What is a Yondr Pouch?

The Yondr pouch is a secure bag that is used to store an individual's mobile device and electronics in. It is secured with a special locking device.

How does it work?

1. As students enter school, they place their phone, smart watch and wireless earbuds into their assigned Yondr Pouch.

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

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

Why is the school introducing Yondr pouches?

Siuslaw Middle and High School are seeking to limit districtions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health and well-being and to promote a positive school culture.

How will students receive a Yondr pouch?

In September, all students grades 6-12 will be assigned a pouch to secure their phone, smartwatch and/or wireless earbuds. 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 fro bringing it to and from school each day.

How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?

Upon entering school, students will turn off their phone, place it inside the pouch and lock it in front of staff. The pouch will be unlocked at the end of the school day near student exits.

SHS students will be allowed to unlock their pouches during lunchtime.

Will my student's phone be safe?

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We advise students to store their pouch in their backpacks and lockers where it is safe.

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

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

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

We want our students to be engaged in their learning, but we understand that emergencies will occur. If you need to contact your child durin the school day, call the main office. There are phones in every classroom and office in the school.

What if there is a school emergency?

Every classroom and office in the school is equiped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff are trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. We will direct students to safety first. Students and staff follow our school's emergency prepardness protocols. Communication with parents will occur through the district's mass notifications and communication tools. Your student(s) will be allowed to contact you when it is safe to do so.

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

If a student's pouch is lost or damaged, the phone will be kept in the main office until a replacement pouch is purchased at a cost of $30. Examples include bent pin, ripped fabric, deep scratches on the lock exterior and green ring, pin and button not fully recessing due to damage of the pin mechanism.

What if a student doesn't have their Yondr pouch?

If a student forgets their pouch, their phone will be collected and Administration will call home to remind the parent/guardian of the policy. The phone will be retuned to the student at dismissal. If a student consistently forgets their pouch, it is considered lost.

What if 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 wiht an alternate Yondr pouch which has immediate access.

Why can't the school just implement a zero-tolerance pilocy and allow students to keep their phones put away?

Students have demonstrated time and time again that they will not comply with simply putting phones away. Enforcement of this becomes a burden of the classroom teacher and a substantial disruption to the learning environment when students do not comply and valuable instructional time is lost.

Will students still be able to listen to music?

Students will be able to use wired headphones to connect to Chromebooks. All Bluetooth devices, including all wireless earbuds and smartwatches, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.

Will teachers follow the same cell-phone expectations?

Staff are highly educated professionals and we trust that they are not using cellphones for personal use during the school day. We expect all staff to model exceptional behavior in regards to cellphone use. If there is an issue with a staff member using their device for personal use duing the day, administration will have a discussion with the staff member. This is also part of the professional growth and evaluation standards for all staff.

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

The school has after school programs and athletics. If the building is still open, students can return to unlock their pouch.

Can teachers have students use their personal devices for instructional purposes?

Students have access to Chromebooks throughout the day. Asking students to use personal devices puts the liability on the schoo and therefore will not be allowed.

Do the Yondr pouches block cell phone signals or the internet?

The Yondr pouches do not block cell signals or the internet. Students are expected to turn their device off or place it in Airplane Mode before putting them in the Yondr pouch.

What if I have additional questions?

The Yondr FAQs will be updated as additional questions arise. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the school directly or email your building principal.