High schools have begun using Yondr Pouches in District 11 to prevent phone usage in class. Yondr Pouches are staying for the anticipated 2025-2026 school year and here is what to expect – Yondr Pouch’s main goal for D11 was to improve focus in schools. The success has been demonstrated in grades and school staff’s responses, but the question if Yondr Pouches are the answer to cell phone concerns has been arising.
When interviewed, Superintendent Michael Gaal said, “The goal by having the Yondr Pouch is to know that you can’t be distracted, but the pouch itself is not the goal. The goal is that your phone is not used during class time. So, I think next year, the question would be: Do we reinvest in all new Yondr Pouches? Or do we allow kids to show the fact that you come to school now without using your phone?”
Despite the debates, positive effects were shown through student’s increased retention and grades. There have been many other positive impacts, as well.
Principal Stacy Miller highlighted this, stating, “We’ve always had students talking to one another and working in teams, but this year I’ve seen more of that.” For this reason among others, the Yondr Pouch will stay at Odyssey.
However, students have had conflicting concerns. Yondr Pouches limit student access to phones as well as parent calls in an emergency. The cost of the pouches appear to be wasteful when looking at school budgets.
Ted Fabela, a freshman at Odyssey, has stated, “I personally see why the Yonder pouches were implemented into schools, but there are worries that come up with me and my parents when being forced to use the Yonder Pouches.”
With concerns of Yondr pouches’ costs and safety, the Yondr Pouches have also caused positive learning environments with more student engagement. Students have had varying opinions, most negative, but D11 staff have enjoyed the new, engaging learning spaces.
