PTA Meeting Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14w3XobyldEXXABVxVT5gqrIsWTenj9lJ-wr18JRQ8Wg/edit?usp=sharing
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We will be making our school a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning using a program called Yondr. Yondr has been implemented in thousands of schools across 27 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment.
We believe that phones have great utility. We have also found that learning and student mental health improve drastically when students are fully present with their teachers and classmates.
The Yondr Program utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.
In an annual survey of over 1,200 of schools that implemented the Yondr Program:
- 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
- 84% saw a positive change in student engagement
- 72% saw a positive change in student behavior
- 68% saw a positive change in academic performance
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at 718-375-7635, or attend one of our upcoming meetings about the adoption of Yondr Tuesday December 17 at the PTA Meeting.
If there is an emergency and you would like to get in contact with your child, please reach out to us on the Remind APP or call the main office.
In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in adoption of the Yondr Program at our school.
Thank you,
Dominick D’Angelo
Principal
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Yondr begin?
Yondr pouches will begin on January 2, 2025.
What if I want to reach my child during the school day?
We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the main office at 7183757635 or contact on Remind.
What if there is a school emergency?
In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency preparedness protocol.
Will my student’s phone be safe?
Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch in their backpacks where it is completely safe.
What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?
The Yondr pouch is property of I.S. 228/David A Boody. If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on their phone, Administration will collect the phone/Pouch and call home.
Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school.
2024-2025
STUDENT PHONE POLICY & GUIDELINES
Phones, Smart Watches and AirPods are not to be used during school. Every student is assigned a personal Yondr Pouch. Student’s will have their Pouch with them at all times. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to keep their Pouch in good working condition. Every classroom will have an unlocking device that can be used in the event of an emergency.
DAILY PROCESS
ARRIVAL
- Students will bring their Pouch to school daily.
- Upon entering the building, students will turn off their phones/devices.
- Students will place their devices inside the Pouch and secure it in front of school staff.*
- Students will store the Pouch in their backpack for the day.
- If a student forgets their pouch, the phone will be held in the Assistant Principal’s office.
*If students arrive late, they will secure their devices in the Pouch in the Main Office.
DISMISSAL
- Students will unlock their Pouch at the end of Period 8 in the classroom.*
- Students will store their Pouch in their backpack to use the next day.
* Students who leave early will have their phone unlocked in the Main Office.
VIOLATIONS
- Unauthorized Phone Use:
- 1st Violation- a phone call home and the phone/device(s) will be secured.
- 2nd Violation- a phone call home will be made, the phone/device(s) will be confiscated and lunch detention will be given.
- 3rd Violation- parents will be contacted to pick up the device(s) and a meeting will be held to discuss a phone management plan. Possible disciplinary action as adhered to by the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning Grades 6–12.
- Damaged/Lost Pouch:
- Administration will collect the phone/Pouch and call home for a Parent Meeting.
- Students/families may face a possible $30 fee for a replacement Pouch.
- Examples of damage:
- Deep scratches on the globe and on the green ring around it
- Intentional pen marks on the inside of the Pouch
- Bent pins
- Pin and button not fully recessing, due to pin damage