Personal Device Policy
Phone-Free Campus
We will be making our school a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning using a system called Yondr. Yondr has been implemented in over 1,000 schools across 21 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment.
We believe that phones have great utility. We have also found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.
The Yondr Program utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. 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 responsible for their pouch.
We received responses to our annual surveys from over 1,200 school partners, and after implementing the Yondr Education Program:
- 84% saw a change in student engagement
- 72% saw a positive change in student behavior
- 68% saw a positive change in academic performance
Of our most recent impact survey of over 370 of our school partners:
- 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at 530-275-7000
If there is an emergency and you would like to get in contact with your child, please reach out to the office.
In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in adoption of the Yondr Program at our school.
How Yondr Works
ARRIVAL
Upon entering the phone-free space, your phone will be placed inside a Yondr pouch.
SECURE
Once inside the phone-free area, the pouch is locked. You will maintain possession of your phone at all times.
OPEN
To use your phone at any time, step outside the phone-free zone and tap your pouch on an unlocking base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to reach my child during the school day?
We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the main office at 530-275-7000.
What if there is a school emergency?
In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency preparedness protocol.
Will my student’s phone be safe?
Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day.
Is this only for mobile phones?
No, all personal electronic devices will be powered off and not in use during the school day including ear buds, phones, watches, etc. Only school issued Chromebooks and headphones will be allowed.
What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?
The Yondr pouch is property of Mountain Lakes High School. If a student damages their Pouch then the student is responsible for paying for a replacement which is approximately $30.00.
If a student is caught on their phone, Administration will collect the phone and call home:
- The Parent will come to the school and Pick Up their child’s phone
- AND/OR Consequences may include: Community Service / In-School Suspension / Detention
Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Yondr staff.