Electronic Device Policy

We are writing to share important news – we will be making our school community a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning! We will be using a system called Yondr to achieve this goal. The Yondr Program employs a simple, lockable pouch that stores a cell phone. Yondr is used across the world in over 1,000 schools, as well as at concerts, comedy shows, businesses, camps, weddings and special events of all kinds. The goal of these spaces is to encourage people to engage with each other and their surroundings. We must do the same here in our school community as we have found that students are tuned in to electronics more than ever. Simply, use of phones does not belong in a school community where learning should be the priority. While we believe that cell phones have great utility, we have also found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and peers.

We are encouraged by the effects of this system in learning institutions. Yondr surveyed over 900 school partners to measure the effects of creating phone-free educational environments. Of these 900 schools:

These schools achieved notable progress in multiple areas:

65% of schools saw an improvement in academic performance
74% of schools saw an improvement in student behavior
83% of schools saw an improvement in student engagement in the classroom

At Mather High School:

All students will receive their Yondr pouch at school on either Thursday, September 5th or Friday, September 6th and the policy will take effect on Monday, September 9th, 2024.
Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.
All students will secure their phones in their Yonder Pouch every school day upon arrival.
Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of their school day.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly 212-399-3520.

If there is an emergency and you would like to contact your child, please reach out to the Main Office at 212-399-3520.

In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in the adoption of the Yondr Program in our school community.

Entrance Procedure

Upon entry to Mather HS, students are to place all electronic devices into a school-provided YONDR pouch.

Daily Process

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the phone policy start?

Students will receive their Yondr pouches on Thursday, September 5th or Friday, September 6th. All students will be required to begin using their pouches and adhering to the phone policy on Monday, September 9th.

What if I want to reach my child during the school day?

We want our students to be engaged in their learning. Please refrain from contacting your student during the school day, unless it is an emergency. In the case of an emergency contact the main office 212-399-3520.

What if there is an emergency?

In case of an emergency, we direct our students to safety first. School staff will be able to unlock a Yondr pouch in a matter of seconds for students once they are in a safe and secure location.

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 or locked in their lockers. Please be aware that the school faculty/staff will not be able to investigate the loss, theft or damage of phones, headphones, smart watches and other technology. They are the responsibility of the student. Therefore families are requested to use their best judgment when making the decision to send students to school with said electronic devices.

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged?

The Yondr pouch is property of Mather High School. If a student damages or tampers with a Yondr pouch, he/she will be held responsible. The student’s phone will be turned in to school administration and a parent meeting will be held to determine next steps. Yondr pouches cost $25 to replace. The fee is the responsibility of the family. 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 staff.

Can my student use their phone if they go outside during lunch?

Yes. Students who are allowed out of the building during lunch will be able to unlock their phone as they leave. Students are required to return on time to the school building and put their phones back into their Yondr pouch when they enter back into the building. Failure to comply with this rule will result in losing the privilege of going outside during lunch. Students must present their student ID with their outside lunch sticker in order to be allowed out of the building during lunch.

Will my students phone be locked in the Yondr pouch during school trips?

No. We think that it is important that during school trips teachers are able to get in touch with students. Additionally, we encourage students to take pictures and videos of the work they are doing in the National Parks. However, students that abuse this privilege and are on their phones for non-trip related purposes will be asked to put their phones in their pouch and may lose the privilege in the future.

How will the system work?

Upon entering the school building, students will be required to put their phones in their Yondr pouches before going through scanning. Student phones should be off or on airplane mode to conserve battery. At the end of the day, there will be magnets stationed outside the 4th floor exits for students to quickly unlock their phones. Students should relock their Yondr pouches after retrieving their phone to avoid damage.

How can I clean my student’s Yondr pouch?

In adherence to CDC guidelines, Yondr pouches can be washed in cold water for a short cycle and dried on a short cycle and/or air dried. Pouches can also be cleaned with a disinfectant cleaner.