Effective August 1, 2025, New York City Public Schools has implemented a bell-to-bell cellphone and electronic device ban. This policy prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day (8:30 a.m.–2:50 p.m.) 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 cellphones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.
When entering SOFBK, all cell phones and internet enabled devices must be powered off and stored in a Yondr Pouch (locking pouch), which will travel with students throughout the school day. Devices must remain silent and stowed in Yondr pouches at all times and in all spaces, including hallways, stairwells, classrooms, lunchroom, restrooms, and the schoolyard during recess. At the end of the school day, students will unlock their pouch at the dismissal doors located on the 3rd and 4th floors. Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the Main Office or the Assistant Principal’s Office.
If a cell phone or other device is seen outside of a pouch, it will be confiscated. On the first offense, the device will be secured and returned at dismissal, and a parent or guardian will be notified. For repeated offenses, a parent or guardian will be required to come to the school and personally retrieve the device, and progressive discipline aligned to the NYCPS Citywide Discipline Code will be applied. Consequences may include detention, exclusion from school activities or events, restorative interventions, and, in cases of persistent non-compliance, suspension for insubordination.
Students are responsible for their Yondr pouches. If a pouch is lost or damaged, families will be required to pay a $30 replacement fee, after which a new pouch will be issued.
Students may be allowed to use their device if they have an IEP or 504 Plan that requires it and do not have a DOE-issued device. Parents/guardians must contact the Assistant Principal at 718-345-5190 if a student requires an exception for medical monitoring/treatment (e.g., monitoring blood sugar), if the student is a caregiver, for approved language purposes(translation/interpretation when no other means are available), or where otherwise required bylaw. The principal/designee may also authorize device use for an educational purpose. All exceptions will be reviewed and approved within five school days.
If at any time there is an emergency, and students need to contact a family member, they will communicate with staff members to assist them. The phone in the main office is available for student use. If a parent needs to speak to their child, they should contact the main office at 718-345-5190, where the student will be called to the office to speak with the parent.
If a personal device is reported stolen, families may file a claim through the NYC Comptroller’s Office. Information and claim forms are available at: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/forthe-public/file-a-claim/.
This policy will be shared with families through the SOFBK Student/Parent Handbook, SOFBK website, SOFBK School App, backpacked family letters, and our school’s automated communication platform, GAMA.
SOFBK staff are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices that were notstowed away properly in a Yondr pouch.
Yours in Education,
Zetelia Valmon
Principal
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