Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, students may not use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day on school grounds, except in approved circumstances. This procedure supports New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools law and New York City Public Schools Chancellor’s Regulation A-413.

Each morning at HSFI, students are asked to turn in their cell phones and other personal internet-enabled devices as they enter school. Every device is scanned in and scanned out, helping the school maintain an organized and accountable process. Phones are placed in specialized protective pouches and securely stored in designated boxes during the school day, as seen here. At the end of the student’s school day, the device is returned through an established distribution process.

Giovanni Raschilla, Assistant Principal of Safety and Security, explains the positive outcomes since the law took effect. "The purpose of this policy is not simply to take phones away. It is to give our children a school day where they can focus on instruction, interact with their classmates, participate fully in school activities, and learn without the constant distraction of notifications, texting, social media, and other online activity. I am also pleased to report the wonderful spirit of cooperation, community and shared responsibility among our students!"