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Yondr Pilot Program at GPHS and SGPHS
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Why GPISD is Piloting This Program
Distractions During Class Time
Cell phones in classrooms intensify distractions, hindering students’ attention, participation, and academic performance.
Safety and Security
Cell phones in high schools can amplify cyberbullying and harassment and add additional safety concerns during passing periods.
Reduced Social Interaction
Cell phones in classrooms impede students’ opportunities for meaningful social interaction and collaborative learning.
Excessive Screen Time
The potential for addiction and dependency on cell phones can negatively impact sleep patterns, concentration and contribute to anxiety.
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Staff Survey Results
91% YES
I have observed classroom management issues regarding cell phones in my classroom.90% YES
When students do not have access to cell phones in the classroom, are they more engaged in instruction?95% YES
I would be in support of a system that limits cell phone use at school.95% YES
I believe that cell phone use contributes to disciplinary/ safety concerns on campus.92% YES
Do you think there would be social and emotional benefits for students if we limit cell phone use at school?
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These Districts are Implementing Yondr
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Our Plan
Restrict the use of cell phones during the instructional day in order to...
Maximize instructional time
Focus on learning
Reduce behavioral issues and student altercations
Improve SEL outcomes
Build resilience, persistence, and self-control -
The YONDR Program
The Solution
Create a focused learning environment for all students from arrival to dismissal.
How It Works
Place phone in pouch when entering the school building.
Click the lock button and place phone in backpack.
Tap the lock on the magnet to unlock on the way out of the building.
Programming
The Yondr Program Includes:Phone-free Equipment
Student pouches, medical pouches, magnet bases, handheld magnets, storage totes, and storage hampersTraining and Support
Implementation planning, program orientation, ongoing support, yearly assessment and evaluationCurriculum Resources
Fundamentals of digital citizenship, lesson plans, activity guides, resource library, and program maintenanceSchoolwide, Phone-free Focus
Yondr school partners see improvements in:
Student behavior/school safety
Academic performance
Social connection
Mental health
Student engagement
Narrowing the achievement gap
College-workplace readiness
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can my child wear a smartwatch?
Students may wear smartwatches as long as they are not a disruption.
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What if my child forgets their Yondr pouch?
The student’s phone will be collected and returned at the end of the day.
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What if my child loses their Yondr pouch?
Students will have consequences similar to losing a school-issued device or textbook.
Students can pay a fee and receive a replacement pouch.
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How will I be able to get messages to my child?
Students will have their district-issued device throughout the day.
Administrators can unlock Yondr pouches for students who need to send/receive parent messages.
Every classroom has a landline that can be used for emergencies.
Call the campus main office.
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Will there be consequences for having a phone outside of a Yondr pouch?
The GPISD Student Code of Conduct will use a progressive discipline approach, meaning consequences become more severe if students are cited for the same infraction multiple times.
For a first offense, the phone will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.
Additional infractions may result in detention or in-school suspension.
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What if there is an emergency?
Cell phones can actually be a distraction that can compromise student safety.
School staff members are responsible for keeping students safe at school; they receive extensive training so that they are prepared in the event of an emergency.
Each classroom is equipped with a landline phone and additional emergency communication tools (Raptor).
Our district maintains a Safety Tracker to keep parents informed at all times during an emergency.
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How will my child access the STOPit app?
Students will have access to the STOPit app through their district-issued device.
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Phone-free Schools Feel Different
Let's work together to create an environment for our students to thrive without distractions.