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

Students have demonstrated time and time again that they will not comply with simply putting their phones away. Enforcement of this becomes a burden of the classroom teachers when students do not comply and valuable instructional time is lost. In addition, there has been an increase in reported bullying and violent offenses stemming from phones during the school day; it has become a safety risk, and we want to ensure that all students feel safe and welcome in our buildings.

What if a student forgets their pouch? 

The phone will be placed in a white sealable envelope (first/last +grade level) and/or securely locked in the main or house office, and student will need to retrieve the phone at the end of the day. If this happens more than once home will be notified, and there will be a consequence following the chart within the policy.

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. If a student needs to unlock their pouch after hours, students can go to Durfee High School’s Fieldhouse security office until 7 p.m. 

How is the “end of the day” defined?

The day ends at school dismissal (see chart on DISTRICT WEBSITE for end times).  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 school ends UNLESS they are required to attend after-school detention, credit recovery classes, or Saturday school.

Do I maintain possession of my phone at all times?

Yes. Students will maintain possession of their phone either on their person or in their assigned locker dependent on individual school procedures and are responsible for it throughout the duration of the school day.

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 wired headphones for classroom work or for listening to music if directed by the teacher. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches and other headphones, should not be brought to school and if so, should be placed securely in the Yondr pouch. Larger headphones should be secured in backpacks or lockers. 

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 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 policy.  Replacement pouches cost $26.00, which will be added to the student’s account. 

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. As the new school year gets underway, the district will provide families and students with replacement protocols.

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

Please review your school’s procedures to determine your designated unlocking location. Safety, efficiency and effectiveness will be top priorities in locating the unlocking devices. 

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., Perimeter 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. Download a copy of the exemption form HERE and submit it to your child's school for review and approval. 

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 school’s main office or house office via phone or ParentSquare to speak with their child if the need arises. Not Connected to ParentSquare? Find instructions on the school or district website.

Are students able to use their Chromebooks to email outside of fallriverschools.org?

Currently, students do not have this ability and can only email @fallriverschools.org email addresses. All district email is filtered and monitored.

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.