La Paz Middle School

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Yondr Cell Phone Policy

Yondr Cell Phone Policy

Salinas Union High School District has made our middle schools phone-free spaces to improve teaching and learning using a program called Yondr. Yondr has been implemented in over 2,000 schools across 16 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment. Students will be required to place all cell phones in a personal locked Yondr Pouch. The Yondr Pouch will be kept sealed during the school day with a magnetized locking device.

Please click here to learn more about Yondr.

While we believe that phones can serve a great purpose, we have also found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.

Yondr has received responses to their annual surveys from over 1,200 school partners, and after implementing the Yondr Education Program:

84% saw a change in student engagement in the classroom
72 % saw a positive change in student behavior
68% saw a positive change in academic performance
Schools experienced a 25% reduction in fights due to online bullying and social media harassment

The most recent survey of over 370 school partners shared:

86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness

Every student will be assigned a personal Yondr Pouch. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it will be each student’s responsibility to bring their Pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good working condition.

As students arrive to school, they will:

Turn their cell phone off.
Place their cell phone inside the Pouch and secure it in front of school staff.
Store it in their backpack for the day.

At the end of the day, students will open their Pouch, remove their phone, close their Pouch and put it in their backpack. Students must bring their Pouch to school with them each day.

Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr Pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.

Yondr pouch | frequently asked questions

What is a Yondr pouch?

The Yondr Pouch is a secure bag that is used to store an individual’s mobile device or devices. It is secured and unlocked with a special magnetic locking device.

Why are our middle schools introducing Yondr pouches?

The middle schools are seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health and well-being.

How will the process work at arrival and dismissal each day?

As students arrive to school, they will:
- 1. Turn their cell phone off.
- 2. Place their cell phone inside the pouch and secure it in front of school staff.
- 3. Store it in their backpack for the day.
At the end of the day, students will pen their pouch, remove their phone, close their pouch and put it in their backpack. Students must bring their pouch to school with them each day. Students arriving late or leaving early will lock or unlock their pouch in the Main Office.

What if a student needs to leave the building before regular dismissal?

If a student needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency, athletic event, or other event, students will be able to unlock their devices prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch would be locked upon re-entry to the building.

Will my student's phone be in their possession?

Yes. Phones never leave the possession of students?

What if a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?

We understand that emergencies will occur. Parents may contact the main office to speak with their child if the need arises. Students can communicate with one another using their Chromebooks as well.

What happens if there is an emergency at school?

Every school and school staff is equipped to execute safety and emergency procedures, including calling 911. Students will follow the school’s emergency procedures in the case of an emergency. Schools will communicate with parents through the district’s mass notification and communication tools. It becomes disruptive when students are on their phones. They will be provided access to their phones once at a safe location.

What if a student does not comply or damages the locked case to access their phone?

Students who are found to unlock the pouches, cause damage to the pouch, or use an alternate phone will be subject to disciplinary action.
- If a student damages their pouch, staff will:
  - Collect the phone and pouch
  - Label the pouch/phone with the name of student, date, time, and name of the confiscating adult
  - Send phone to Main Office
  - Call home to inform the family/guardian of the violation
- If a student is using their phone during the school day, staff will:
  - Collect the phone and pouch
  - Label the pouch/phone with the name of student, date, time, and name of the confiscating adult
  - Send phone to Main Office
  - Call home to inform the family/guardian of the violation
- If a student loses their pouch:
  - Student will turn in phone daily to Main Office and pick up after school

What if a student needs their personal device for a medical issue?

Students who have a documented medical condition and who need a personal device for monitoring their condition will be provided with a non-locking Yondr pouch that has a velcro seal.

What if there is a building-wide emergency and students are unable to return to the building, how will they open their Yondr pouch?

There will be mobile unlocking devices available for these types of circumstances.

Why can’t the school just implement a zero-tolerance policy and allow students to keep their phones put away?

Enforcement of “cell phone free” classrooms and lock boxes become the burden of classroom teachers when students do not comply and valuable instruction time is lost as these issues are addressed.

What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr Pouch?

The phone will be turned over to main office staff and secured in the school, safe until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their phone by showing their school ID.