Device Policy

Clara Barton High School Cell Phone & Electronic Devices Policy 

Effective September 2025  

Purpose 

To ensure a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment, Clara Barton High School prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. This policy complies with New York State law and NYC Public Schools regulations. 

Personal internet-enabled devices include: cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and any device capable of connecting to the internet.

 Policy Statement 

• No personal internet-enabled devices may be used or accessed from the time students enter the building until the end of their school day, including lunch and transition periods. 
• Students may use NYCPS-issued devices for instructional purposes.  
• The official school day begins at 7:45 AM and ends at 3:27 PM (unless a student has an approved early dismissal). 

 

1. Collection & Storage Procedures 

Yondr Pouch Requirement 

1. Each student is issued ONE school-owned Yondr Pouch at the start of the year with an assigned number. 

1. Upon entry, all cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds must be placed inside the pouch and locked in the presence of staff.  

1. The pouch remains with the student all day but may not be opened until dismissal.  

Entry Protocol 

• Entry points open at 7:45 AM for scanning and close at 10:00 AM in the cafeteria and at 10:10 AM in the Main Lobby. 
• Staff check pouches at entry. 
• Students without a pouch, or with large devices (e.g., laptops, over-ear headphones) must check in their items at the designated collection station.

Dismissal Protocol 

• Yondr Pouches are unlocked in the cafeteria at dismissal. 
• Students with early dismissal must show their official schedule and unlock their pouch at the designated station.

2. Exceptions 

• Personal devices may be accessed only when: 
• Required by an IEP or 504 Plan and no DOE-issued device is available. 
• Needed for documented medical purposes (approved by the Office of School Health). 
• A student has verified caregiver responsibilities or translation needs without other options. 
• Required by law or for educational purposes authorized by the principal/designee.  
• Once all necessary documentation is in place, the school nurse and IEP and 504 Coordinators will review within one week of submission. Once approved, a specifically designed Yondr pouch will be issued to the student. 
• Point person for 504 request: Shaundell Lawson 718-636-4900 x1171

3. Emergency Communication

• Parents/Guardians may call (718) 636-4900: Extensions: x2153- Main Office, x1171-Parent Coordinator, x2215-Dean’s Office, x2161-Assistant Principal Security, or x2031-Principal’s Office. 
• Students may use phones in the Main Office, Guidance Office, or Dean’s Office to reach home during emergencies. 
• The school will also use GAMA/NYCSA for emergency notifications. 
• Families may access GAMA through their NYCSA account. To access it, parents should visit schoolsaccount.nyc, sign in with their credentials, and then select the "MyStudent".

4. Progressive Discipline 

• In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 and the NYCPS Discipline Code: 
• Suspension will not be given solely for unauthorized device use. 
• Repeated insubordination (refusal to surrender/store device) may lead to escalated responses.

5. Lost or Stolen Devices

• The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices. Parents may submit a claim to the NYC Comptroller’s Office. 

6. Acknowledgement

Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information