School Policies

Internet Enabled Device Policy

To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. 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.

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 8:30 and ends at 2:50. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.

PS 59 will provide students in grades 3-5 with pouches to store their phones in their backpacks.

Students will place their devices at the front gate and secure it in front of school staff.
Students will store their pouches in their backpacks for the day.
Students' pouches will remain in their backpacks until they are dismissed by their classroom teacher.
Students attending after school programs will report to their after school sites with their devices remaining in pouches in their backpacks.
Students with approved early dismissal will be able to remove their device from the pouch when they are dismissed to an adult.
In the event that a pouch is lost or damaged, the school will require a nominal fee for a replacement.
If a student arrives at school without their pouch, they will be required to bring their device to the main office where it will be collected and supervised by Kathleen King, Parent Coordinator.

Emergency Communications:

In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call Jhoven Rojas, School Secretary or Kathleen King, Parent Coordinator at 212-888-7870 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.

Please find directions here for setting up a NYCSA account to access GAMA.

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 Kathleen King, Parent Coordinator at 212- 888-7870 if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (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 24 hours.

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.

If a device is 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.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Principal Wise by way of Kathleen King, Parent Coordinator at 212-888-7870 or kking6@schools.nyc.gov.