Back to School in New York City
New York City kicked off the first day of school on Sept. 4.
First Day of School Activities
This week, New York City kids in public and private schools dusted off their backpacks and headed back to school. To help kickstart the school year, Governor Kathy Hochul stopped by Brooklyn’s M.S. 582 (The Magnet School for Multimedia, Technology, and Urban Planning) to welcome students and talk about the school cellphone ban that is being implemented this year.
School Cellphone Ban
“So I am so excited about this policy, because for too long students have sat in schools, with their cell phone in their hand, distracted looking at TikTok dance videos. Anybody ever do that? You don’t have to tell me here, that’s all right. But do that at home, my friends. Do that at home. Do that somewhere else,” Hochul said to the students. “But this is a chance for you to learn, to make friends, to be in physical education class and talk to each other. Talk about what you’re going to do after school in the cafeteria, and just start communicating again.”
Introduction of Frankie Focus
Hochul’s appearance was accompanied by Frankie Focus, the state’s new phone-free mascot. The governor also assisted in handing out pouches for phones to be stored in throughout the school day.
Early Start for Some Schools
Though the official first day for public school students is Sept. 4, some schools got started a bit earlier. St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows, Queens, got started on Sept. 3, while Zeta Queens Jamaica Elementary School celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 2.
Conclusion
The new school year has begun in New York City, with a focus on reducing distractions and promoting learning. The school cellphone ban is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and with the help of Frankie Focus, students are encouraged to stay focused and engaged in their studies.
FAQs
Q: What is the school cellphone ban?
A: The school cellphone ban is a policy implemented to reduce distractions and promote learning in schools. Students are required to store their phones in pouches throughout the school day.
Q: Who is Frankie Focus?
A: Frankie Focus is the state’s new phone-free mascot, introduced to promote the school cellphone ban and encourage students to stay focused and engaged in their studies.
Q: When did the new school year start in New York City?
A: The official first day of school for public school students in New York City was Sept. 4.
Q: Did all schools start on the same day?
A: No, some schools started earlier than the official first day. For example, St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows, Queens, started on Sept. 3, and Zeta Queens Jamaica Elementary School celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 2.
