- The First Day of School is September 4th, 2025
School Policies at a Glance
Uniform Policy
While we have some spirit days throughout the year where students are invited to wear different clothing to represent a particular cause, celebrate their identity, or just have a little fun with a school theme, it is important to highlight that we are a uniform school. All students are expected to attend school in full uniform every day, including the first day of school. Our uniform is a white or black collared shirt and khaki pants/skirt/jumper. Students may also wear “school spirit” attire such as the shirts and hoodies for sale. If your family needs assistance with uniforms, please contact our guidance counselor or social worker.
Communication
Communication is a core value of our school. We want to make sure parents/guardians are always informed and you have easy access to our team if you have a question or a concern about your child’s school experience. Please ensure that you are connected to Class Dojo, this is our main messaging system at this time. We are currently working on our school website and we will post it on Class Dojo when it is up and running. Please also follow us on Instagram to see pictures and videos of your child and receive updates on what is happening at our school: @ps273q_
All students will have a homework folder. Please check your child’s homework folder every night. Important school information will come home in this folder. Please place any absence notes or other information for your child’s teacher in this folder. This will facilitate an open line of communication with school staff and faculty. Students will receive a packet with additional important documents for you to complete on the first day of school. It is imperative that Emergency Blue Cards are completed online/updated and immediately returned to the school for emergency contact information. All court orders must be submitted to our school secretary so that we can attach this important document to the emergency
Town Hall Meetings
I host town hall meetings for the parents/guardians once a month. These meetings are held on the first Thursday evening of every month. The town hall meeting is an important opportunity to get updates on what’s happening at the school, tips on how to support your child’s academic and social-emotional growth, as well as bring any questions or concerns you may have to my attention. We will celebrate “Leaders of the Month” and distribute “100% Attendance Awards” at our Town Hall Meetings as well. It is also a great opportunity for you to network and get to know other parents and staff members as part of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance at school is essential to your child’s continuous intellectual and social emotional growth. We expect all of our scholars to be in school every day unless they are sick. If your child needs to be absent from school, please send a Dojo Message to your child’s teacher. Please understand that the teacher is the BEST person to contact to inform the school of absences. If your child is going to be absent more than 3 days, please call the main office. Please continue to bring your child’s teacher a note when your child is absent in order for it to count towards an excused absence. However, please note, letters will not reverse the absence. Please contact the main office if you have any questions.
Lateness
Students in grades Pre-K – 5 are late if they do not enter the building by 8:15 a.m. Please understand that lateness makes it difficult for your child to settle into their day in a peaceful way as they miss critical morning routines and reading instruction. An attendance policy pamphlet will be distributed during the first week of school.
Cell Phone Policy
If students have a phone, they must turn them off once they enter the school building and they must remain sealed in a pouch in their backpack during school hours. If your child is seen with their cell phone out during school hours, it will be confiscated and only released to the parent/guardian. Please read and sign our school cell phone policy agreement. This form must be returned to your child’s teacher by September 12th. If your child does not have a cell phone, you should indicate on the form that they do not have one and still return the signed form.
Toys
Please remind your child to leave toys at home. All toys, including “Labubu” keychains are not allowed in school as they cause significant distractions in class. We kindly ask that these items be kept at home to help maintain focus during the school day.
Glass Bottles
Glass bottles are not allowed at school due to safety concerns. They pose a significant risk to our students, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping them at home.
Grading Policy
Report card grades are determined by combining class work, homework, notebook grades, projects, class participation, and assessments in a meaningful and consistent way from marking period to marking period. Grade teams discuss and norm student work products so that there is consistency (aligned with the Next Generation Learning Standards for the Grade) across the classes in a given grade. The teacher looks at the holistic performance of the student and considers the following:
- Summative Assessments: 40% of a scholar’s overall grade. Summative assessments include, but are not limited to, the following: chapter tests, unit/benchmark assessments, projects, midterm exams, final exams, published pieces of writing based on the Next Generation Learning Standards, performances, projects, teacher-made tests and presentations.
- Formative Assessments: 40% of a scholar’s overall grade. Formative assessments include, but are not limited to, the following: daily classwork, class participation, daily or weekly quizzes, investigations, exit slips, journal entries, mini-projects, reading and writing notebooks.
