Cell Phone Policy

Yondr pouches are lockable fabric bags that are used to store and secure cell phones and other wearable electronic devices (including, but not limited to, smartwatches and headphones) during designated times or in specific areas, such as classrooms or events.

For over a decade, Yondr has partnered with schools across all 50 states and more than 35 countries to build healthier, more engaging school cultures. Their pouch-based program, combined with hands-on guidance and dedicated support, has delivered impactful results:

• 86% of schools reported improved safety and student wellness
• 84% of schools saw increased classroom engagement
• 68% of schools experienced academic gains
• 44% of schools reported a reduction in behavioral referrals

Click here to read more about the Michigan law.

Each student will be assigned a Yondr pouch—a secure, lockable case used to store their phone and personal electronic devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and maintaining it in good condition. In addition, technology such as over the ear headphones, personal tablets and personal computers will need to be kept at home and are not allowed at school 

Upon arrival at school, students must:

• Turn their phone to airplane mode or silence it 
• Proceed through metal detectors if applicable
• Place their phone and any wearable technology (including, but not limited to, smartwatches and headphones) inside their Yondr Pouch 
• Secure the pouch in the presence of school staff, scan their ID to check in for the day 
• Store the pouch in their backpack or keep it on their person throughout the day 

At dismissal, students will:

• Unlock their pouch at the designated areas, lobby, main office, main exits/entrances
• Remove their phone, smartwatches, headphones or any other wearable device from their pouch 
• Place the pouch back in their backpack 

Students are required to bring their pouch to school every day.

• Students arriving late must pouch/unpouch their devices in the Main Office 
• Students leaving early must pouch/unpouch their devices in the Main Office 

This process is quick, simple, and will be supported by staff as part of our daily routine.

Schools will follow our emergency management communication protocols. Once it is safe, your child will be able to access the contents in their Yondr pouch.

Student safety remains our top priority. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact your schools main office.

Student Communication Device Policy & Guidelines

Student phones, wearable technology, and personal communication devices are not permitted for use during the school day. Each student will be assigned a personal Yondr Pouch to keep on them at all times. It is the student’s responsibility to bring it to school daily and maintain it in good working condition. Technology such as over the ear headphones, personal tablets and personal computers must be kept at home and are not allowed at school.

If a student forgets their pouch:

• Their device(s) will be collected by administration and documented in the Student Behavior System (Labeled: Misuse of ECD or Insubordination)
• A parent/guardian will be contacted as a reminder of the policy 

• The devices will be returned at dismissal

Forgetting a pouch 4 times in a two-week time frame will be treated as a lost pouch and subject to the policy above and student will be charged $20.00 for a replacement pouch.

Under the new Michigan law, exemptions will be granted for medical needs and accommodations as documented in IEPs and 504 Plans. Please note that even with an approved exemption, students are still expected to follow the guidelines outlined in the student handbook, as applicable to all students. If your child qualifies for an exemption, please contact the your school's main office.

Unauthorized Phone Use or Lost Pouch

If a student is found using their phone/wearable technology/personal communication devices during the school day or damages their pouch, administration will confiscate their devices and follow these steps.

Repercussions include:

1st Offense: Parent/guardian is notified via email, call, and text. The device is confiscated and held in the office for the remainder of the day, then returned to the student at dismissal. The incident is documented in the Student Behavioral System (labeled: Misuse of ECD).

• Confiscation Process:
  • Teachers will ask the student to hand over their phone and will immediately contact the front office to come retrieve it, where it will be held in the main office for the rest of the day. If the student does not comply immediately, the teacher will contact the front office for assistance with retrieval.

2nd Offense: All of the above applies, except a parent/guardian will be contacted by phone and required to pick up the device, the device will not be given to the student. The parent/guardian must also sign a document acknowledging their understanding of the policy and their child’s consequences for any future violations.

3rd+ Offense: All of the above applies, including parent/guardian contact. In addition, the student will receive an in-school suspension, and progressive discipline action for each offense.

If a pouch is damaged:

• The phone/devices and pouch will be confiscated for the remainder of the day

• The student/family is responsible for replacement ($20 per pouch).

Repeated damage or misuse will result in the student being required to check their phone into the front office daily. The duration of this requirement will depend on the number of infractions. Until the time that the new pouch is paid for, the student’s devices will need to be turned into the office.

Examples of pouch damage include (but are not limited to):

• Bent pin
• Ripped fabric
• Deep scratches on the lock exterior or green ring

• Intentional marks (e.g., pen marks) inside the pouch

If your child needs to access their phone, each school has a protocol in place authorizing personnel to give your child access.

To support student learning and minimize classroom distractions, all K–4 students are expected to keep personal cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices off and away throughout the entire school day. Devices should remain powered off and securely stored in backpacks or another designated location from arrival until dismissal unless otherwise authorized by school staff. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during the school day, the school office will assist. Likewise, parents and guardians should contact the school office if they need to reach their child. This practice helps promote focus, engagement, and a positive learning environment.