Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

Announcements

• 2025-2026 Family Handbook

  Please see our updated 2025-2026 Family Handbook for school policies including the new electronic device ban.  

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• NEW Electronic Device Ban Policy

  STUDENTS AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

   

  The state of NY has banned the use of personal electronic devices by students in school beginning the 2025-2026 school year.  

   

  The NYC Department of Education recognizes that students may have personal electronic devices that can perform different functions. Such devices include “internet-enabled devices” defined as: any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications, but do not include any such device supplied by McCown for educational purposes.

  Generally, McCown is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged personal electronic devices brought to school.

  Communication with Parents/Persons in Parental Relation

  During the school day, to minimize distractions, parents, caregivers and guardians may contact their children via the following methods:

  • Telephone - 718-370-6950 ext 2010 from 7am - 3pm 
  • Email - Parent Coordinator: Ms. Cascio-Murgolo - dcasciomurgolo@schools.nyc.gov

  Students will be able to contact their parents, caregivers or guardians by requesting to go to the main office to make a phone call.  Encourage your child to memorize your phone number or have it with them to save time.  

  McCown will notify parents in writing of the communication protocol at the beginning of each school year and in the case of new registrant students upon enrollment.

  Device Access and Storage

  As required by Education Law §2803, this policy prohibits student use of Internet-enabled devices during the school day (including all classes, Crew periods, lunch, and passing time) on school grounds (any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the boundary of a school or district facility), unless under an exception (e.g., IEP/Section 504 or as permitted below).

  Students are required to turn off all devices and store all such devices (including headphones, smartwatches and earbuds) in their assigned hallway lockers for the entirety of the school day which is 8:10 AM to 2:40 PM including lunch, physical education, hall passing time.  

  The school will also provide digital security storage pouches to students who repeatedly violate the school policy or who are found going to their lockers excessively throughout the day.   Students who are required to use the pouches are expected to secure all of their devices in the digital security storage pouches prior to 1st period each day. The school will provide and have accessible magnetic devices and necessary equipment required to unlock the digital security pouches at dismissal time so that students can access and operate their devices upon dismissal from school.

  In the event a student misplaces their digital security storage pouch, the cost for replacement of the pouch will be at the expense of the parent or caregiver. In extenuating circumstances, the principal of the school can arrange to utilize school funds to replace the pouch. Ex. Another student commits a disciplinary infraction and damages another student’s pouch or financial hardship.

  Exceptions for Specific Purposes

  Use of internet-enabled devices must be permitted where included in a student’s Individualized Education Program, Section 504 plan, or where required by law. Additionally, the district permits the use of internet-enabled devices in the event of an emergency, and under the following circumstances:

  • Where necessary to manage a student’s healthcare (e.g., diabetes, asthma,medication, etc.);
  • For translation services, and/or
  • For students who are routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member (on a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor).

  Parents may also request an exception for their children to use internet-enabled devices during the school day as listed above or for single time extenuating circumstances. All requests for an exemption to this policy must be made to the Principal, Ms. Tang. Requests may not be granted to students who abused the privilege previously.

  Use of Internet Enabled Devices for Educational Purposes

  The district provides students with one-to-one devices; therefore, personal electronic devices are not permitted for educational purposes.

  Under any of these exceptions, devices may only be used for the purposes outlined in the exception, and the device must be silenced and put away when not in use, to the extent compatible with the reason for the exception.

  Enforcement, Consequences and Reporting

  McCown aims to reinforce this policy through educating students regarding the positive benefits of attending school in a distraction-free environment, but also through progressive disciplinary methods prescribed within this policy and within the Chancellor's Code of Conduct. Students will be reminded of this policy regularly and consistently, especially at the start of the school year and after returning from breaks.

  For students out of compliance with this policy, the following steps will be taken to address student violations:

   

  1st Offense:  A warning from the dean or other staff member is given, the student will be reminded of the DOE’s personal electronic devices policy. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone and the violation will be documented.

   

  2nd Offense: The student’s personal electronic device will be confiscated until the end of the school day. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone and the violation is documented.

   

  3rd Offense: The student’s personal electronic device will be confiscated. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone. The student will be required to use the magnetic pouch instead of their hallway locker.  

   

  4th Offense: The student’s personal electronic device will be confiscated. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone and the parent/guardian will be required to come to school to retrieve the confiscated device (s) from the dean and the violation is documented. The student will be required to turn their phone in to the dean for the next 30 days.

   

  5th Offense: The student’s personal electronic device will be confiscated. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone and the parent/guardian will be required to come to school to retrieve the confiscated device(s) from the main office and the violation is documented. The student must also now turn their phone into the main office for the remainder of the school year. Parents/Guardians will be encouraged to have their child leave their devices at home.

   

  The school may not impose suspension from school if the sole grounds for the suspension is that the student accessed an internet-enabled device as prohibited by this policy.  However, in addition to the consequences, reinforcers and interventions included within this policy, the district Code-of-Conduct will be followed for instances in which students willfully ignore or refuse to follow directions from school staff regarding compliance with this policy and/or commit other violations of the DOE’s code of conduct in response to the district’s enforcement of this policy.

  Examples may include but are not limited to repeated incidents of insubordination, disrespect towards staff, or threatening behavior and use of foul language. In such instances, the school may utilize consequences under the DOE’s Chancellor’s Regulations, including detention, in-school suspension, exclusion from extracurricular activities and out-of-school suspension. As an alternative, the district may also utilize student  assignments regarding the detrimental impact of social media on mental health, smartphones in school, or other relevant topics.

