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Ida B. Wells Yondr pouch FAQs

FAQs

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 locking device.

How does it work?

1. As èßäÊÓƵ enter èßäÊÓƵ, they place their phone in their assigned Yondr pouch.

2. Students close and secure their Yondr pouch to keep it with them throughout the day.

3. When leaving èßäÊÓƵ, èßäÊÓƵ tap their Yondr pouch on a base unit to unlock it and retrieve their phone. 

Why is the èßäÊÓƵ introducing Yondr pouches?

We are seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health and well-being. No phones in èßäÊÓƵ is an executive order and district-wide policy. 

How will èßäÊÓƵ receive a Yondr pouch?

During Back-to-School Business Days (August 18, 19, & 20), all èßäÊÓƵ will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone, smartwatch, and/or earbuds (all Personal Electronic Devices–PED). The pouch is the property of the èßäÊÓƵ and is considered on loan to the student during the èßäÊÓƵ year. Students are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times and for bringing the pouch to and from èßäÊÓƵ each day.

How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?

Upon entering èßäÊÓƵ at either the Main Entrance (off of Vermont) or the North Entrance (by the gym), èßäÊÓƵ will turn off their phone, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of staff. The pouch will be unlocked at the end of the èßäÊÓƵ day at the unlocking stations located at the Main Entrance and North Entrance.

Will my student’s phone be safe?

Students are in possession of their phone – in their Yondr pouch – for the entire èßäÊÓƵ day. We will advise èßäÊÓƵ to store the pouch in their backpacks and lockers where it is completely safe.

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

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

What if a parent/guardian wants to reach their child during the èßäÊÓƵ day?

We want our èßäÊÓƵ to be engaged in their learning, but we understand that emergencies will occur. If you need to contact your child during the èßäÊÓƵ day, call the main office at 503-916-5280. The main office will reach out to your student’s teacher as there are phones in every classroom and office in the èßäÊÓƵ. In addition, all èßäÊÓƵ have access to their Chromebooks throughout the day. Parents can email their èßäÊÓƵ directly and/or send a text they can see after they unlock their phone. 

What if there is a èßäÊÓƵ emergency?

Every location in the èßäÊÓƵ is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. We will direct èßäÊÓƵ to safety first. Students and staff follow our èßäÊÓƵ’s emergency preparedness protocols. Communication with parents will occur through the district’s mass notification and communication tools.

During lockdowns, èßäÊÓƵ and staff are instructed to be silent. The response action guidelines outlined in the building-level safety plan will be followed with community notification for all emergency situations.

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?

The Yondr pouch is the property of the èßäÊÓƵ. If a student damages their pouch or is caught on their phone, they will be subject to disciplinary action. An administrator will collect the phone/pouch and call home:

• The parent/guardian will be required to come to the èßäÊÓƵ and pick up their child’s phone after the 2nd violation

• Consequences may include: community service / detention / in-èßäÊÓƵ suspension

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the èßäÊÓƵ or Yondr staff. If lost or damaged, replacement pouches can be purchased for $30.

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

The phone may be turned over to main office staff and secured in the èßäÊÓƵ until the end of the èßäÊÓƵ day or parents can be contacted to come to èßäÊÓƵ and pick the phone up.

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 an alternate Yondr pouch which has immediate access.

Will èßäÊÓƵ still be able to listen to music?

Students will be able to use headphones (when given permission by the teacher) with cords to connect to their Chromebooks. All Personal Electronic Devices (PED) that include Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches and other headphones, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.  Over the ear, large headphones are not permitted to be used during the èßäÊÓƵ day.

What happens if a student forgets to unlock their pouch before leaving the building?

The èßäÊÓƵ has many after èßäÊÓƵ programs and athletic events. If the building is still open, èßäÊÓƵ can return to unlock their pouch.

What if I have additional questions?

The Yondr FAQs will be updated as the implementation begins. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the èßäÊÓƵ directly at 503-916-5280.