Yondr Pouches

 

Dear Carlynton Parents and Guardians, 

As we prepare for the 2025/2026 school year, the Carlynton School District has engaged in a research-driven process to address one of the most common challenges facing schools today, student cell phone use during the school day.

Beginning last fall, the administrative team initiated a comprehensive review of the potential benefits and challenges of limiting cell phone use at Carlynton Junior/Senior High School. This topic was discussed at Superintendent Parent and Community Forums, as well as teachers and students to hear first-hand perspectives. These conversations were invaluable, providing insight into the impact of cell phones on student learning, mental health, and social interactions. 

In addition to stakeholder input, we examined numerous peer-reviewed studies and national data from schools that have implemented restrictions on cell phone usage during the instructional day. The research was clear, restricting access to personal devices during the school day can significantly improve student focus, reduce anxiety, and foster more positive peer relationships. Schools with similar policies reported higher academic engagement, better classroom participation, and notable gains in student well-being. 

After careful deliberation, and with the support of the Board of Education, we have decided to implement a strategic approach to restricting the use of mobile devices during the school day at Carlynton Junior/Senior High School beginning with the 2025/2026 school year. To support this policy, all students in grades 7–12 will be issued a Yondr pouch. Yondr pouches are magnetically lockable bags used to safely store electronic devices during the instructional day.  Students will secure their personal devices in these pouches each morning and keep them sealed until the end of the school day. Devices to unlock the bags will be available to students at the end of the school day.  Enclosed in this correspondence are links to details about the Yondr pouches, operational procedures, and a FAQs document.  

This decision is not intended to be punitive. Rather, it reflects our district’s commitment to creating the best possible conditions for learning and personal growth. By reducing the constant pull of digital distractions, we aim to help students: 

• Stay more focused and engaged in the classroom. 
• Strengthen face-to-face communication skills. 
• Experience improved mental health and reduced social pressure. 

Carlynton’s primary overarching goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. After consulting with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies regarding student cell phones, the District learned how cell phones can cause harm during an emergency including, but not limited to:

• Distraction: Phones can distract students from listening to first responders. 

• Communication Jamming: High call volumes can disrupt emergency coordination. 

• Noise Risk: Phone use might reveal students’ whereabouts. 

• Online Tracking Risks: Assailants could use social media to find additional victims.  

In the weeks ahead, we will share detailed information about the policy, the use of Yondr pouches, and procedures for emergency communication during the school day. Principals will review expectations with students during the first week of school and staff will work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition. 

We recognize that this will be an adjustment for many students and families and we are committed to supporting everyone through the change. Your partnership will be essential to ensuring that this initiative benefits all students. 

Thank you for your trust and ongoing support of our efforts to provide an outstanding educational environment for every student. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal. 

Sincerely, 
Dr. John W. Kreider 
Superintendent 
Carlynton School District 

Additional Information and Resources 

• Cell Phone and School Safety Flyer 

• Short Video Clip of Yondr Program 

• Frequently Asked Questions Guide 

• Parent Presentation on Yondr