Device Free with Yondr: 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 school introducing Yondr pouches?
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School is seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health and well-being.
How will students receive a Yondr pouch?
In August 2024, all students in grades 7-12 will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone, smartwatch, and/or ear buds. 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 for bringing the pouch to and from school each day, as well as keeping them in good condition.
How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?
Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at dismissal.
Will my student’s device be safe?
Phones never leave the possession of the students.
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, athletic event, or other school-sponsored trip, students will be able to unlock their devices with designated staff (nurse, main office) just prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch will be locked upon re-entry to the building.
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. All Bluetooth devices, including ear buds, and smartwatches, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.
What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr Pouch?
The phone will be turned over to main office staff and secured safely in the school until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their phone.
What if a student does not comply or damages the locked case to access their phone?
Students who unlock the pouch themselves, cause damage to the pouch, or use an alternate phone will be subject to disciplinary action per the complete policy, which can be read on our website. Damaged or lost pouches cost $40 to replace.
If the Yondr pouch is stolen/lost, who is responsible for replacement?
Students will ultimately be responsible for the care of their Yondr pouch. If a student intentionally damages the pouch, they will be responsible for replacement and may face disciplinary consequences. If a student loses their pouch, the school will charge a $40 replacement fee.
How will students know whose Yondr pouch is whose?
When the school year begins, the pouches will be distributed and each student will be assigned a numbered bag. Staff from Yondr will work with school administrators to ensure a smooth distribution process. Students will keep their pouches with them at all times.
What if a student needs to record during an arts class?
The school has purchased personal recording equipment that will be available in designated arts classrooms when deemed necessary by the teacher.
Will students be permitted to open the bags and use their phones at lunch?
Students will not be permitted to open the bags during lunch. We encourage students to socialize with their peers and classmates during this time. The school will be providing games (indoor and outdoor) and other activities to facilitate these interactions. Students are permitted to bring their own school-appropriate games for use during the lunch period.
Will students be able to access their personal email accounts on the school-owned Chromebooks?
No. Students will only be able to use their lppacs.org accounts on district-owned devices. All devices and networks owned by the school are monitored.
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 724-643-9004 to speak with their child if the need arises.
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 special Yondr pouch that has a velcro seal. Devices may only be used for monitoring, and will be stored in the pouch otherwise.
What happens if there is an emergency at school?
Every room in each building is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. Students will follow the school’s emergency procedures in the case of an emergency. The school will communicate with parents through the district’s mass notification and communication tools.
How will students be able to contact families if there is a lockdown or active shooter situation?
Student safety is and always will be our Number One priority. Students and staff regularly practice lockdown drills. First responders instruct that students and staff are to be silent during a lockdown. Attempting to contact anyone during a lockdown puts everyone at risk. 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.
Will each teacher be able to unlock the pouches in the event of a lockdown?
Individual teachers will not be able to unlock the pouches. For their safety, it is imperative that students follow protocol and remain silent in the event of a lockdown.
What if my child is at school and needs to call 911?
Every classroom is equipped with a phone that can dial 911.
What if there is a building-wide emergency and students are unable to return to the building? How will they open their Yondr pouches?
There will be mobile unlocking devices available for these types of circumstances.
Requiring students to lock their phones away seems like a punishment. Is this the case?
The introduction of Yondr is not a punitive measure. The intention of using Yondr is threefold:
* To create classroom environments where teachers can teach and students can learn free from distractions caused by the personal use of devices.
* To 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 affect mental health and detract from a healthy school climate.
* To increase meaningful face-to-face connections between students.