Starting Monday, October 21, 2024, a pilot program will begin in Dorchester County Public Schools’ three middle schools to limit student cell phone usage during the school day. Students at Mace’s Lane Middle School, North Dorchester Middle School, and grades 6 through 8 at South Dorchester School will secure their phones in locked pouches upon arrival at the school in the morning, with the pouch being unlocked at the end of the school day. The pouch will remain with the student throughout the day.
“Cell phones cause great distraction in schools through alerts, social media, and instant communication, with interruption to students’ ability to focus,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jymil Thompson. “We hope that limiting school-time access to phones protects instructional time, leading to stronger academic achievement and better mental well-being. We want our young people to find their focus.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my student’s phone be safe?
Students are in possession of their phone, and any other electronics in the pouch, for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch on their person (in their backpack) or in their locker where it is safe.
What if I need to reach my child during the school day?
We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to get an urgent message to your child during the school day, please call the school office.
What if there is a school emergency?
School staff at all levels receive training so they are prepared for an emergency, and it is their responsibility to keep students safe at school. School staff have cell phones and many, including School Resource Officers, have radios. In an emergency, students need to focus on the instructions of school staff. Sending and receiving calls and messages or posting to social media may compromise student safety during an emergency. Furthermore, heavy cell phone activity may jam first responder and district lines of communication. Parents will receive information through the school messaging system and other communication tools. Please be sure your contact information in PowerSchool is correct.
What if the student needs to leave the building before the end of the school day?
If a student leaves school for an approved early dismissal, they will be able to unlock the pouch at an unlocking base in the school office. If returning to school during the instructional day, the student would again lock their phone in the pouch when they sign back in.
Will the students have access to the phone during after-school activities?
Yes, students will unlock their phone pouch at the end of the instructional day.
What if a student forgets to unlock the pouch before leaving the building?
They would need to return to the building and see if there is a member of staff available with access to an unlocking base. If not, they would need to wait until they return to school the following day. If they try to remove it at home and damage the pouch, they will be charged a $30 fee for a replacement.
What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?
The Yondr pouch is the property of the school. If a student damages their pouch or is caught using a phone, Administration will collect the phone/pouch and call home.
• 1st offense: Cell phone confiscated for the remainder of the day and given back at the end of the day with a verbal warning.
• 2nd offense: Cell phone confiscated for the remainder of the day and parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone in person during the regular school hours.
• 3rd offense: Cell phone confiscated for the rest of the day; parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone during regular school hours. Student receives In-School Behavior Intervention (1) day.
• 4th offense: Cell phone confiscated for the rest of the day; parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone during regular school hours. Student receives In-School Behavior Intervention (3) days.
• 5th offense: Cell phone confiscated for the rest of the day; parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone during regular school hours. Student receives In-School Behavior Intervention (5) days.
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. A $30 replacement fee will be charged for lost or student damaged pouches.
Please address any other questions to your child’s school Administrator:
Mace’s Lane Middle School: 410-228-2111
North Dorchester Middle School: 410-943-3322
South Dorchester School: 410-901-6934