Message from the Chancellor

A message from Chancellor Aviles-Ramos regarding the New York State Cell Phone and Device Policy with Short Video

As a follow-up to the message from September 2 regarding the implementation of the New York State cell phone and device policy, please see here for the promised video.

This short video explains the policy rationale, requirements, and disciplinary responses. Please share it with families, staff, and students to ensure consistent messaging across our school system.

Thank you for your continued leadership and communication as we work together to build distraction-free classrooms and communities.

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Dear Principals,

As we enter the new school year and implement the New York state law prohibiting personal internet-enabled devices, we recognize and acknowledge that this transition will bring both opportunities and adjustments for our schools.

As education leaders in our city, we know students are attached to their cell phones and other devices. We also know that phones need to be stored away in accordance with the law in order to create space for deeper learning and community connection.

We ask that you take a proactive, supportive posture with your entire community—students, staff, and families—as they all navigate the new state law. We will provide a short video that will explain the rationale, requirements, and disciplinary responses to ensure a consistent message across our school system. Please meet with your parents, teachers, and students to show the video and discuss your school’s implementation plan. As school leaders, it will be essential for you to keep the lines of communication open with all stakeholders; we know this is a shift for many of our students and families, which will require thoughtful, ongoing communication.

We also encourage you to provide social-emotional support to help students adjust to this change in their daily routines. As necessary, consult Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 and the Discipline Code, as well as this comprehensive document on progressive discipline.

Additional resources related to the device policy can be found on the NYCPS website at schools.nyc.gov/DevicePolicy and on the InfoHub. You should also reference and utilize the resources and toolkit shared via Principals Digest (on July 29 and August 26); please backpack home the family flyer (found in the digital assets and resources section of the toolkit) in the first week of school, along with information about your school-specific policy (a template for this is also available in the toolkit).

Thank you for your leadership and collaboration in building distraction-free classrooms and communities.

9/26 Message from the Chancellor

Every School Day Matters

Dear Families and Colleagues,

So far, we’ve had 15 days of school this year. That means 15 days of discovery and new experiences, of connection and growth. When it comes to our children’s learning, the research shows that every day counts.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and it's critical to start the year with strong attendance habits. When students are in school, they benefit from learning in all its forms—in the classroom, on the playground, during extracurricular activities, through field trips, and so much more. You can hear it directly from our students in this week’s Highlight Video; they want to show up and be part of the action!

So, let’s make that happen. We know that getting to school consistently can sometimes present challenges, and we are here to help. Our Parent Coordinators can assist any family that needs support with overcoming attendance barriers. Families can also access attendance-related policies and resources on our website.

Let’s make this year one full of learning and growth for our students. That starts with being present, every day.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor

The Chancellor’s Spotlight:

Malika Elwin and Keri Cerio are two leaders of our citywide attendance efforts through the Office of Attendance, Research, and Innovation. Keri has been with NYC Public Schools for a decade, and Malika for two! Every day, they closely examine our attendance data and respond in real time to attendance concerns in schools. They also provide training for schools and districts to build strong attendance habits and practices. Keri described the team’s approach as “working collaboratively to remove those barriers to regular attendance.” Doing so, Malika added, helps to “offer our students a path forward, so that they can realize their full potential.”

Nominate a person or program for The Chancellor’s Spotlight here.

Our Highlight Video:

For translations, please visit our YouTube page.

NYCPS News and Resources:

Learn more about the importance of daily attendance at The Morning Bell.
For additional news and resources, follow NYCPS online at Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Here’s the weekly video from Mayor Eric Adams. You can sign up to receive updates directly from the Mayor's Office.

NYCPS Families: If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please unsubscribe.

9/19 Message from the Chancellor

Dear Families and Colleagues,

As both a lifelong educator and a New York City Public Schools parent, I know firsthand the importance of family empowerment. Parents and guardians must be welcomed, respected, and valued in our school communities. This is one of the three commitments I made when I first became Chancellor, along with student safety and educator support. So, as we start the year, here are a few ways we’re ensuring families are at the table:

Family Connectors: As part of our NYCPS Cares initiative, these volunteers connect parents and guardians to city services and resources. I encourage you to learn more and express your interest in becoming a Family Connector!
Language Access: This summer, we updated Chancellor’s Regulation A-663, so even more families can receive school materials in their preferred language. Visit our website to learn more about translation and interpretation services.
Parent Leadership: Families strengthen our schools by bringing their voices to our parent leadership structures. I encourage families to learn more about our Community and Citywide Education Councils and consider applying for vacant seats to help shape our school system.
Parent Coordinators: Parent Coordinators are school-based staff dedicated to ensuring families are included and involved in their school communities. Find a school’s parent coordinator using our “Find a School” tool.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: The first round of parent-teacher conferences began this week and will continue for certain grade levels on September 25. Check out these conference tips for more information.

To our staff, thank you for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our students. To our parents and family members, thank you for your collaboration and for trusting us with your children. We are all partners in this work.

In partnership,

Melissa Aviles-Ramos

Chancellor

The Chancellor’s Spotlight:

Our Family Connectors are actively supporting our communities: building relationships, making connections, and increasing access to critical resources. The experience is a meaningful one, both for the families receiving support and for the Family Connectors themselves. As one Family Connector put it, “Being a Family Connector has literally changed my life, because it has allowed me to learn information that I never knew existed.” Thank you, Family Connectors, for your leadership!

Nominate a person or program for The Chancellor’s Spotlight here.

Our Highlight Video: Language Access

For translations, please visit our YouTube page.

NYCPS News and Resources:

September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month! Check out educational resources, events, and recommended reading.
Find student opportunities for the month of September at The Morning Bell.
For additional news and resources, follow NYCPS online at Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Here’s the weekly video from Mayor Eric Adams. You can sign up to receive updates directly from the Mayor's Office.