P.S. 81 Robert J. Christen School

We recognize today there may be a need for students to carry a cell phone. Therefore, students are allowed to bring their cell phone to school, with guardian’s permission. This will enable you to communicate with your child before and after school. In order to comply with the New York State law regarding the use of cell phones and other internet-capable devices in schools, each student will be provided with a pouch. Upon entry into their classroom each day, students will be required to turn off their cell phone or other internet-capable device  and personally place it inside the pouch.  They will then store the pouch inside a secure locker for the entirety of the school day. This policy is in place for the use of cell phones, iPods, iPads, smartwatches, tablets and all other internet-capable devices.  At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their device(s) before leaving the classroom.  In case of emergency you may call the main office to leave a message for your child (718-796-8965). 

If a student is found to be in violation of the cell phone/electronic devices policy the following protocol will be followed:

• 1st Violation: The phone/device will be taken from the student and returned at the end of the day.
• 2nd Violation: The phone/device will be taken from the student and the parent/guardian is contacted to pick up the cell phone.
• 3rd Violation: Use of cell phones is suspended for the remainder of the school year. The cell phone must be checked in at the main office at arrival every school day.

**Please note the school is not responsible for the theft, loss or damage to students’ technology devices.** If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the school. The safety of our students is a schoolwide community responsibility. Together we can increase safety and promote responsible “Digital Citizenship” among our students.

All students should dress appropriately for school.  Students may not wear revealing clothing such as shirts, skirts, shorts or other clothing items that reveal private areas of the body. Students may not wear clothing displaying foul language or slurs against any race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or weight. In addition, appropriate footwear for physical education and outdoor recess/structured play should be worn on a daily basis. Flip flops are not allowed due to injuries in the schoolyard when children are running.  Please see the following link for additional information regarding the NYC DOE Dress Code Guidelines. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/school-environment/dress-code-guidelines