M.S. 407 ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

At M.S. 407 School of Technology, Arts and Research, we are committed to creating a focused, engaging, and supportive learning environment, and to follow Education Law §2803, where all students can thrive effective August 1, 2025. Families can learn more information about this the “Distraction Free Environment” by visiting the NYCPS family website: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/policies/cell-phone-and-electronic-device-policy.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

As part of this initiative, M.S. 407 will implement a bell-to-bell ban on electronic devices during instructional hours, from 8:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This ban will also include lunch/recess. This policy prohibits the use of the following devices during the school day:

Any devices that utilize cellular capabilities: Cell phones, tablets, smart watches
MP3 players, Gaming Consoles, etc.

STORAGE (School Lockers)

Students may visit their assigned lockers during first period each day. If a student arrives late, they must report to the main office to receive a late pass. At that time, any personal device they bring will be collected and securely stored in the main office. Students may retrieve their devices at the end of the school day.

Students are allowed to bring personal devices (e.g., phones, tablets) to school.
All devices must be turned off and stored in lockers during the school day.
Devices must remain in lockers until dismissal.
Early dismissal, students will be escorted to retrieve their device from the locker.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

For all emergency matters, parents/guardians or students should contact the main office at (646) 298-1511. Our Parent Coordinator Ms. Nadia Chibani, can be reached at (347) 831-0512. Students who need to contact their guardian can utilize the main office phone in room 108.

Examples of non-emergency situations include:

Changes to dismissal or pick-up arrangements
Lunch drop-off or delivery
Dropping off a water bottle or other non-urgent items

In the event of an emergency, M.S. 407 will activate its Building Response Protocols. Within 15 minutes of initiating a Building Response Team (BRT) action—such as an evacuation—the school will send updates through the NYCDOE Messaging application. To ensure the safety of all students and staff, we kindly ask families not to call the school during an emergency. This allows our team to focus on managing the situation effectively.

M.S. 407 utilizing the NYCDOE Messaging system (formerly known as GAMA) that pulls information from NYCSA and our internal student database (ATS).
To ensure delivery of all communications, families are encouraged to update their NYCSA account frequently as well as contacting our main office complete a new Emergency Contact Form.
If you should require assistance in accessing or creating your NYCSA account, please contact our Parent Coordinator Nadia Chibani at 347-831-0512.

POLICY VIOLATIONS

CONSEQUENCES FOR POLICY VIOLATIONS

FIRST OFFENSE

Verbal warning issued
Parent/Guardian will be contacted

SECOND OFFENSE

Device will be confiscated by staff and given to the principal
Parent/Guardian must retrieve the device from school

FURTHER OFFENSES

Student will be subject to the NYCPS Discipline Code

EXCEPTIONS

Exceptions to the above noted policy will be reviewed within 1-2 days for each situation and will comply with the NYS Law and guidance provided by NYCPS. Please visit: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/policies/cell-phone-and-electronic-device-policy.
Students may be granted permission to use a personal internet-enabled device only if it is explicitly required as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan and no DOE-issued device is available to meet that need. Formal documentation and approval with school-based special education staff is required.
Requests for exceptions unrelated to an IEP or 504 Plan—such as for medically necessary purposes (e.g., blood sugar monitoring), approved language access needs (e.g., translation services when no alternative is available), or where otherwise required by law—must be submitted in writing to School Counselor Amanda Puglionisi, apuglionisi@schools.nyc.gov. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with DOE policy and applicable regulations."

LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGE

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 Website.

Please rely on official school messaging systems for timely updates. It is essential that your contact information and preferred communication methods are current with NYCSA and the Main Office. If you haven’t already done so, please update your details with the school as soon as possible by contacting 20K407@schools.nyc.gov or calling the Main Office at 646-298-1511.