Seaside Secondary Schools Yondr – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The information below was updated on August 23, 2024.

In 2024-25, Seaside Secondary School will implement new policies to become a phone-free learning environment.  Learn more about Yondr and our policies below:

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?

Our school is seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve academic achievement, overall student engagement, mental health and well-being.

How will students receive a Yondr pouch?

6th and 9th grade students will receive their pouches on Tuesday, September 3rd during their orientation.  All other students will receiving their pouches on Wednesday, September 4th.  Middle school students will receive their pouches during their homeroom class and all high school students will receive their pouches during Colloquium. All students in grades 6-12 will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone and/or smartwatch. 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 and keeping them in good condition. (Middle School students that do not have a phone will be assigned a pouch number but it will be retained by the school until they bring either a phone or a smart watch to school). 

How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?

Upon entering our building, students will turn their phone off, place the phone (and smart watch if they have one) inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within and adjacent to the building.

How is the “end of the day” defined?

The end of the day is 3:45pm (2:45pm on early release Wednesdays).  Students who leave school (excused absence or have and off campus period to end the day) before 3:45 will be able to unlock their phones in the main office as they leave.

Will my student’s phone be safe?

Phones never leave the possession of the students as long as they remain in their Yondr pouch.

Will my student still be able to listen to music?

Middle School:  During non-instructional time, students will be able to use headphones with cords that connect to their ChromeBook or personal computer. Wireless headphones will not be permitted in middle school.

High School:  During non-instructional time, students will be able to use headphones or earbuds that connect to their ChromeBook or personal computer.  Any headphones or earbuds (i.e., Beats, AirPods, etc.) should be off and away during any instructional time.

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, or extra-curricular event, 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 parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?

We understand that situations arise that require contacting your student. Parents may contact the main office at 503-738-5586 to pass on information or speak with their child if the need arises. Also, all students are able to receive email from outside the school district and have access to their ChromeBooks throughout the day. Parents can email their students directly in addition to calling the school when time is of the essence. Students can communicate with one another using their ChromeBooks as well.

What if a student needs to reach their parent or employer during the school day?

We understand that things will come up. Perhaps a forgotten band instrument, misplaced jersey, or a student needs to check in with their employer. A phone will be available in the main office for all students, without a gatekeeper, to use throughout the day.  Also, all students are able to send and receive email from outside the school district and have access to their ChromeBooks throughout the day. 

What happens if there is an emergency at school?

Every classroom in the school 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. Schools will communicate with parents through the district’s mass notification and communication tools.  In order to communicate effectively, it is important that all family information is up to date and current.  Additionally, please make sure that you add the ParentSquare App to your device to ensure you receive notifications from your student’s school in a timely manner.

PARENT SQUARE FOR iOS PARENT SQUARE FOR ANDROID

What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr Pouch?

The phone will be either turned over to main office staff and secured in the school or students may borrow a Yondr case for the day until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their phone by showing their school ID.

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.

What happens if my student is found using their phone during a time it is not allowed?

• 1st Offense:  an administrator will collect the phone, lock it in the main office, and the student can retrieve their phone at the end of the day.
• 2nd Offense:  an administrator will collect the phone, lock it in the main office, make contact with family, and a parent/guardian will be responsible for picking up the phone from the school
• 3rd Offense:  an administrator will collect the phone, lock it in the main office, make contact with family, a parent/guardian will be responsible for picking up the phone from school, the student will face disciplinary action, and a technology contract will be signed by the parent/guardian and student outlining consequences for further infractions.

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 non-locking Yondr pouch that has a velcro seal.

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

Students and staff at all schools practice lockdown drills throughout the year. 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 emergency situations. This notification plan includes first and foremost, parents and guardians of students in the building.

What if my child is at school and needs to call 911?

Every classroom is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. There are no codes or prefix needed to dial outside of the district. Anyone can dial direct.

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

Our school and teachers have used many iterations of limiting cell phone use in years past. However, enforcement of this practice becomes the burden of classroom teachers when students do not comply and valuable instruction time is lost as these issues are addressed. 

Requiring students to lock their phones away seems like a punishment for high school students. Is this the case?

The introduction of Yondr is not a punitive measure. The intention of Yondr is three-fold:

• 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 detract from a healthy school climate; and
• to increase meaningful face-to-face connections between students.

Are students able to use their ChromeBooks to email outside of seasidek12.org?

Currently, students in grades 6-12 can email outside the district and will continue to have access to do so. All district email is filtered and monitored.

Will teachers be using the Yondr pouches as well?

Staff will not be required to use a Yondr pouch. We do, however, expect teachers to model the expected behavior during classes.  Additionally, in the event of an emergency and/or drills, teachers will have their mobile devices to utilize our reunification software to make sure every student is accounted for.

If a student forgets to unlock the pouch before leaving the building, is there a way for students to unlock the pouch – ie an unlock station outside the school building?

There will not be an unlocking station outside the building after hours. Staff with unlocking stations will be on site until 430pm each day and students may return to the building prior to that time and unlock their pouch.

What if there is a building-wide emergency and students are unable to return to the building, how will they open their Yondr pouch?

There will be mobile unlocking devices available for these types of circumstances. 

If the Yondr pouch is stolen, lost, or destroyed, who is responsible for replacement?

Students will ultimately be responsible for the care of their Yondr pouch. Each Yondr pouch will be numbered and checked out to a specific student.  If a student intentionally damages or loses the pouch, they will be responsible for replacement and may face disciplinary consequences.  The cost for replacement is $25/pouch. 

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

No. Individual teachers will not be able to unlock the pouches.

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

Staff and Yondr personnel have met and we are continuing to determine the most appropriate locations in the school for the unlocking devices. Safety, efficiency and effectiveness will be top priorities in locating the unlocking devices. Yondr staff will also be on site during inservice to help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Do the Yondr pouches block cell signals or internet?

Yondr pouches do not block cell signals or the internet. The company is looking at upgrading pouches to include RFID chips that could enable blocking, however, that technology is currently not available with Yondr.

How will students know whose Yondr pouch is whose?

When the school year begins, the pouches will be distributed to each student in their Homeroom and Colloquium classes.  Each bag will be numbered and checked out to individual students.  Students will keep their pouches with them at all times.

What tools will the school use to help gauge effectiveness of the Yondr pouches?

The district will use quantitative and qualitative data to assess the effectiveness of Yondr in improving the student experience. This includes School Climate Survey data, Oregon Healthy Teen Survey data, discipline referrals, ongoing passing rates, as well as faculty and staff feedback.

Will other schools in the district be using Yondr pouches?

No. The K-5 policy regarding cell phones is that all student cell phones or personal devices must be kept at home or backpack from the start of the school day until the end.  

The information above doesn’t answer my questions. How can I submit a question about Yondr pouches?

The Yondr FAQs will be updated as the implementation gets underway in 2024-25. If you have a question regarding the implementation of Yondr pouches at the secondary school, please call the school directly at 503-738-5586 or email jroberts@seasidek12.org.