Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school: 1) cell phones/smartwatches; 2)laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices (“computing devices”); and 3) PSP and NintendoDS.

A. The use of cell phones/smartwatches/smartwatches, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems at school is subject to the restrictions below.

• Cell phones/smartwatches, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems must be powered off and kept in students’ backpacks, out of sight and hearing while on school property
• Cell phones/smartwatches and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.
• Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
• Use of cell phones/smartwatches, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.
• Cell phones/smartwatches, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
• Cell phones/smartwatches, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.

B. Cell phones/smartwatches may be used as set forth below consistent with Regulation A-413.

‍During the school day:

• Cell phones/smartwatches may not be turned on or used while on school property.

During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities:

• Cell phones/smartwatches may not be turned on or used while on school property.

C. Cell phones/smartwatches may be used as set forth below consistent with Regulation A-413.

‍During the school day:

• Computing devices may not be turned on or used while on school property.

D. Confiscation and return of electronic items

School-based policies must describe the procedures for the confiscation, storage and return of Electronic devices. In determining whether to confiscate an electronic device, schools should consider the nature of the violation. Where appropriate, measures should be instituted in a progressive fashion. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

• Confiscation of item and return following parent conference
• After two violations of Lighthouse Elementary Policy for Cell Phone/Smartwatches and Computing Devices on School Property, revocation of privilege to bring item to school will be implemented.

E. Discipline
School-based policies must state that students who use cell phones/smartwatches, computing devices ,and/or portable music and entertainment system in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy(“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code. You can access the Discipline Code at:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/discipline-code-kindergarten-grade-5-english