TMS and THS to use Yondr beginning in the 2024-2025 school year

Jump to (on this page): How Yondr Works  |  Student Phone Policy and Guidelines  |  FAQs

The cell phone protocol at Troy Middle School and Troy High School is changing for this school year. Beginning in September, we will use Yondr, a tool designed to enhance the learning environment for our students and staff. This system, while restricting cell phone use, will lead to a more focused and engaging classroom experience for all students.

Superintendent Carmello gave a presentation regarding this protocol change at the June Board of Education meeting. You can view a recording of his presentation below:

We believe phones have great utility, but they can also be distracting and limit our students’ engagement in the classroom. Studies show learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.

The Yondr Program utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure their phone (and smartwatch, wireless earbuds, etc.) 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.

Violations of these expectations will be addressed according to the District’s Code of Conduct. If a cell phone is used during the school day, it will be collected by an administrator, and a parent or guardian will need to retrieve it from the school office. Cell phones will not be returned directly to students once collected.

Other schools using Yondr report:

68%

improvement in academic performance

We understand that many of you may have concerns about what happens in an emergency. We have consulted with the Troy Police Department regarding this change, and they are fully supportive. In fact, they prefer that students do not have immediate access to cell phones during emergencies, as it can congest cell networks and impede their response. As always, we are committed to timely communication with our families in the event of an emergency. To ensure you receive any emergency or urgent notifications, please verify that we have your correct contact information on file. You can do this by logging into ParentSquare, or you can call the Main Office at TMS (518-328-5301) or THS (518-328-5401).

Additional information for your family will be available prior to the start of school. We know there will be many questions, and it will take time for everyone to adjust to this new routine. However, this change will also improve student well-being, safety and academic achievement. I also encourage you to discuss communication plans with your student openly and make any necessary arrangements over the summer. Our main office staff are always available as a resource and will assist in relaying messages or facilitating communication as needed during the school day.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

How Yondr Works

Student Phone Policy and Guidelines

Phones are not to be used during school. Every student is assigned a personal Yondr Pouch. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to bring their Pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good working condition.

Daily Process

As students arrive at school, they will:

• Turn their phone off.
• Place their phone/smartwatch/earbuds inside their Pouch and secure it in front of school staff.
• Be responsible for carrying or storing their Pouch

As students exit school, they will:

• Open their Pouch
• Remove their phone/smartwatch/earbuds and put their Pouch in their backpack.
• Students must bring their Pouch to school with them each day.

*Students arriving late will be required to place their phone/smartwatch/earbuds in their pouch upon entry to the building at any time. Students leaving early at any time during the day will unlock their pouch as they exit the building, prior to going to the locker room for sports and/or any after-school activities.

Pouch Damage

Students will ultimately be responsible for the care of their Yondr pouch. If a student intentionally damages the pouch they will be responsible for replacement. Until the replacement fee is paid, their phone/smartwatch/earbuds will be collected in the morning and remain in the main office for the duration of the school day.

Forgotten or Lost Pouch

If a student forgets or loses their Pouch, their phone/smartwatch/earbuds will be collected and Admin will call home to remind the Parent of the policy. The phone will be returned to the student at dismissal. If the pouch is lost, the student will be required to pay a fee and will then receive a replacement.

Phone Violation Disciplinary Actions

Failure to comply with the district’s cell phone policy will result in:

1st Offense:
Admin confiscates phone for the day
Parent Pick up and Meeting with grade-level administrator

2nd Offense:
Admin confiscates phone for the day
Parent Pick up
In School Suspension
Student hands in phone to administration every morning for 30 calendar days. Additional consequences deemed by District Code of Conduct.

3rd Offense:
Additional consequences deemed by District Code of Conduct.
Out of School Suspension for Insubordination

*Length of time will be increased after any further violations
*Refusal to hand over the phone will be treated as insubordination and consequences will be given according to the District Code of Conduct

For lost/damaged/stolen pouches there is a replacement fee of $30, Students will be required to turn in the phone to the main office upon arrival for 30 calendar days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?
Troy Middle School and Troy High School are seeking to limit distractions in the classroom and improve overall student engagement, mental health and well-being.

What if a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?
We understand that emergencies will occur. Parents may contact the main office to speak with their child if the need arises.
Troy High School Main Office – 518-328-5401
Troy Middle School Main Office – 518-328-5301

What happens if there is an emergency at school?
Every location in the middle school/high 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.

How is the “end of the day” defined?
The end of the day is 3:15 p.m. Students who leave school before 3:15 p.m. will be able to unlock their phones as they leave. This includes students who are attending extracurricular activities, sports, and/or BOCES/Questar programming.

Will my student’s phone be safe?
Troy High School – Phones never leave the possession of the students but students are encouraged to leave their pouch in their locker.
Troy Middle School – Pouches will be placed in their lockers for the school day.

Will my student still be able to listen to music?
Students will be able to use headphones with cords to connect to their Chromebooks. They will be able to use the headphones for classroom work or for listening to music during free periods. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches and other headphones, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.

What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr Pouch?
Students are required to bring their Yondr Pouch every day. If they forget their pouch, the phone will be turned over to the main office staff until the end of the school day.

.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.

If a student forgets to unlock the pouch before leaving the building, is there a way for students to unlock the pouch?
If the student forgets to unlock their pouch, you may return to the school building until 5:00pm to have it unlocked.

If the Yondr pouch is damaged/stolen/lost, who is responsible for replacement?
Students will ultimately be responsible for the care of their Yondr pouch. If a student intentionally damages the pouch or it is lost/stolen, they will be responsible for replacement and will face disciplinary consequences for damaged pouches.

Damage includes:
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

How will students know whose Yondr pouch is whose?
When the school year begins, each middle school/ high school student will receive a pouch that has been pre-labeled with their name on a laminated tag.