VISTA ACADEMY

Academics + Character = True Education

Mr. Bernard Addo, Principal
‍Ms. Kimberly Smith, Assistant Principal • Ms. Janice McLean, Assistant Principal
350 Linwood Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208
Phone: 718-647-0913 • Email: VistaAcademyBrooklyn@gmail.com

POLICY ON STORAGE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

In alignment with Education Law, all schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet enabled devices during the school day, effective August 1, 2025. An “internet-enabled device” is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, ipads, and portable music and entertainment systems.

At Vista Academy, the following policy will be implemented in accordance with the law:

Yondr Pouch System

Every Vista scholar will be assigned a numbered Yondr Pouch to securely store their electronic devices.

Pouches are numbered by class and correspond to alphabetized class lists
Devices are locked in the pouch and stored in student's bookbag
Pouches remain locked from Period 1 until dismissal (end of Period 8)

Daily Procedures

Morning Arrival

Receive numbered Yondr Pouch by 8:10 AM
Place all devices in pouch under staff supervision
Pouch is locked and secured in bookbag

Late Arrival

Get late pass upon arrival
Report to grade coordinator
Place devices in Yondr Pouch and lock

Early Dismissal

Adult must sign out student in main office
Main office staff unlocks Yondr Pouch
Student retrieves devices and is released to adult

Parent Communication During School Hours

Parents must call the main office to reach their child:
📞 (718) 647-0913
Students needing to call parents can request to see a dean or assistant principal.
Scholars cannot use their cellular phones to make phone calls nor engage in text messaging during the school day.

Pouch Replacement Policy

Free Replacement: Vista Academy replaces accidentally lost or damaged pouches at no cost.

Intentional Damage: Parents will pay for replacement of intentionally damaged pouches.

Policy Violations & Claims

Violations: Devices found in use will be secured in Assistant Principal's office and returned at day's end.

Lost/Stolen Devices: File claims through NYC Comptroller's Office:

Policy Exceptions

The principal may authorize device use for:

Medical Needs: Device needed to monitor medical conditions (requires medical provider documentation)

Educational Purpose: Device needed for specific educational use or in IEP/504 plans

Caregiver Responsibilities: Students with family caregiving duties (case-by-case review)

Emergency Situations: Individual emergencies when parent notifies principal

Translation Services: When no other translation options are available

Processing Time: Exception requests processed within 10 days.

This policy is posted on Vista Academy website and app, included in handbooks, and distributed to families via DOE Messenger.

Vista Academy • 2025-2026 School Year

Vista Academy Cell Phone Policy - 2025-2026