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Phone: (718) 996-6706 Fax: (718) 996-4186 8787 24th Avenue, Brookyln, NY 11214
About Us » Policies

Policies

School Uniform Policy

 

The Staff, P.T.A., Student Council and School Leadership Team of Joseph B. Cavallaro, I.S. 281 are proud that we are a mandated uniform school.  The uniform policy has proven to be successful both in creating a positive school tone and in maintaining a safe and secure environment.  The School Uniform Policy is as follows:

 

Shirts:              All solid white or solid black non-logo bearing shirts may be worn. Tank tops, cami’s or belly shirts are not acceptable. Cavallaro apparel is also acceptable uniform attire.

 

Pants:              Black pants, leggings, capris or jeans only. Pants are to be worn at the waist. Any student found wearing pants below the waist will have their parent/guardian contacted immediately. Tights are not permitted as pant wear.

 

Skirts:              Black skirts of moderate length (fingertip length). If a skirt is worn, tights should be worn. No miniskirts are permitted.

 

Footwear:        Sneakers or shoes may be worn. No flip flops, crocs or slides are permitted. Socks must be worn.

 

Outerwear:      All white or all black sweaters, hoodies, zip-up sweatshirts, track jackets or vests may be worn over a visible all white or all black top. Non-zip pullover hoodies are considered a form of outer clothing.  **Only Cavallaro slogan-wear hoodies are permitted.

 

NO GLOVES, HOODS OR HATS OF ANY KIND ARE TO BE WORN IN THE BUILDING.

 

In warm weather, students are permitted to wear black shorts (not bike shorts) instead of pants. The shorts must be fingertip or knee length or longer. If the knee length rule is not followed, parents/guardians will be contacted to bring in proper uniform clothing. The uniform rule for shirts remains all year long with the exception of School Spirit Days. **All white or all black means no company logo larger than two inches. A design or picture on the front or back of the shirt is not acceptable.

 

White shirts with the Cavallaro logo, Cavallaro slogan T-shirts/Hoodies, black mesh shorts and black sweat pants both with a Cavallaro seal can be purchased in our School S.O. store during students’ lunch periods. 

 

Short sleeve white: $10.00 each         Long sleeve white: $15.00 each         Cavallaro slogan shirts: $10.00 each

 

Hooded sweatshirt: $25.00 each         Black mesh shorts: $15.00 each         Black sweatpants: $25.00 each

 

 

Scientific Calculator Order Form

 

It is our school policy that each student be equipped with a TI-34 Scientific Calculator to be used in the classroom and at home. You have the opportunity to purchase a Scientific Calculator at your local store.  However, if you are interested in purchasing a Calculator at our school store the cost is $20.00.   Please fill out the form below, as all orders must be paid for in advance.  Payments can be made in cash, checks or money orders payable to I.S. 281.

 

 

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

 

STUDENT PHONE and INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICE POLICY & GUIDELINES

As part of the New York State Law mandating distraction-free schools, prohibiting the use of internet-enabled devices by students (cell phones, apple devices etc.) during the day anywhere on school grounds, we will continue making our school a personal electronics-free space to improve teaching and learning using a program called Yondr. Yondr has been implemented in thousands of schools across 27 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment.

 

We believe that phones have great utility. We have also found that learning and student mental health improve drastically when students are fully present with their teachers and classmates.

 

The Yondr Program utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone or small electronic device. Every student will secure their phone and/or electronics in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their devices and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.

 

In an annual survey of over 1,200 of schools that implemented the Yondr Program::

  • 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
  • 84% saw a positive change in student engagement
  • 72% saw a positive change in student behavior
  • 68% saw a positive change in academic performance

 

If you have any questions about I.S. 281’s adherence to New York State Law, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at (718) 996-6706. We will also be holding an open discussion about the use of Yondr during our first PTA meeting of the school year on September 16, 2025, 5:00pm via zoom PTA meeting link.

 

If there is an emergency at any time during the school day and you would like to get in contact with your child, please reach out to Christine DiMatteo, Parent Coordinator at (718) 996-6706 or (347) 237-3087. If your child needs to reach you, they will have full access by using the school phone in the main office at any time during the school day. GAMA will be used to communicate with families in case of an emergency. Please ensure your NYCSA is active to receive messages via GAMA. For questions regarding sign up please contact Ms. DiMatteo.

 

Students are allowed to use their device if they have an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes use of an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose. Parents/guardians must contact Ms. DiMatteo if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if student is a caregiver, for approved language purposes (such as translation or interpretation services if no other means are available), or where otherwise required by law. Exceptions will be processed and approved within 10 days of request.

 

In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents can submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.

 

In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in the adoption of the Yondr Program at our school in accordance with New York State Law.

 

Thank you,

Maria Bender

Principal

How Yondr Works

How Yondr Works

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want to reach my child during the school day?

We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the main office at (718) 996-6706 or Christine DiMatteo, Parent Coordinator at (347) 237-3087.

 

What if there is a school emergency?

In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency preparedness protocol.

 

Will my student’s phone be safe?

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch in their backpacks where it is completely safe.

 

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?

The Yondr pouch is property of Joseph B. Cavallaro I.S. 281. If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on their phone, Administration will collect the phone/Pouch and call home:

 

  • The Parent will come to the school and pick up their child’s phone
  • AND/OR Consequences may include: Detention / In-School

  

Suspension / Replacement Fee

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Yondr staff.

 

 

STUDENT PHONE and INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICE POLICY & GUIDELINES

 

As per New York State Law, phones or any other personal internet-enabled devices are not to be used during school. Every student will be assigned a personal Yondr Pouch. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to bring their Pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good working condition.

 

DAILY PROCESS

As students arrive at school, they will:

  1. Turn their phone off or on airplane mode.
  2. Place their phone and other personal internet-enables devices inside their pouch and secure it in the presence of school staff.
  3. Store their pouch in their backpack for the day.

At the end of the day, students will unlock their pouch, remove their phone and put their pouch in their backpack. Students must bring their pouch to school with them each day.

***Students arriving late or leaving early will pouch/unpouch their phones in the Main Office or Attendance Office.

 

VIOLATIONS

Pouch Damage / Lost Pouch / Using Phone During School

If a student damages their pouch or is caught using their phone, Administration will collect the student’s pouch/phone and call home.

 

Repercussions for damaged pouches or unauthorized phone use will include:

  • Disciplinary Responses following New York’s Citywide Behavior Expectations for Students
  • $30 fee for a replacement pouch

 

Examples of pouch damage include:

  • Bent pin
  • Ripped fabric
  • Deep scratches on the lock exterior + green ring
  • Intentional pen marks on the inside of the pouch
  • Pin and button not fully recessing due to pin damage

Yondr Damages

 

Forgotten Pouches

If a student forgets their pouch, their phone will be collected and Administration will call home to remind the Parent of the policy. The phone will be returned to the student at dismissal.

If a student consistently forgets their pouch, it is considered lost. Refer to the Lost Pouch policy above.