To promote focus, mutual respect, and a stronger school culture, USD 470 has adopted a phone-free policy for all students.Middle and high school students will be required to secure their personal electronic devices—such as phones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds—in a district-issued Yondr pouch each day.
Elementary students are also expected to keep all personal electronic devices and accessories put away for the duration of the school day, though Yondr pouches will not be used at this level.
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) and Accessories:
Students are required to power off and securely store all personal electronic devices—including cell phones, smart watches, and headphones—from the beginning of the school day until dismissal. This expectation applies during all instructional time, passing periods, and lunch breaks. Students participating in a school-sponsored activity or attending a college class off campus during the regular school day may access their device as permitted by the principal.
The following will be expected of students during the school day:
Students shall not access or use personal electronic devices from 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., including during lunch and passing periods.
All PEDs must remain secured inside the student's locked Yondr pouch throughout the school day.
PEDs must not be used or visible in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, locker rooms, the library, or any other area of the building unless expressly directed by school staff.
This policy applies to cell phones and all connected devices and functions, including smartwatches, wireless headphones/earbuds, cameras, and apps–unless otherwise permitted through a written IEP or 504 plan.
Students arriving late or returning to campus during the day are responsible for ensuring their devices are stored in a locked pouch (or backpack for elementary students) per school procedures.
Violations of this policy will result in device confiscation and disciplinary action per the student handbook.
Refusal to comply with PED procedures–including refusing to lock a device or surrender it when asked–will result in disciplinary consequences consistent with the administrative guidelines for Open Defiance or other applicable categories.
Parents/guardians needing to contact their child during the school day should call the main office. School staff will ensure messages are delivered as needed.
Student use of PEDs is permitted before and after school, as well as during school trips when explicitly allowed by the principal.
Violations of the bell-to-bell policy will result in the following discipline measures:
Middle School & High School
First Offense: Device held in the assistant principal's office for the day; parent/guardian notified; behavior contract completed; parent must pick up the device
Second Offense: Device held for the day: parent/guardian pick-up required; one day of in-school suspension (ISS) assigned
Third Offense: Device held; parent pick-up required; 1-3 days ISS assigned
Fourth Offense & Beyond: Device held; parent pick-up required; parent meeting scheduled; student may face additional consequences for Open Defiance per the USD 470 Administrative Guidelines
Elementary
First Offense: Parent contact and device confiscated until the end of the day
Second Offense: Device confiscated until the end of the day and parent retrieves device
Third Offense: Detention, device confiscated until the end of the day, parent retrieves device
What is considered a personal electronic device (PED)
The Kansas law applies to any personal electronic communication device that can send or receive calls, texts, video, or internet messages.
This includes:
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Wireless earbuds or headphones
Tablets/laptops
Other similar personal devices
School-issued devices, such as Chromebooks, are not affected and will continue to be used for learning.
What is a Yondr pouch?
A Yondr pouch is a secure, lockable case used to store small personal electronic devices – like cell phones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds —during the school day. Students place their devices inside the pouch and close it using a special magnetic lock. This image shows what a Yondr pouch and unlocking station look like.
Why did you make this change?
At USD 470, we want every student to feel supported – not just in the classroom, but socially and emotionally, too.
Over the past few years, phones have become a growing distraction. It's hard to stay focused when messages, apps, and notifications are just a click away. Even during lunch or downtime, phone use can lead to social media issues or unnecessary drama that spills over into the school day.
By going phone-free, we’re making room for better focus, stronger connections, and a more positive school experience overall.
Can I still contact my child during the day?
Yes. Students will still have access to their phones before and after school.
If you need to reach your child during school hours, just call the school office, and we’ll make sure they get the message.
Can my child contact me during the school day?
Yes. If your child needs to contact you during the school day, they can ask a teacher or visit the school office for assistance.
Likewise, if you need to reach your child, please call the school office, and staff will make sure your message is delivered.
What if my child has a 504 Plan, IEP, or other accommodation?
Students may be allowed to use a personal device during the school day if it is required as part of an IEP, 504 Plan, Medical Plan, or other approved accommodation.
Please contact your child’s school if you believe your child may need this type of support.
What if there is an emergency?
We understand why parents may be concerned about this, and student safety will always be our top priority.
We would not make this change if we believed it would make our schools less safe.
During an emergency, students need to listen closely to staff and follow directions right away. Phones can sometimes become a distraction if students are texting, calling, or recording instead of paying attention to instructions.
Our staff are trained to respond to emergencies and will guide students every step of the way. Families will be notified as quickly as possible through the district’s official communication channels.
Will my child's phone be safe?
Yes. High School and Middle School Students may keep their phones with them all day—just secured in their locked Yondr pouch. We’ll encourage students to store the pouch in their backpack or locker, where it stays safe and out of the way during class. Elementary students will be asked to store their phones in their backpacks.
What if my child needs their phone for medical reasons?
We understand that some students have specific health needs that may require consistent access to their phones. If that’s the case for your child, exceptions can be made. Just work with your school to provide the appropriate medical documentation, and we’ll make sure the right supports are in place.
What happens if I lose, forget, or damage my Yondr pouch?
Just like with Chromebooks or other school materials, students are responsible for keeping track of their assigned Yondr pouch.
If a student forgets their pouch, their phone will be safely stored in the office until the end of the day. If a pouch is lost, the phone will be stored in the office until a replacement fee is paid.
If a pouch is damaged* or a student is found using their phone during the day, staff will collect the pouch or phone and contact a parent or guardian. Continued issues may lead to further consequences based on school policy. You can find additional information in the student handbook.
*Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Yondr staff.
What happens if a student has a personal device out during the day?
Students are expected to keep phones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds secured in their Yondr pouch during school hours. If a device is seen or used during the day, consequences will apply as outlined in our handbooks.
Each student in grades 6–12 will receive a personalized Yondr pouch. Students must use the Yondr pouch each day.
Middle School
Students will power off their devices and secure them in their Yondr pouch during Advisory at the start of the day.
High School
Students must power off their devices, place them in the Yondr pouch, and lock it when entering the building each morning.
In both settings, locked pouches should be stored in backpacks or lockers, and students should report to class on time.
Secure Your Devices
Once devices are secured in the Yondr pouch, they must remain locked for the entire instructional day—including during lunch and passing periods. Pouches may stay with the student for safe keeping.
Staff may conduct spot-checks of locked pouches at any time during the school day.
Unlock at Dismissal
Middle School
Students will unlock their Yondr pouches during Advisory at the end of the day and store the Yondr pouch in their locker overnight. If a student needs to leave early, they will unlock and leave their pouch in the office and leave it in their locker.
High School
Students will unlock their Yondr pouches at designated unlocking stations as they exit the building at dismissal or when leaving for an appointment or school-related activity. Students should store their pouch in a safe place at home and bring it back to school each day.