  When enforcing this policy, administrators and other school personnel will also discuss the aims of this policy with students and their parents/caregivers, educate students regarding the benefits of a distraction-free environment, explore the reasons the student had difficulty following this policy, and how the district can help the student contribute to a distraction-free environment.

  Some uses of personal electronic devices may constitute a violation of the school district's Code of Conduct or other district policies, and in some instances, the law. The school will cooperate with law enforcement officials as appropriate.

  Electronic Devices and Testing

  To ensure the integrity of testing, in accordance with state guidelines, students may not bring cell phones or other electronic devices into classrooms or other exam locations during all testing.  Test proctors, monitors and school officials have the right to collect cell phones and other prohibited electronic devices prior to the start of the test and to hold them for the duration of the test taking time. Admission to the test will be prohibited to any student who has a cell phone or other electronic device in their possession and does not relinquish it. Students with Individualized Education Plans, Section 504 Plans, or an approved medical exemption specifically requiring use of electronic devices may do so as specified.

  Policy Distribution and Translation

  As required by law, McCown will post this policy in a clearly visible and accessible location on its website, which translates automatically for anyone who wants a translation via Google.  The district will also use multiple communications methods including its website, Jumprope and other methods to include this information, or a plain language summary, in publications such as the school calendars and newsletters issued to families and employees.

   

  Ref: Education Law §2803

  Price v. New York City Board of Education, 51 A.D.3d 277, lv. to appeal denied,

  11 N.Y.3d 702 (2008) (District may ban possession of cell phones on school

  property) NYSED, Prohibition of Cell Phones and Electronic Devices in New York State

  Assessments, www.nysed.gov/educator-integrity/prohibition-cell-phones-andelectronic-devices-new-york-state-assessments

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• Summer Bridge Program August 26 -28 9am - 12pm

  New students should join us for summer bridge by signing up at this link. 

   

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• 2025-2026 Family Handbook Now Available

  Please read McCown's updated Family Handbook to learn about school procedures and policies.  

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• Summer at Tottenville HS

  Happy summer, McCown!

  The McCown building will be closed until August 25th.  Please email Ms. Murgolo at dcasciomurgolo@schools.nyc.gov if you need anything over the summer.  We are working out of Tottenville High School for summer school at 100 Luten Ave.  

  Be advised that no one will be available to provide working papers August 4th - 8th.  

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• Mental Health Resources for Teens and Families

  Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

  • Parent Resource Center: https://sptsusa.org/parents/
  • Parent & Caregiver Toolkit: https://sptsusa.org/parent-caregiver-toolkit/
  • “Worried About My Child?” – Downloadable guide
  • “I am worried about my child” Resource Flyer https://sptsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Worried_About_My_Child.pdf
  • “Not My Kid” Awareness Page: https://sptsusa.org/not-my-kid/
  • It Gets Better - Video Resources for Students and Families

  Other Resources (Linked) 

  • Talking to Children about Grief (For Parents & Caregivers)
  • Having Conversations about Mental Health
  • Grief Fact Sheet
  • When a Friend Dies: Guidelines for Students
  • JED's Mental Health Resource Center
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide Prevention Resource Center
  • youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-suicide-prevention
  • Education & Training for Suicide Prevention

   

  Organizations & Outside Support

  • 24/7 Crisis Support:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available in English and Spanish)

  • https://988lifeline.org/ - Text and chat available

  • Dial 988 for immediate emotional support

  • RUMC Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP): 

  • 718)-818-6300

  • SI Jewish Board Children’s Mobile Crisis Team (CMCT):
    • 1-844-ONE-CALL (1-844-663-2255)

  Free Therapy for NYC Students

  • Talkspace for Teens – Free online therapy for NYC DOE students

  • Link for free online therapy for NYCDOE Students

  • • The Jewish Board Bereavement Support: 
      • Offers individual and group bereavement support that are individualized for specific types of loss.

  • The Trevor Project

  • • •  Offers free phone, text and chat-based crisis interven-on for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 | thetrevorproject.org

  • The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Teen & Young Adult HelpLine 

  • • • A peer run hotline with phone, text, and chat op-ons available for free, Monday through Friday 10am-10pm ET. Call 1-800-950-6264 | Text “friend” to 62640 | nami.org/TalkToUs

  • Crisis Text Line 

  • • • Offers free text-based crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text HOME to 741741 | crisistextline.org

  • Trans Lifeline’s Hotline 

  • A peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning callers. Call if you need someone to talk to, even if you’re not in a crisis or you’re not sure you’re trans. Call 1-877-565-8860 | translifeline.org

  • National Alliance for Children’s Grief : 

  • Raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. Through the collective voice of our members and partners, we educate, advocate and raise awareness about childhood bereavement.

   

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• New Student Orientation

  This Saturday is new student orientation from 10am - 12pm at McCown.  

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• Bell Schedule for 24-25

  See this year's bell schedule here.

   

  Be advised that Fridays are shortened days.  

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• Henrietta Lacks Day

  Ms. Langis' College Biology students observed Henrietta Lacks Day on February 1, 2024. This day honors Henrietta Lacks' contribution to the field of medicine through the use of her cells. Lacks and her family were initially unaware that her cells were being used for research. Students observe this day to acknowledge the unethical treatment Lacks experienced. To learn more about Lacks, see this school newspaper article written by McCown Times' very own Catherine Feery and Eli Karov.

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School

• McCown Makes the AP School Honor Roll for the 2023 School Year!!!

  Congratulations to Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School which has been named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll! McCown  is a Bronze member of the Honor Roll! McCown and had 40%  of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school & 25% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam.  

  Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School