- Homework: 5% of a scholar’s overall grade. Homework includes independent scholar work completed outside of the regular class period.
- College and Career Skills: 15% of a scholar’s overall grade. It includes, but is not limited to, scholar’s demonstration of the following: respect, responsibility, kindness, independence, ability to build strong content knowledge, response to the varying demands of audience, timely completion of tasks, ability to comprehend as well as critique, value evidence, use technology and digital media strategically and skillfully, understand other viewpoints and cultures, and being proactive in their learning by demonstrating The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People/Happy Kids.
What do the numerical values stand for?
Level 4 = 94-100% Exceeds Standards (working above grade level expectations)
Level 3 = 80-93% Meets Standards (working at grade level expectations)
Level 2 = 65-79% Approaching Standards (working towards grade level expectations)
Level 1 = 64-0% Far Below Standards (needs improvement)
How about students with disabilities?
Progress on individual IEP goals and modified criteria will be considered when grading students with individualized education plans.
How does attendance affect my child’s grades?
In order for the teacher to have enough data to effectively and fairly assess your child’s progress and performance, they must be in school daily. Scholars who are absent from school often struggle to catch up with missed lessons and assignments.
Media Consent Form
Please complete the Media Consent form if you give permission for the school to photograph or videotape your child and post on our school social media accounts: Dojo, IG, Twitter. This form must be returned to your child’s teacher by September 12th.
Birthday Celebrations
While a birthday is an important event in a child’s life that we would like to commemorate, it is also important to point out that instructional time is limited at school. In the past, birthdays were held in the cafeteria at P.S. 273. But since this year’s schedule is a little bit different, having a birthday celebration in the cafeteria is not as conducive to being a positive event for all. This is because the classes that do not get the pizza or cupcakes end up feeling sad and left out. For this reason, we have asked that birthday celebrations be simple celebrations during the last period of the school day. Please understand that the reason for this is to maximize learning time. Please always inform your child’s teacher if you would like to send anything for your child. Your child’s teacher is the BEST person to inform, as they will be able to advise you on the best time for their schedule. Sending a Dojo message to your child’s teacher is one of the best ways to communicate with them because it goes straight to them. Dojo also translates all messages so you can write it in any language. You can also contact our Parent Coordinator if you have any other questions. Please know that balloons, favor bags, and candles are not permitted.
Code of Behavior
As a member of the P.S. 273Q Learning Community, we expect that all scholars carry themselves with a sophisticated level of character. Our scholars are leaders and role models for others. They respect themselves and others, which applies to their words and their physical behavior. It also applies to the way they help in our community. Please talk to your child about what it means to not just be a good student but a respectful member of the community at all times; even when it’s hard. Scholars do not curse, name-call, instigate arguments, or verbally insult students or staff members. They should never fight, play fight, or engage in any physical activity with their peers. We always want to remind our scholars that they are above irresponsible behavior. Being a good citizen of P.S. 273Q is their responsibility and will prepare them for the world of work and adulthood. We are proud of our scholars and expect them to always meet our high expectations.
Thank you so much for reviewing these school policies and going over them with your child. We are looking forward to a productive, safe, and fun time in school!
Sincerely,
Ms. Perez
Principal
Uniform Policy
When students grow up, they will also have to dress for work and different roles in society. It also makes your job as a parent easier in the morning—you don’t have to think about what they will wear!
While we have some spirit days throughout the year where students are invited to wear different clothing to represent a particular cause, celebrate their identity, or just have a little fun with a school theme, it is important to highlight that we are a uniform school for all students in all grades. All students are expected to attend school in full uniform every day, including the first day of school.
Our everyday uniform is a white collared shirt and khaki pants/skirt/jumper. Parents also have the option of black collared shirts as an additional alternative, particularly if parents are worried about students’ shirts becoming stained easily. Students may also wear “school spirit” attire such as the shirts and hoodies for sale.
Our gym uniform is a white/black/yellow shirt and black sweatpants. Students should be sent to school with sneakers on gym days.
