At the July 29, 2024 Board of Education meeting, our high school administrators introduced the implementation of Yondr bags to create phone-free spaces at both Colerain and Northwest High Schools for the 2024-2025 school year. This addresses the need to foster a productive learning environment and helps students find the appropriate balance with technology, which we believe will prepare our high schoolers for the expectations of the workplace.
We recognize that cell phones are valuable tools in our daily lives, however, we have also observed that student learning and social behavior improve significantly when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.
We have chosen Yondr bags because schools that have used them found much success. Survey responses from over 1,200 school partners indicate success after implementing the Yondr Education Program:
84% saw a change in student engagement
72% saw a positive change in student behavior
68% saw a positive change in academic performance
Of their most recent impact survey of over 370 of their school partners:
86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
We expect to see this type of positive impact within our own learning environments. While our high schools are the only schools who are using the Yondr bag program, our expectations for a phone-free space at the secondary level remain the same. All personal communication devices and/or accessories for personal communication devices must be stored in the appropriate location designated by the school during the school day and may not be accessed without administrative approval.
As we move toward the start of the school year, we are confident that this program will help create a learning environment that is free from distractions, allowing our students to focus better, engage more deeply in their studies, and interact more positively with their peers and teachers. We appreciate your support in this important change and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students' education and well-being.
Northwest Local School District