A new school year means new opportunities for student success.
Last year, the SCSD Board of Education adopted a policy to promote distraction-free learning by restricting cellphone use during the school day. The policy aligns with a measure included in New York state’s 2025-26 budget and requires all personal electronic devices—cellphones, smartwatches, Bluetooth or wireless headphones, and other mobile communication devices—to be stored in a personal pouch that remains sealed during the school day using a magnetized locking system.
Distribution of Yondr Pouches
Each student in grades 7-12 will receive their assigned Yondr pouch from the previous school year on Thursday, Sept. 10. Sixth grade students will be issued a new pouch on the first day of school and may return it if they do not have a personal electronic device. Students who lost or damaged their previous pouch can purchase a brand new replacement pouch for $25 from the main offices or a pre-owned replacement pouch for $10. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and maintaining its condition.
Review of the Yondr Process
Upon arrival, students will turn off their phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones and other personal electronic devices, place them in their Yondr pouch and lock it. Students will keep their pouch in a backpack or locker throughout the school day. At dismissal, students will unlock their pouch at designated stations in the building to retrieve their devices and resume use.
Students with a documented disability or medical condition (e.g., blood sugar monitoring) will receive a Velcro pouch instead of a magnetized one to ensure immediate access to their phone.
As a reminder, Stillwater Elementary remains cellphone-free. Any smartwatches brought to school must be turned off and stored in a student’s backpack or cubby.
Student safety remains our highest priority. In the event of an emergency, we will follow our standard safety protocols. If you need to contact your child during the day, please call the main office at their school or email your child using their district-issued email address. Similarly, students can reach their parents by requesting to use a district phone or by sending an email.
We appreciate your continued partnership in supporting our students and their success. We look forward to a successful school year filled with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.