be held by the school, as outlined below.
Students may not access their phones at any time during the day. Should a student need to get in contact with a parent and/or guardian, there is a designated phone for students in the main office, along with phone lines in every administrator’s office, dean’s office, and counselor’s office.

If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the main office at 718-428-0587. Please know that to ensure the safety of every child, staff will inform you that your child will call you back, so that we can confirm bluecard/emergency contact information.

In the event of any emergency or exigent circumstance, all parents/guardians will be communicated with through NYCPS School Messenger and GAMA. For this reason, it is essential for families to ensure their contact information is up to date in NYCSA. If you need assistance with a NYCSA account, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Lori, at 718-428-0587.

Lost or damaged Velcro pouches:

If a Velcro pouch is lost, the student will be provided with a temporary pouch for the day, and arrangements will be made to issue a replacement. If a student repeatedly fails to bring their Velcro pouch, they will be required to check in their electronic devices with designated staff each morning and retrieve it at dismissal, until further notice.
If a Velcro pouch is intentionally damaged, the student will be held accountable under the DOE’s Discipline Code (Infraction B28: Engaging in vandalism, graffiti or other intentional damage to school property).
Any student that loses or damages an assigned Velcro Pouch will be charged a fee of ten dollars.

If a student reports an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, schools will follow the Policy outlined by NYCPS. Families may also file a claim with the New York City Comptroller's Office https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/file-a-claim/

Consequences for violation of the Electronic Device Policy will be determined by the nature of the violation. Where appropriate, measures should be instituted in a progressive fashion. Such measures may include, but are not limited to a tiered system including:

Warnings

Confiscation of items and return at the end of school day.

Confiscation of item and return following parent conference.

Confiscation of item and return following student entering into behavioral contract.

Student’s devices will be placed in a locked pouch.

Revocation of privilege to bring items to school.

Any wearable devices will be subjected to the policy above and confiscated if worn after a warning.

There are exceptions to the Electronic Device Policy, as indicated on the NYCPS website (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/policies/cell-phone-and-electronic-device-policy) where authorization for use of an electronic device may be granted. Any exceptions that are granted will be done in collaboration between the family and the appropriate grade team and principal. Some exceptions may require up to 72 hours for a determination to be made.

School trips and dismissal are considered extensions of the school day, and all electronic device policies remain in effect during these times. All personal electronic devices must remain secured in the student’s Velcro pouch and stay with the student throughout the trip or until they exit the building at dismissal. Any use of electronic devices during a trip or at dismissal will result in a warning, followed by confiscation if necessary.

Please retain a copy of the Policy for yourself and return this page to your first period teacher by September 5, 2025.

Please take the time to review the policy with your child to ensure they understand the policy. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the dean, Parent Coordinator, or any member of the school administration. Thank you for your cooperation and support of this important policy.

Sincerely,

David Abbott

Principal

BELL Academy

Bayside Enrichment & Long-Distance Learning