Borrego Sun - Since 1949

The Borrego Springs Unified School District has announced a new policy, set to begin this school year, which implements a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning.

The Borrego Springs Middle/High School will be using a system called Yondr. It utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive to school.

“We believe that phones have utility. We have also found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates,” the press release said.

Borrego Springs is just of the many school districts across the state trying to get students to unplug from their devices, in the hopes it will increase their engagement and attention inside and outside of the classroom.

Yondr has been implemented in over 1,000 schools across 21 countries. While many schools faced a bit of backlash, many have also seen excellent impacts of the program.

The Yondr pouch uses a magnetic lock on the flap. Students will have to turn off or silence their devices, slip them in the pouch in the presence of a staff member, and lock the pouch. The locks are a similar type of magnetized device used by retail security tags on clothes, and very difficult to open without obviously damaging the pouch.

Students will maintain possession of their phones, but will not be able to use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. It is advised that the students keep their pouch in their backpack. Esentially, it is their responsibility.

If parents/guardians need to get in contact with their child, they must call the middle/high school office.

It is unclear if the “no cellphone” policy includes smart technology, such as Apple Watches.

But what about if there is an emergency at school?

Following the school emergency prepardness protocol, the school will direct the students to safety first, then follow all the steps necessary to proceed. Parents will also be notified by School Messenger call, text, email, Parent View and Facebook.

The Yondr pouch is the property of Borrego Springs Unified School District. If a student damages the pouch or is caught on their phone, the administration will retrieve the phone and/or pouch, and a call home will be made.

Any damage consists of, but is not limited to, any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Yondr staff. If a pouch is damaged, replacement pouches are $35, in which the student/parent is responsible to pay for.

• On the First offense: The Parent will come to the school and Pick Up their child’s phone

• Second offense: a meeting with the Principal, Parent and Student. Parent and Student will be placed on a contract.

• Third offense will require the student to check phone into front office in the morning and will pick up the phone at the end of the school day.

Responses from annual surveys from over 1,200 school partners after implementing the Yondr Education Program show:

84% saw a change in student engagement

72% saw a positive change in student behavior

68% saw a positive change in academic performance

The most recent impact survey of over 370 of school partners:

86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness

If you have any questions or concerns about this new policy, are encouraged to contact the BSUSD at 760-767-5335.