Senate Bill 158 was recently signed into law as part of the state budget. The law prohibits students from using cell phones during school hours.
Students will be assigned a Yondr pouch at the beginning of each school year to secure their phones and smartwatches. The pouch is the property of the school and is considered on loan to the student during the school year. Students are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times and for bringing the pouch to and from school each day and keeping it in good condition.
Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place their phone, wireless headphones, and smartwatch inside the Yondr pouch, and lock it. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.
The end of the day is 3:10 p.m. Students who leave school before 3:10 will be able to unlock their phones as they leave through the main office.
Phones do not need to leave the possession of the student/locker.
Students will be able to use headphones with cords to connect to their Chromebook. They will be able to use the headphones for classroom work or for listening to music during free periods.
If a student needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency, work assignment, athletic event, or other school-sponsored trip, students will be able to unlock their devices at school just before their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch would be locked upon re-entry to the building.
We understand that emergencies will occur. Parents may contact the main office at 419-673-0775 to speak with their child if the need arises.
Every location in the school is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. Students need to focus on following 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.
Students who are found to unlock the pouches, cause damage to the pouch, or use an alternate phone will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in our student behavior code for damage or destruction of school property and private property.
Examples of Damage:
● Deep scratches on the globe and the green ring around it
● Intentional pen marks on the inside of the Pouch
● Bent pins
● Pin and button not fully recessing, due to pin damage
The phone will be turned over to the main office staff and secured in the main office until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their phones. If this becomes a frequent issue, then the pouch will be considered lost, and a new one will need to be purchased.
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.
In this type of situation, we need students focused on emergency procedures such as remaining silent, preparing to run or fight, etc. Being mentally focused and not distracted by cellphones is in our students best interest in these situations. The school will be contacting the parents as soon as possible with the most up to date information.
Every phone can dial 911. There are no codes or prefixes needed to dial outside of the district. Anyone can dial directly.
There will be an unlocking station outside KMHS.
There will be mobile unlocking devices available for these types of circumstances.
Students will ultimately be responsible for the care of their Yondr pouch. If a student intentionally damages the pouch, they will be responsible for replacement and may face disciplinary consequences. If a student loses their pouch, they will be responsible for purchasing a new pouch for $30.
Unlocking stations will be placed at common student exits to the building. The unlocking stations will not be usable until the end of the school day.
Yondr pouches do not block cell signals or the internet.
When the school year begins, the pouches will be distributed, and each student will be issued their pouch. Pouches will be numbered, and each student will receive their own numbered pouch. Students will keep their pouches with them at all times.
No. The Kenton Elementary School policy regarding cell phones will be available in their student handbook for their building.
If you have a question regarding the implementation of Yondr pouches email [email protected] or [email protected].