Please refrain from sending your child to school with the following articles of clothing:
- Shorts, skirts or dresses that are too short–above knee length.
- Slippers, flip-flops, or crocs: Can be extremely dangerous for children to run in at school. Please understand that your child’s safety is of upmost important to us—sandals also pose a high risk of tripping and falling at school.
- Clothing that shows any parts of your child’s body: midriff, belly button, pants worn below the waist, etc. Tank tops are fine underneath the uniform shirt, but not alone.
If you or someone you know may need help with getting uniforms for their child, please reach out to our Guidance Counselor, Gigi Rodriguez or Ms. Leanne DesVignes, our Social Worker. They can be reached via Class Dojo or by calling the school. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Uniforms may be purchased at the following locations (and any store that sells white shirts and khaki bottoms):
Cell Phone Policy
Electronic Device Policy
P.S. 273Q is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for our students.
In compliance with New York State Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all schools across the state are required to implement a policy that does not allow the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day on school grounds.
This policy was developed in collaboration with the P.S. 273Q administration and the School Leadership Team, with the goal of supporting a distraction-free, safe, and academically enriching school environment for all students.
What Families Need To Know:
An “internet-enabled electronic device” is defined as any device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access online content. This includes, but is not limited to personal: cell phones, smartphones, wireless headphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music or entertainment systems.
Policy Overview:
Students are not allowed to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices from the moment they enter the school building, at 7:50 a.m., until the last class of the day ends, at 2:20 p.m., including during breakfast, lunch, and recess. Additionally, students are not permitted to use their cellphones or other electronic devices in the bathroom at any time. During the school day, students may use school-issued or NYCPS-issued devices for educational purposes as directed by staff. If a child is picked up late, they cannot use their device while waiting for their parent or guardian. If a student attends an after-school program in the building, their device must remain off and locked in the designated pouch for the duration of the program.
This cell phone and electronic device policy applies to school trips, school dances, school events, senior activities and/or any school sanctioned events that occur during the school day.
1. Collection/Storage
Upon arrival, students must power off their devices.
- Students will place their devices in a storage pouch provided by the school and secure it in the presence of school staff.
- Students will store their locked pouches in their backpacks for the day.
- At the end of the school day (2:20 p.m.), students may unlock their pouches in their classroom.
- Students with approved early dismissal will be able to unlock their pouch in the main office.
2. Emergency Communications
Parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-286-8300 and messages will be delivered promptly to students. Direct phone access will be available for extreme and urgent family matters. Please understand that your child is learning in class and will only be pulled out of their class to speak with parents or guardians for exigent circumstances.
In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, students may access phones in the main/guidance counselor/nurse/social worker offices to reach their parents or guardians.
In case of emergency or urgent circumstances, the school will use Class Dojo and NYC Public Schools DOE Messaging System to communicate information to parents or guardians. To receive automated messages from the school, parents and guardians must have a NYC Schools Account. To create an account, visit https://schoolsaccount.nyc and click on the “Create Account” link on the login page. You will need a creation code, which can be obtained from the main office staff and Mr. DeGeorge, our Technology Teacher.
3. Exceptions
- 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 our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Gigi Rodriguez, via Class Dojo message or phone at 718-286-8300 extension#4091, if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment (for example, to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances).
- Exceptions will be processed and approved within five business days.
4. Discipline
- Use of personal electronic devices in violation of this school policy, the NYCPS Discipline Code, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will have their devices confiscated and held by an administrator. Confiscated devices will only be returned to the student’s parent or guardian. Students will be subject to progressive discipline, meaning that consequences will increase in severity based on the nature and frequency of the violation.
5. Other: If lost or stolen
- P.S. 273Q is not responsible or liable for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices.
- 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 here.
- Students who lose or damage any assigned storage equipment must report the loss or damage to the main office immediately for a replacement. A fee of $5 will be charged to replace the lost or stolen pouches.
Note: The Cellphone & Electronic Device Policy is available on the school website (ps273q.com) and will be shared with families and staff at the start of the school year, as well as with newly enrolled students through the parent handbook. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Gigi Rodriguez or our Social Worker, Ms. Leanne DesVignes, via Class Dojo message or phone at 718-286-8300.