Cell Phone Protocols/ Tech Safety
Cell Phone Management and Tech Safety
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, the Whitney Point School District, following input from students, educators, and families, implemented a plan to minimize cell phone distractions during instructional hours.
As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, Whitney Point Central School District will continue its work to create a more focused, respectful, and productive learning environment for students in grades 6 through 12. Building on last year’s success, we will again utilize Yondr pouches to manage cell phone use during school hours.
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Yondr pouches are secure, locking cases that safely store students’ personal devices during the school day. Once locked at the beginning of the day, the pouch remains in the student’s possession but cannot be reopened until dismissal at a designated unlocking station.
This approach, already used in many schools nationwide, has received positive feedback from educators, students, and families alike, and our own experience confirms its benefits.
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While our plan now aligns with New York State Education Law §2803, our decision to continue with Yondr was grounded in what we’ve already observed in our own schools
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- Fewer Distractions: Limiting access to phones helps students focus more fully on learning.
- Improved Academics: Research shows that students perform better academically in phone-free settings.
- Stronger Social Connections: Reducing screen time during school promotes in-person interaction and community.
- A Safer Environment: Yondr pouches help reduce the use of phones in harmful or inappropriate ways, including cyberbullying and unauthorized recording.
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Below are key reminders and updates for families:
- Device Storage: Students in grades 6–12 will be issued a Yondr pouch for storing phones, smartwatches, and similar devices each day upon arrival.
- Pouch Access: Devices remain secured until dismissal, when students unlock their pouches at staffed stations throughout the school.
- Opt-Out for Non-Phone Users: If your child does not bring a phone to school, a “no phone pass” will be issued through the school’s main office.
- Family Communication: If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the main office. Students also have email access through their Chromebooks.
- Emergencies: In urgent situations, students may access phones via the main office or a staff member.