Cell Phone Policy
By law, all schools in New York State prohibit students from using personal, internet-enabled devices during the school day. This is the required, written policy for Central Park East I.
Devices Allowed and Not Allowed
This policy applies to personal devices that students bring from home to school. In school, students may not use, carry, or wear any personal devices that connect to the internet. Examples include:
Cell phones
Smart watches
Tablets
Laptops
With staff permission, to support research and other in-class learning, students may access the internet using a tablet or laptop provided by the school.
Applicable Times
Students may not use personal devices at any time during official school hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Additionally, students may not use personal devices whenever they are on school grounds before or after school. For example, students may not use their phones on the school yard during early arrival, or after dismissal while waiting in the lobby for a school bus to arrive.
Students may not use personal devices during school trips or events outside of the school building.
Storing Devices
Once they arrive on campus, students must turn off personal devices and store them in their backpacks. Devices must remain turned off, in backpacks, until children leave school grounds.
Communication During School Hours
If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, please call the main office: 212.860.5821.
In addition to calling, you may email both CPE1’s parent coordinator (yvasquez20@schools.nyc.gov) and secretary (srivera57@schools.nyc.gov).
Emergency Communication to Families
In the event of emergencies or special circumstances involving only your child, you will receive a call from the school’s main office. It is crucial to have accurate emergency contact information. Please click here to update contact information. Please do make updates if your phone number changes, if you want to add a new emergency contact, etc.
For general emergencies involving the whole school, you will receive timely information through the Remind messaging system. Please click here to sign up for Remind.
In special circumstances, your child may be allowed to call you. Children who need to their families should check first with their teachers. They will come to our main office (Room 204). Stephanie or Yamilka will assist with calling home.
Exceptions
State law allows exceptions to this policy for particular circumstances, such as students who use personal devices for medical purposes or translation services.
If you believe your child qualifies for and requires an exception, please communicate with CPE1’s principal (gfeldbe@schools.nyc.gov). Your request will be reviewed, and you will receive a determination within five school days.
Response to Misuse of Devices
If your child uses a personal device on school grounds or during the school day, the device may be confiscated and returned to your child or you at the end of the day. If there has been more than one incident, we will store your child’s device until you come to pick it up. We will ask you and your child to meet together with school staff about not using personal devices in school.
Missing or Damaged Devices
In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, families may submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information about submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.