International Leadership Charter High School has been a pioneer in promoting a focused and respectful learning environment by restricting the use of cell phones and personal technology during the school day for years. Long before state mandates, our school recognized the importance of minimizing distractions and maximizing student engagement. Since our founding, we have maintained a firm policy that bans the use of personal cell phones and other internet-enabled devices in all classrooms.

Effective August 1, 2025, and in alignment with the New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law, we proudly continue this commitment with a formal Distraction-Free School Day Policy. All student cell phones and personal devices—including audio and video recording equipment—must be turned off and kept completely out of sight while inside the school building. Devices may not be carried in pockets, backpacks, or any location accessible to students during the day. All personal devices must be powered off and will be collected at morning entry, stored in assigned bins, and locked in a secure room until dismissal.

Any teacher or member of the school’s leadership has the authority to confiscate devices if this policy is violated. Confiscated items will be held in the Principal’s Office and returned to students at the end of the day. If a scholar violates this rule more than twice in any academic school year, they will be required to check their device into the Main Office at the start of each school day and retrieve it at dismissal.

If a scholar needs to contact a family member during the school day due to an emergency, they must first receive permission from a teacher or administrator and use the school telephone located in the Main Office. Families may call the school directly at (718) 562-2300 or email egonzalez@ilchs.org to have a message relayed to their child(ren).

This policy is included in our Family Handbook, enrollment materials, and orientation sessions. It will be made available upon request in the twelve most commonly spoken non-English languages in New York State, in accordance with U.S. Census Bureau data.

Please note that International Leadership Charter High School is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

As leaders in this movement, we are proud to continue setting the standard for maintaining a distraction-free environment that prioritizes academic excellence and student success.