Policies & Procedures

We have updated our cell phone policy to align it with the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) updated policy regarding the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices—including cell phones, in school. This change supports the State's intent to create distraction-free schools and aims to ensure safe and focused learning environments across all schools.  Under Chancellor's Regulation A-413, students are not permitted to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the instructional school day which is 8:00 am until 2:20 pm. This includes devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and portable music and entertainment systems.

We recognize there may be a need for students to carry a cell phone or other internet-enabled device.  Therefore, students are allowed to bring their cell phone or other internet-enabled device to school, with parent/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-enabled 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-enabled device and personally place it inside the pouch.  They will then store the pouch inside a secure locker for the entirety of the instructional school day. This policy is in place for the use of cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and portable music and entertainment systems. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their device(s) before leaving the school building.  Students being dismissed early will retrieve their device(s) before leaving the school building. 

Communication with Students During the Day:

Families who need to reach their child during the school day may call the main office at (718) 796-8965.  We will ensure that the message is conveyed to your child. Our students know if they need to contact their parents they can do so on an office phone, with adult supervision. In case of an emergency, parents are always notified by a member of our staff. Students will not be permitted to call, text, or message home from personal devices during the school day.

In case of emergency, the school will use Class Dojo to relay any urgent information to parents or guardians.  Staff will be providing instructions for how to access Class Dojo. Parents will receive an automated message via phone in the case of an emergency. Use your NYCSA account for direct access to the automated messaging system. Follow the link below for steps to set-up your NYCSA account. 

Click here for NYCSA Account Set-up Link

The cell phone policy is shared with all students, and we are confident that our students will continue to respect and follow the policy as they have in the past. The policy is also shared in the Parent Handbook and on our school website, PS81.org.

Exceptions:

 Students that have an individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes use of an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose (example: medical monitoring/treatment) are allowed to use their device. 

Please contact Anne Kirrane for any requests or questions pertaining to exceptions by calling (718) 796-8965 or by emailing akirran@schools.nyc.gov. 

Please note that exceptions will be processed and approved within 3 business days. 

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: The cell phone must be checked in at the main office at arrival every school day and picked up at the end of the day.

OTHER: If lost or stolen

In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents can submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.

We encourage parents and guardians to discuss the policy and digital citizenship with your child. For your child’s safety, group chats and internet searches should be monitored on a regular basis. Please note that social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old, with parental consent. The administration and staff is eager to work with you to continue to keep your child safe.

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. Students may not wear masks that impede vision or make it difficult to determine a student's identity. 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 

Overall: PS 81’s grading policy is rooted in the Next Generation Standards but considers multiple measures for each report card indicator. The grades are holistic in nature, meaning that the multiple measures are considered together to arrive at a total score for each part of the report card. 

Achievement level scores 1-4

4- Exceeds grade level expectations 

3- Meets grade level expectations 

2- Below grade level expectations

1- Far below grade level expectations

Please see the links below for more detailed information for each grade level. 

Kindergarten December Kindergarten March Kindergarten June

1st Grade December 1st Grade March 1st Grade June 

2nd Grade December 2nd Grade March 2nd Grade June 

3rd Grade December 3rd Grade March 3rd Grade June 

4th Grade December 4th Grade March 4th Grade June 

5th Grade December 5th Grade March 5th Grade June