The NYS Cell Phone Ban and BHSEC 📵
Q: Is there a strict phone policy at our school?
A: There is now! The goal of the BHSEC Cell Phone Policy is remain in compliance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 and New York State Education Law 2803 while setting realistic expectations for students and preserving our school culture. While these regulations prohibit all personal internet-enabled device usage, BHSEC admin is reviewing options to allow appropriate, academic use of laptops or tablets by students.
Q: Say more about “appropriate use” of laptops or tablets.
A: Appropriate use includes reading or studying, taking notes, doing classwork, and checking grades/feedback/school email.
Q: What constitutes inappropriate use?
A: Inappropriate use is any personal, non-academic usage. Personal usage includes anything that disrupts school culture and distracts from learning. Examples include phone calls or FaceTime in school, texting during class, creating or browsing social media content, recording others without consent, disruptive music/games/video, ordering deliveries to school, or other uses not conducive to BHSEC’s academic culture.
Q: When is it not ok for students to use their phone?
A: From 9:00am to 3:30pm. Students will face warnings and further disciplinary measures if they attempt to evade the bell-to-bell cell phone ban in school. Refer to the Cell Phone Policy for specific consequences.
Q: When is it ok for students to use their phone?
A: Phones may be collected from the main office prior to 3:30pm if the student is leaving for the day, including any early dismissal or if they have a free last period. Phones should be retrieved at 3:30pm even if the student is staying on campus for clubs or other activities.
Q: Should students still bring a computer to school?
A: Much of the work in high school is submitted online, so students will benefit from access to a computer during their school day. There are also school laptops available for classroom use. This is a privilege that may be lost if personal use is observed.
Q: When can I use AirPods or other headphones?'
A: No headphones are permitted during the school day.
Q: How can parents contact their students during the school day?
A: It will take some adjusting to remember we can’t call or text our students between 9:00am and dismissal. The goal of this new policy is to minimize disruptions from learning. Should an urgent matter arise, go old school and call the main office at 212-995-8479.
Q: How can students contact their parents during the school day?
A: There are landlines throughout the school, accessible to students in between class periods.
Q: Will phones be returned to students who leave campus for out lunch?
A: No, phones will not be returned during lunch periods. Make sure your student has cash or a card! Students who want to leave school to get lunch must have a signed permission slip on file. The student swipe card system enables the school to monitor when students leave and when they return. Review the Cell Phone Policy for guidelines and emergency safe havens near the school.
