Dear Parent/Guardian,
As part of the New York State Law mandating distraction-free schools, prohibiting the use of internet-enabled devices by students (cell phones, apple devices etc.) during the day anywhere on school grounds, we will continue making our school a personal electronics-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 or small electronic device. Every student will secure their phone and/or electronics in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their devices 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 about I.S. 281’s adherence to New York State Law, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at (718) 996-6706. We will also be holding an open discussion about the use of Yondr during our first PTA meeting of the school year on September 16, 2025, 5:00pm via zoom PTA meeting link.
If there is an emergency at any time during the school day and you would like to get in contact with your child, please reach out to Christine DiMatteo, Parent Coordinator at (718) 996-6706 or (347) 237-3087. If your child needs to reach you, they will have full access by using the school phone in the main office at any time during the school day. GAMA will be used to communicate with families in case of an emergency. Please ensure your NYCSA is active to receive messages via GAMA. For questions regarding sign up please contact Ms. DiMatteo.
Students are allowed to use their device if they have an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan that includes use of an internet-enabled device and do not have a DOE-issued device for such purpose. Parents/guardians must contact Ms. DiMatteo if a student requires an exception for reasons such as: medical monitoring/treatment s (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances), if student is a caregiver, for approved language purposes (such as translation or interpretation services if no other means are available), or where otherwise required by law. Exceptions will be processed and approved within 10 days of request.
In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents can submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.
In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in the adoption of the Yondr Program at our school in accordance with New York State Law.
Thank you,
Maria Bender
Principal
How Yondr Works
Frequently Asked Questions
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 (718) 996-6706 or Christine DiMatteo, Parent Coordinator at (347) 237-3087.
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 Joseph B. Cavallaro I.S. 281. If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on their phone, Administration will collect the phone/Pouch and call home:
- The Parent will come to the school and pick up their child’s phone
- AND/OR Consequences may include: Detention / In-School
Suspension / Replacement Fee
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 or Yondr staff.
STUDENT PHONE and INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICE POLICY & GUIDELINES
As per New York State Law, phones or any other personal internet-enabled devices are not to be used during school. Every student will be 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 or on airplane mode.
- Place their phone and other personal internet-enables devices inside their pouch and secure it in the presence of school staff.
- Store their pouch in their backpack for the day.
At the end of the day, students will unlock their pouch, remove their phone and put their pouch in their backpack. Students must bring their pouch to school with them each day.
***Students arriving late or leaving early will pouch/unpouch their phones in the Main Office or Attendance Office.
VIOLATIONS
Pouch Damage / Lost Pouch / Using Phone During School
If a student damages their pouch or is caught using their phone, Administration will collect the student’s pouch/phone and call home.
Repercussions for damaged pouches or unauthorized phone use will include:
- Disciplinary Responses following New York’s Citywide Behavior Expectations for Students
- $30 fee for a replacement pouch
Examples of pouch damage include:
- Bent pin
- Ripped fabric
- Deep scratches on the lock exterior + green ring
- Intentional pen marks on the inside of the pouch
- Pin and button not fully recessing due to pin damage
Forgotten Pouches
If a student forgets their pouch, their phone will be collected and Administration will call home to remind the Parent of the policy. The phone will be returned to the student at dismissal.
If a student consistently forgets their pouch, it is considered lost. Refer to the Lost Pouch policy above.