Public Notices

Annual Reports

ARP ESSER Application

Public comment is requested on Amber Charter Schools American Rescue Plan (ARP) proposal. Please send comments to finance@ambercharter.org by 8/19/2021. You can also stop by any of our locations to share any comments in writing.

ACS East Harlem

ACS Kingsbridge

ACS Inwood

Complaint Policy

Distraction Free School Policy

Distraction Free School Policy, in May 2025, a new law was enacted that prohibits students from using non-school issued internet-enabled devices during the school day while on school grounds. The law applies to all school districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, and charter schools, including Amber Charter Schools. This policy was developed in consultation with Amber Charter Schools stakeholders, including school leadership and staff, parents and students.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

Internet-enabled device(s): smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other devices capable of connecting to the internet and enabling users to access content on the internet, including social media applications, including, without limitation, computing devices such as laptops, iPad,s and tablets; portable music and entertainment devices such as iPods and gaming consoles.

Non-internet enabled device(s): cellular phone or other communication device not capable of connecting to the internet or allowing the student to access the internet.

Parent: a student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) or person(s) in any parental or custodial relationship to the student, or any individual designated by the parent to act in loco parentis

School Day: The entirety of the instructional day (including all non-instructional time during the school day such as homeroom period, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time).

School Grounds: All building structures, athletic playing fields, playgrounds, or land contained within the real property boundary line of the school.

Students shall not use internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds unless such use is subject to an exception set forth in this policy. This policy does not preclude the use of (i) non-internet-enabled devices; or (ii) internet-enabled devices supplied by the school for educational services that are used for an educational purpose.

Exceptions

1. If authorized by a teacher, principal, or school for a specific educational purpose;

2. Where necessary for the management of a student’s healthcare with approval by Principal

3. In the event of an emergency when requested by an Amber Staff

4. Where required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or Section 504 Plan. A parent may make a request under one of the above exceptions to the Principal. Any healthcare related exception must also include documentation from a healthcare professional affirming such need.

On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices Including Cell Phones

Students are required to store their Internet-enabled devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day. Cell phone lockers will be used for on-site storage. Schools will collect devices at the start of the day and distribute them at the end of the day. Principals will communicate the procedures for storing and retrieving devices, ensuring that students understand their responsibilities in using the on-site storage facilities provided.

Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day

To accommodate necessary communication from parents, parents may use the following methods to contact their student during school hours while adhering to this policy:

● Calling the school’s main office

● Emailing the Operations Email

● Communicate via ParentSquare

Student Discipline for Accessing Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day

Amber Charter Schools is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy. Some uses of internet-enabled devices will constitute a separate violation of the Code of Conduct, other School policies, or in some the most serious cases, the law. Amber Charter Schools will cooperate with law enforcement officials as appropriate.

Security of Devices Amber Charter Schools will exercise reasonable care to maintain the security of devices that are held by the School but cannot guarantee the devices will be secure. Amber Charter Schools shall not be responsible for any personal device that is lost, stolen or damaged during the School Day or at school-sponsored activities. Any lost, stolen or damaged personal device should be reported immediately to the Principal.

Posting and Translation of Policy As required by law, this policy will be available in a clearly visible and accessible location on Amber Charter Schools website. Translations of the policy into non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state will be provided upon request by a student or parent.

Reporting and Mitigation Action Plan Beginning September 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, Amber Charter Schools will publish an annual report on its website detailing enforcement of this policy during the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement of this policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, the report will include a mitigation action plan.

District Safety Plan

FOIL Notices

Non-Discrimination Policy

Amber Charter Schools is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment free of conduct and/or communication that is objectionable or disrespectful. Amber Charter Schools strictly prohibits harassment that is perpetrated by and against its employees and students. Conduct which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment will not be tolerated.

Amber Charter Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, age, race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual and other reproductive health decisions or any other characteristic that is protected by law.

The purpose of this policy is not to regulate personal morality, or to encroach on employees’ personal lives, but to demonstrate this organization’s commitment to maintaining a workplace environment that is free of harassment of and by its employees and students.

It is the responsibility of all management and all employees to assure that this policy is understood, implemented, and adhered to without exception.

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