Student achievement is one of the core values of the Stillwater Central School District, and providing learning environments that foster success is essential to reaching this goal. To ensure this standard is consistently met, the SCSD Board of Education adopted a policy at its Aug. 13, 2025, meeting to promote distraction-free learning by restricting cellphone use during the school day.
The SCSD policy aligns with a measure included in New York State’s 2025-26 budget, which passed in April 2025. It requires all personal electronic devices – cellphones, smartwatches, Bluetooth/wireless headphones and other mobile communication devices – to be stored in a personal pouch that is kept sealed during the school day with a magnetized locking system. By removing devices that hinder students’ academic performance and contribute to increased bullying and mental health concerns, the district is reaffirming its commitment to supporting student success through focused, productive learning environments.
Beginning Sept. 4, 2025, all Stillwater Middle and High school students must turn off their devices and store them in a district-issued Yondr pouch for the entire school day. Stillwater Elementary will remain cellphone-free; however, any smartwatches brought to school must be turned off and stored in a student’s backpack or cubby.
How will the Yondr program work?
At the beginning of the school year, each student in grades 6–12 will be assigned a Yondr pouch—a case specifically designed to securely store personal electronic devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and maintaining its condition.
Upon arrival, students will turn off their phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones and any other 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., monitoring blood sugar) will receive a Velcro pouch instead of a magnetized one to ensure immediate access to their phone.
We know change works best when we approach it together, and we’re committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for families. To walk you through the program and answer any questions, we’ll hold a Family Information Forum on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. in the MS/HS Auditorium.
Staying connected with students
The safety of SCSD students is a top priority. During an emergency, it’s imperative for all students to follow the safety procedures and directions from staff. Cellphones may divert students’ attention, reveal their location or slow law enforcement’s response. In the event of an emergency, families will be notified immediately via ParentSquare. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please reach out to the school’s main office or send an email to the student’s district-provided email. Similarly, students can reach their parents by requesting to use a district phone or by sending an email. We know change works best when we approach it together, and we’re committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for families.
Why Yondr?
Yondr is increasingly being utilized by school districts across the nation to create focused learning environments, enhancing student focus, well-being, and engagement. For over a decade, Yondr has helped schools in all 50 states and more than 35 countries in cultivating vibrant and engaging school cultures by removing personal electronic devices during the school day. The results have been notable:
- 86% of schools reported improved student safety and wellness
- 84% saw increased student engagement
- 68% experienced academic gain
- 44% reduced behavioral referrals
Learn more about Yondr and how the pouches work here.