In the Spring of 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a new law requiring every K-12 school district in Ohio to develop cellphone policies restricting the usage of cell phones and any web-enabled devices on school campuses. Starting August 1, 2024, NO CELLPHONES or PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES are permitted during the school day. Please visit mapleschools.com for more information.

Read the new Maple Heights City School Board Policies

What is a Yondr pouch?

The Yondr pouch is a secure bag that stores an individual’s mobile device or devices. It is secured and unlocked with a special locking device.

How does it work?

• As scholars enter school, they place their phones in their assigned Yondr pouch.

• Scholars will close and secure their Yondr pouch to keep it with them throughout the day.

• Scholars will tap their Yondr pouch on a base unit when leaving school to unlock it and retrieve their phone.  

Why is the school introducing Yondr pouches?

We seek to limit classroom distractions and improve scholars' engagement, mental health, and well-being.

How will scholars receive a Yondr pouch?

Scholars in the buildings who use Yondr pouches will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone, smartwatch, and/or earbuds. The pouch is the property of the school and is considered on loan to the student during the school year. Scholars are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times and for bringing the pouch to and from school each day.

How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?

Upon entering school, scholars will turn off their phone, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of staff. The pouch will be unlocked in the main lobby area at the end of the school day.

Will my scholar’s phone be safe?

Scholars will have their phone – in their Yondr pouch – for the entire school day. We will advise scholars to store the pouch in their backpacks and lockers where it is completely safe.

What if a scholar needs to leave the building before dismissal?

If a scholar needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency, athletic event, or school-sponsored trip, they will be able to unlock their pouches at school prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch will be locked upon re-entry to the building.

What if a parent/guardian wants to reach their scholar during the school day?

We want our scholars to be engaged in their learning, but we understand that emergencies will occur. If you need to contact your child during the school day, call your child's school. There are phones in every classroom and office in the school. 

What if there is a school emergency?

Every location in the school is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. We will direct scholars to safety first. Scholars and staff follow our school’s emergency preparedness protocols. Communication with parents will occur through the district’s mass notification and communication tools.

Scholars and staff are instructed to remain silent during lockdowns. For all emergency situations, the response action guidelines outlined in the building-level safety plan will be followed, and the community will be notified.

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a scholar is caught on their phone?

The Yondr pouch is the school's property. If a scholar damages their pouch, the family is responsible for the $30 replacement fee. 

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the pouch's physical integrity has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school staff.

What happens if a scholar doesn’t have their Yondr pouch?

The phone may be turned over to security and secured until the end of the school day, or parents can be contacted to come to school and pick it up.

What if a scholar needs their personal device for a medical issue?

Scholars 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.

What happens if a scholar forgets to unlock their pouch before leaving the building?

The school has many after-school programs and athletic events. Scholars can return to unlock their pouch if the building is still open.

Will the elementary school be using Yondr pouches?

No, cell phones or personal devices are not allowed at the elementary schools. They must be kept at home, in a locker, or backpack throughout the instructional day.

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 locking device.

How does it work?

1. As scholars enter school, they place their phones in their assigned Yondr pouch.

2. Scholars will close and secure their Yondr pouch to keep it with them throughout the day.

3. Scholars will tap their Yondr pouch on a base unit when leaving school to unlock it and retrieve their phone.  

Why is the school introducing Yondr pouches?

We seek to limit classroom distractions and improve scholars' engagement, mental health, and well-being.

How will scholars receive a Yondr pouch?

Scholars in the buildings who use Yondr pouches will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone, smartwatch, and/or earbuds. The pouch is the property of the school and is considered on loan to the student during the school year. Scholars are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times and for bringing the pouch to and from school each day.

How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?

Upon entering school, scholars will turn off their phone, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of staff. The pouch will be unlocked in the main lobby area at the end of the school day.

Will my scholar’s phone be safe?

Scholars will have their phone – in their Yondr pouch – for the entire school day. We will advise scholars to store the pouch in their backpacks and lockers where it is completely safe.

What if a scholar needs to leave the building before dismissal?

If a scholar needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency, athletic event, or school-sponsored trip, they will be able to unlock their pouches at school prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch will be locked upon re-entry to the building.

What if a parent/guardian wants to reach their scholar during the school day?

We want our scholars to be engaged in their learning, but we understand that emergencies will occur. If you need to contact your child during the school day, call your child's school. There are phones in every classroom and office in the school. 

What if there is a school emergency?

Every location in the school is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. We will direct scholars to safety first. Scholars and staff follow our school’s emergency preparedness protocols. Communication with parents will occur through the district’s mass notification and communication tools.

Scholars and staff are instructed to remain silent during lockdowns. For all emergency situations, the response action guidelines outlined in the building-level safety plan will be followed, and the community will be notified.

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a scholar is caught on their phone?

The Yondr pouch is the school's property. If a scholar damages their pouch, the family is responsible for the $30 replacement fee. 

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the pouch's physical integrity has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school staff.

What happens if a scholar doesn’t have their Yondr pouch?

The phone may be turned over to security and secured until the end of the school day, or parents can be contacted to come to school and pick it up.

What if a scholar needs their personal device for a medical issue?

Scholars 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.

What happens if a scholar forgets to unlock their pouch before leaving the building?

The school has many after-school programs and athletic events. Scholars can return to unlock their pouch if the building is still open.

Will the elementary school be using Yondr pouches?

No, cell phones or personal devices are not allowed at the elementary schools. They must be kept at home, in a locker, or backpack throughout the instructional day.

Cell Phones in Schools: Supports for Families

Families play a critical role in supporting the reduction of cell phone use for Ohio’s students. By reducing cell phone usage at home and supporting school cell phone policies, families put their children in a position to learn and be healthy.

Talking to Your Child About Cell Phones 

Families can prepare their children for success by having open conversations and setting clear boundaries and expectations about cell phone use. Caregivers can welcome an open discussion about cell phone use, including sharing concerns and expectations and using active listening skills. Consider the following when talking with your children:  

• Have conversations about your child’s interests and what apps they use the most. 

• Ask non-judgmental questions that encourage your child to reflect on how using the cell phone makes them feel. Help them consider their emotions, thoughts, and their ability to focus. Help them consider when they are using cell phones as a strategy to avoid facing another task or discussion. 

• Facilitate conversations that help you and your child understand the underlying reasons your child might use their cell phone frequently. They may have a friend who is distressed or a game or app they consistently play, or they may be avoiding stressful interactions.

• Talk to your child about online safety, including having a digital footprint that cannot be erased. Discuss the importance of never disclosing any personal information online.

• Consider establishing a family media plan to promote open family discussion and rules about media use, including topics such as balancing online time, content boundaries, and not disclosing personal information.

• Have a conversation with your child about the importance of following the school’s policy. Share how you and your child can operate through the school’s established protocol in various scenarios.

Click here for additional resources.