What is the daily process?

When students arrive at school, they will:

1. Turn their phone off.

2. Place their phone inside their Pouch and secure it in front of school staff.

3. Store their Pouch in their backpack, locker, pocket, or computer bag for the day.

At the end of the day, students will open their Yondr pouch at designated areas.

Do students take pouches home with them?

Yes. Each student keeps their pouch for the school year, just like a Chromebook. It is expected that students bring their pouch to school every day. 

What if a student forgets their pouch? 

If a student forgets their pouch, they will be required to store their phones in the main office cell phone locker. Students will be able to pick up their cell phone after school  at 2:45 p.m. in the Main Office. 

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

The school has many afterschool programs and athletic events. If the building is still open, students can return to unlock their pouch. Students will be able to unlock their phones in the Main Office or at the Security Desk.

How is the “end of the day” defined?

The day ends at 2:30. Students who leave school before the designated time will be able to unlock their pouches as they leave. Students are free to use their phones on school grounds after the school day ends.

Do I maintain possession of my phone at all times?

Yes. Students will maintain possession of their phone and pouch either on their person or in their locker if they have one. Students are responsible for their phone and pouch throughout the duration of the school day.

Do bluetooth devices such as AirPods, smartwatches and headphones need to go in the Yondr pouch? 

Yes. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches and other headphones should be placed securely in the Yondr pouch. Larger headphones should be secured in backpacks or lockers. Students will be able to use headphones if directed or approved by a teacher or spelled out in an approved plan such as an IEP.

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, athletic event, Early College, or any other approval dismissal, 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 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 as spelled out in the Student Cellular Device Guide on the home page of this site.  Replacement pouches cost $30.00.  If student / family are unable to cover the cost, the student may perform community service until the cost of the replacement is covered.

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 cost and may face disciplinary consequences. 

How many Yondr stations will there be and where will they be located?

There will be both permanent Yondr stations and hand-held devices throughout the building. Four stations will be located at the Main Entrance, two will be at the Green Entrance and one each will be at the Red Entrance and by the Nurse’s Office (Entrance on Everett Avenue). Six additional Yondr Stations are “round” and will be mobile so that they can be deployed for different uses around the building. Lastly, 14 hand-held Yondr magnets for locking and unlocking pouches will be used by staff including at the security office, main office and nurse’s office as well as with school administrators. 

What happens if there is an emergency at school and I can’t access my phone?

Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. Students will follow the school’s emergency procedures in the case of an emergency. In case of a school emergency (i.e., Lockdown), we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency protocol. All parents will receive notifications from our school-wide notification system, ParentSquare. Should an emergency occur, school staff are trained to implement and execute safety and emergency procedures. Students should follow all instructions. Not Connected to ParentSquare? Find instructions HERE.

How will students be able to contact families if there is a lockdown or active shooter situation?

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 emergencies. This notification plan includes first and foremost, parents and guardians of students in the building. Mobile magnets would be deployed and be able to unlock student’s pouches in an evacuation scenario once we establish that students are safely away from danger.

Will each teacher be able to unlock the pouches in the event of an active shooter in the building or a lockdown?

No. Individual teachers will not be able to unlock the pouches. Mobile magnets would be deployed and be able to unlock student’s pouches in an evacuation scenario once we establish that students are safely away from danger.

What if a student needs their personal device for a medical issue or IEP accommodation?

Students who have a documented medical condition and who need a personal device for monitoring their condition will be provided with an alternate Yondr pouch which has immediate access. Determinations as to whether or not an alternative Yondr pouch is necessary based on medical need will be made by school administration, in conjunction with the school nurse, or, if appropriate, the Student’s Section 504 or IEP Team. If a student with a medical pouch uses their cell phone for any purpose other than medical access during school hours, they will be held to an alternative progressive discipline structure which would allow them to still have medical access to their phone. 

What if a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?

We understand that emergencies will occur.  To contact the Chelsea High School Main Office, please follow these instructions:

• Dial: (617) 466-5000

• Language Selection:

  • Press 1 for English

  • Press 2 for Spanish

• Main Office Access: Press 0 to be connected to the Main Office.

  • This call will ring on all of our clerk’s phones (6 phone lines)

Parents may also contact the school's Main Office Clerk, Jackie Bernal, via her direct phone line at 617-466-5001. Additional contact information for our clerks is available here:

• Jackie Bernal - 617-466-5001

• Melisa Aguilar - 617-466-5023

• Bianca Llanos - 617-466-5034

• Katy Matos - 617-466-5063

• Tania Amaya - 617-466-5026

• Doris Romano - 617-466-5017

How can a student contact their family members during the school day?

If a student needs to reach a parent or family member, they can tell their teacher who will write them a Pass to go to the Main Office. School staff in the Main Office will either unlock their phone pouch so the student can use their phone or the student will be able to use the phone in the Main Office to call the family member. If the student does use their cell phone, they will put the phone back in the pouch once the call is over and then return to class.

My child has a job after school. How does their employer contact them to advise changes to their shift? 

Employers can still contact students via phone before and after school hours.