At Epic High School South, we are committed to providing a focused, distraction-free learning environment. In compliance with Education Law §2803, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. To support this effort, Epic High School South is becoming a phone-free school through the implementation of the Safe Pouch program.
Our school community—including students, families, and staff—shares the belief that students should be fully engaged during the school day without distractions from cell phones, smartwatches, or similar devices. This policy is designed to support academic success and emotional well-being.
Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices upon arrival at school until the end of the school day. The school day is defined as the period from the moment students enter the school building until the last class of the day ends, including lunch. The school day starts at 8:55 AM and ends at 3:15 PM. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
EPIC South is phone-free from entry through dismissal, including lunch. Students may not use or access personal internet-enabled electronic devices during that time, except under an authorized exception. School-issued or approved devices may be used for instruction as directed by staff.
Students arriving after 9:30 AM must hand in their cellular device upon arrival. The school will secure the device and return it under the late-arrival procedure.
A student caught with a phone during school hours must turn it in daily. The school will communicate the duration of the plan and how it will be reviewed to the student and family. Students must follow staff directions about securing or surrendering devices.
The repair fee is $5. The replacement fee is $15, subject to school review and applicable policy. Do not force, cut or tamper with the pouch. Report a missing or damaged pouch to school staff.
Contact Assistant Principal Javier Moran at jmoran15@schools.nyc.gov about required accommodations and other exceptions permitted by NYCPS policy, including medical, IEP/504, translation or caregiving needs. Required accommodations remain protected. Families may contact Natasha Jones at Njones34@schools.nyc.gov or call the school at 718-845-1290 for help reaching their child. Students may ask to use the main-office phone.
Disciplinary responses follow the current NYCPS Discipline Code and Chancellor’s Regulation A-413. Students may not be suspended solely for accessing a personal internet-enabled device in violation of the policy.
Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy ("IAUSP") will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. As provided in the State law, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy. Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
Every student is responsible for:
If a student does not have a phone, they will still be assigned a Safe Pouch to store other electronic items such as earbuds or smartwatches. Students must bring the pouch every day regardless of whether they carry a phone.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to support a more productive and engaging learning environment for all students.
EPIC High School South
121-10 Rockaway Boulevard; South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Phone: 718-845-1290
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