HOPE – Students in schools nationwide are socially tethered to a cell phone in today’s world; but, there are limits to access which should be observed such as class time in school. Two campuses of the Hope Public Schools will use a new pouch system this academic year to reign-in the problem.\r\n
\r\nThe “Yondr” pouch system to cellular devices is based upon a nearly-indestructible pouch into which a device is placed and the pouch locked to deny immediate access while retaining possession of the device. Once the purpose for which the device has been stored is resolved, the pouch is unlocked by tapping it against an unlocking base.\r\n
\r\nBoth Hope High School and the Hope Academy of Public Service will use the Yondr pouch system this academic year.\r\n
\r\nHHS Principal Bill Hoglund notes in a letter to parents issued to students upon their return to classes Aug. 13 that U.S. News and World Report magazine reported on a survey from Common Sense Media that some 50 percent of teens surveyed admitted to a sense of addiction to mobile device usage.\r\n
\r\n“Additionally, more and more studies are showing the ways cell phones interfere with a student’s academic success,” Hoglund said.\r\n
\r\nConsequently, HHS has prohibited the use of cell phones on campus.\r\n
\r\n“Cellphones may not be visible or used by students daily on the high school campus,” Hoglund said. “The inappropriate use of cellphones is the number one discipline issue on the campus.”\r\n
\r\nStudents at HHS have two choices, Hoglund said: They can either use the Yondr pouch and carry their celluar device with them secured inside it all day; or, they can leave their devices at home.\r\n
\r\n“All students will place their phones inside a Yondr cell phone case assigned directly to them,” he said. “The case locks and the student keeps their case with them. Students maintain possession of their cell phones throughout the school day, but they will not be able to use them until they are unlocked at the end of the school day.”\r\n
\r\nParents can still contact their child on campus by calling the main office number at 870-777-3451 or 870-722-2730.\r\n
\r\n“We recommend adding these numbers to your contact list for easy access,” Hoglund said.\r\n
\r\nHe notes that parents should limit their contact with students during the school day in any case.\r\n
\r\n“It is important for students to be able to focus on school while they are here,” Hoglund said. \r\n
\r\nThe possibility of emergencies is understood, he said.\r\n
\r\n“Most of the time, students are unable to act on these issues until after school,” Hoglund said. “In these cases, students can just read messages at the end of the day. If it is crucial that a student respond immediately, parents can contact the main office; and, the office will call directly into the classroom.”\r\n
\r\nHoglund emphasized that responsibility for cellular devices remains with the students.\r\n
\r\n“It will be as safe as before the change, as students are still in possession of phones all day long,” he said.\r\n
\r\nHAPS Principal Dr. Carol Ann Duke said Yondr pouches will be used on the grades 5-9 campus in a similar manner.\r\n
\r\n“Students are responsible for keeping their Yondr pouch with them all day, but may place them in the pouch holders found in each classroom during class time,” Duke said. “Upon dismissal, or if a student checks out early, the Yondr pouch will be unlocked.”\r\n
\r\nShe said students who fail to abide by the policy will lose the opportunity to bring a cell phone onto the campus.\r\n
\r\n“Every HAPS student will be required to keep their cell phone turned off and in a Yondr pouch during school hours, whether on campus or attending a field trip activity or other school-sponsored event, activitiy, or learning experience,” Duke said.\r\n
\r\nStudents who need to contact parents during the school day may do so in the main campus office with administrative permission, she said. Duke said parents who need to contact students during the school day may do so through the main office number at 870-777-3454.\r\n
\r\nStudents at Clinton Primary School, Beryl Henry Elementary School and Yerger Middle School are not allowed to bring cell phones and other such personal cellular devices on campus.\r\n
