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📱WHSAD PHONE POLICY

Can you believe the summer is almost over! Neither can we. But there's no point in fighting it, so let's get your kids ready for a great year. Take a moment to view the WHSAD Phone Policy, below.

DOE Bell-to-Bell Expectations

This policy is NOT new!

The New York City Department of Education implemented its Bell-to-Bell Device Policy beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. As we begin another school year, we want to make sure all students and families are familiar with the expectations and understand their role in following the policy.

The Bell-to-Bell policy requires students to be device-free during the entire school day—from the first bell to dismissal.

📵 Students: Know the rules and be prepared to follow the policy every day.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families: Please review these expectations with your student and help us reinforce the policy at home.

📱 WHSAD Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy

• No personal electronic devices during the school day. Students cannot use or access personal internet-enabled devices from the time they enter the building until the end of their last class.

• This includes cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, iPads, laptops, and other internet-enabled devices.

• The school day is 8:20 AM–2:40 PM, including lunch.

🔒 What students must do when they arrive

• Students must power off their devices when they arrive.
• Phones/devices will be placed into their assigned NuKase case.
• The case will be locked by school staff during security scanning.
• Students keep the locked case with them for the school day.
• At dismissal, students can unlock their cases at designated unlocking stations. 

🚨 What happens if a student doesn't have their NuKase?

• If a student arrives without their assigned case, their phone will be collected by the Dean at security scanning.

• The phone will not be returned until after dismissal at 2:40 PM.

📞 How parents can reach their child during the day

• For an emergency or urgent situation, parents/guardians can contact Ms. Martinez, Parent Coordinator, at 718-388-1260 ext. 2273.

• Students can also access phones in their guidance counselor's office during an emergency to contact a parent/guardian.

• The school will use GAMA to send emergency/important communications to families. 

⚠️ Exceptions

There are limited exceptions for certain medical, educational, and language-related needs. Exceptions may be approved when there is proper DOE-approved documentation.



Please note: An approved exception does not allow unlimited phone use. The device may only be used for the specific purpose for which the exception was approved.