Legacy School of the Arts (19K907)
590 Sheffield Ave | Brooklyn, NY 11207
(P) 929-397-2967
Dr. Falyn Wiggan, Principal
Mr. Hislop, Assistant Principal
Distraction-Free Learning Policy for Internet-Enabled Personal Devices
Dear Families,
In alignment with New York State legislation enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and Chancellor's Regulation A-413, all public schools are now required to implement a Distraction-Free Learning Policy that limits student access to internet-enabled personal devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar technology—during the instructional day.Here at Legacy School of the Arts, we are committed to fostering a focused, safe, and engaging academic environment for all learners. Beginning September 4th 2025, students will no longer be permitted to access or store internet-enabled devices in their bookbags or on their person during the school day.
Definitions:
● Personal Internet-enabled Electronic Devices:
Includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, and portable music/entertainment systems.
● School Day:
From the time a student enters the school building until dismissal, including lunch and recess.
● School Grounds:
All areas within the school building and outdoor spaces under school supervision.
Collection and Storage Procedures
To ensure compliance and support of a distraction-free school experience:
● Upon arrival, students must turn off all personal internet-enabled devices.
● Devices will be stored in a phone pouch and phone pouches should remain in students' bookbags.
● Devices will be stored in designated collection bins if there is no phone pouch.
● Devices stored in collection bins will be returned to students at dismissal.
● Students who arrive late or leave early will follow check-in/check-out protocols with designated staff.
● Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during instructional time, lunch, recess, and transitions.
● Personal electronic devices may not be used in bathrooms, or during emergency drills.
● The school is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices that have NOT been submitted for collection.
● Stolen or lost pouches can be replaced for a fee of $10.00.
Communication with Families:
Parents/guardians should contact the main office in case of emergencies - (929) 397-2967
● Students will not be permitted to use personal devices to communicate during the school day.
● Students may also request permission to use the main office phone for emergencies.
● The school will utilize the NYC DOE Messenger/Jupiter to communicate information to parents or guardians in case of an emergency.
Authorized Use Exceptions
Students may only use personal devices during the instructional day when:
● Required by a student's IEP or 504 Plan (requires signed documentation from a medical provider)
● Needed for medically documented reasons (example: diabetes monitoring: requires signed documentation from a medical provider).
● Approved for translation or caregiving needs.
● Exceptions will be processed and approved within 7-0 business days.
Violations & Consequences (Aligned to Chancellor's Regulation A-413)
Students found with an unauthorized internet-enabled device will face the following progressive consequences:
● 1st Offense:
Device held in the main office and returned to the student at dismissal.
● 2nd Offense:
Parent/guardian must retrieve the device from school.
● 3rd Offense and beyond:
Meeting with school leadership. The item will not be allowed in school. **Additional interventions may apply based on the NYC DOE Discipline Code.
Policy Review and Notification:
● This policy will be reviewed annually with the School Leadership Team (SLT).
● It will be communicated to scholars, staff, and families by October 31st each school year.
● The policy will be posted on the school's website and included in the family handbook.
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