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Yondr Pouch FAQ
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 is the district introducing Yondr pouches?
GMS and GHS are seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, discipline, mental health and well-being. The Arkansas Department of Education, under guidance from Governor Sanders is inviting districts to participate in a one year pilot to study the effectiveness of phone free schools on our students
How will students receive a Yondr pouch?
In September 2024, all students in grades 6-12 will use a Yondr pouch daily to secure their phone, wireless headphones and smartwatch. Students are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times.
How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?
Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off or on airplane mode, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.
How is the “end of the day” defined?
The end of the day is the end of the last period. Students who leave school before the end of the day will be able to unlock their phones as they leave.
Will my student’s phone be safe?
Phones never leave the possession of the students. The pouches are padded and secure.
Will my student still be able to listen to music?
Students will be able to use headphones with cords to connect to their Chromebooks. They will be able to use the headphones for classroom work or for listening to music during free periods. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches and other headphones, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.
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, work assignment, athletics, or other school-sponsored trip, students will be able to unlock their devices at school just prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch would be locked upon re-entry to the building
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 at 479-787-4100 to speak with their child if the need arises.
What happens if there is an emergency at school?
Our schools are equipped with classroom phones that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to protect students during emergencies. 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.
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.
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 pouch that has a velcro or zipper seal.
How will students be able to contact families if there is a safety lockdown?
Students and staff at all schools practice lockdown drills each year. Students and staff are instructed to be silent during a lockdown. The response action guidelines outlined in the school’s building-level safety plan has a community notification plan for all emergency situations. This notification plan includes first and foremost, parents and guardians of students in the building.
What if my child is at school and needs to call 911?
Every classroom is equipped with a phone that can dial 911.
Why can’t the school just implement a zero-tolerance policy and allow students to keep their phones put away?
The district has used many methods to limit cell phone use. However, enforcement of this practice becomes the burden of classroom teachers when students do not comply and valuable instruction time is lost as these issues are addressed.
Requiring students to lock their phones away seems like a punishment for students. Is this the case?
The introduction of Yondr is not a punitive measure. The intention of Yondr is to:
Create classroom environments where teachers can teach and students can learn free from distractions caused by the personal use of devices;
Reduce the negative impacts for all students of inappropriate use of devices at school, such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and incidents involving mobile phones that detract from a healthy school climate
Increase meaningful face-to-face connections between students and staff
Will students be able to put their personal email accounts on the district-owned Chromebooks?
No. Students will only be able to use their @gravettelions.net accounts on district-owned devices. All devices and networks owned by the district are monitored.
How much will Yondr cost?
The State of Arkansas is covering all costs associated with implementation this year. The cost for 2024-25 is approximately $35,000. This includes pouches and costs associated with implementation. We will train staff to assist with the initial distribution and accessories including unlocking bases.
Will teachers be using the Yondr pouches as well?
All teachers and staff will keep phones out of sight. Teachers and staff will be encouraged to model responsible cell phone use for students.
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.
What tools will the school use to help gauge effectiveness of the Yondr pouches?
The district will collect data to assess the effectiveness of Yondr in improving the student experience. This includes School Climate Survey data, discipline referrals, academic data, as well as staff feedback.
Will other schools in the area be using Yondr pouches?
Many schools in our area are pursuing the pilot this year. As of August 2024, over 75% of Arkansas school districts have joined this pilot program. This includes all of our neighboring districts.
What is the process for engaging parents on this change?
The district held two parent engagement meetings in late July and August. Those were led by district and building administrators to help parents understand the need for this program. The presentation used, links to data and a press conference held by Governor Sanders can now be found on our website
The information above doesn’t answer my questions. How can I submit a question about Yondr pouches?
Please call 479-787-4100 or email us to schedule a meeting with an administrator from your child’s school or district office.