CELLULAR DEVICES POLICY

Cell Phone, Earbuds/Headphones, and Smartwatch

Purpose

To create and maintain a distraction-free learning environment, Friendship Christian School requires students to keep cell phones, earbuds/headphones, and smartwatches secured in Yondr Pouches during school hours.

Statement of Expectations

• Students must keep their devices powered off or on airplane mode and locked inside their assigned Yondr Pouch from arrival until dismissal.
• Headphone use is only allowed when approved by classroom teachers for instructional purposes.
• Devices are not to be accessed or visible anywhere on campus during school hours.
• Students are responsible for bringing their Yondr Pouch daily and maintaining it in good condition.
• Damaged pouches must be reported immediately to school administration.
• Failure to follow these expectations will result in disciplinary action.

Daily Procedures

Start of Day:

• Power off or place devices on airplane mode after arriving on campus.
• Place devices in Yondr Pouch and lock securely before entering the building.
• Store the Yondr pouch in your backpack and arrive at class on time with the pouch secured.

During School Day:

• Keep devices always locked in a Yondr pouch.
• For off-campus appointments, unlock and relock the pouch at the main office.

End of Day:

• Unlock the Yondr pouch at dismissal to retrieve devices.
• Empty the Yondr pouch and store it for the next day.

Damaged Pouches

• Report damage immediately.
• If damage is due to negligence or intentional acts, restitution and disciplinary consequences apply.

Lost Pouches

• Replacement fee of $50.00

Consequences of Violations

Devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, and Bluetooth earbuds. Each morning, students must present their Yondr pouch for check-in and should expect it to be visually verified daily by school staff.

Students who forget their Yondr pouch may receive one documented warning; however, their personal devices must be stored in the school office for that day. Any subsequent instances of pouch forgetfulness or other violations will be recorded and subject to disciplinary action, as outlined in the chart below.

Violations include, but are not limited to:

• Possessing or accessing a device outside the Yondr pouch during school hours
• Devices that are on or not in airplane mode and produce sounds (ringing, vibrating, etc.), even while inside the pouch

Forgot Yondr Pouch

A verbal warning will be issued, and students’ devices will be stored in the school safe for the day.

1st Offense

Immediately sent to the assistant principal’s office.

A written and verbal warning will be given to the student. Parents will be notified through FACTS.

2nd Offense

After-school detention will be assigned on the day the offense occurs. The incident will be recorded in FACTS.

3rd Offense

The device will be stored in the school safe for the day. One day of In-School Suspension (ISS) will be assigned for the following day. A parent/guardian must retrieve the device. The incident will be recorded in FACTS.

4th Offense

The device will be stored in the school safe for the day. A parent/guardian will be notified and required to attend an in-person meeting. The student will be placed on a behavioral contract.

5th Offense

A breach of the behavioral contract may result in the student’s removal from Friendship Christian School.