Straub Yondr Distribution and Process Information

Straub Middle School will begin the use of our new cell phone pouches on Tuesday, December 3. 

Training & Distribution 

Ensuring students, families and staff are well informed about our school's use of cell phone pouches is important to us. Throughout the weeks leading up to our use, we have shared several resources with all in our school community to support a smooth start to this new tool in our school. 

Distribution

On Tuesday, December 3, we will distribute individual pouches to all students and continue to provide opportunities for students to practice using the pouches, ask questions and provide feedback. 

• All the pouches have been numbered. We will assign one to each student and be distributed during math classes on December 3.
• Once pouches are distributed, students will be expected to use their Yondr pouch on a daily basis. 

Daily Operations 

Below, please review our daily procedures for students and expectations for cell phone use. 

Arrival

Every day as students arrive, they will lock devices (phones, air pods, smart watches, etc.) in their indiviudal pouches prior to entering the front entrance and bus area upon arrival to school. 

• Our staff will be at our entrances with unlocking stations to support students in opening their pouches that may be locked from the prior evening.

Dismissal

• Unlocking stations will be mounted on portable carts and will have staff around to support unlocking pouches.
• Several unlocking stations will be at the front entrance, at the bus area exit and at the east exit on the first floor that leads to Roadrunner St. NW
• An unlocking station will also be placed in our main office to unlock pouches when students are checking out prior to dismissal.
• After-school activity? Students should unlock their pouch before going to their club or activity.

Student Expectations

Our goal is that this new tool continues to support an engaged, interactive and positive school community for our Straub Wolves. We need the partnership of our students, staff and families to continue to foster a learning environment where every student can thrive. 

All electronics should be turned off when entering the building in the morning. Devices can be turned back on as students are dismissed at 4 p.m. Families should contact our school office if they need to contact their child during the instructional day.

Connections with students during the school day

We know that in today’s world, it is a challenge to set boundaries around communication, especially with our kids. Families have shared concerns about being about to contact their child during the school day, and we wanted to share a few things on this: 

• Students will continue to have access to their Chromebooks for support of their instruction.
• For urgent matters that cannot wait until the end of the school day, we ask that you contact our school office. Our team is committed to taking your call and working to connect you with your student as soon as possible. This may mean we excuse your student from class to come to the Main office for a phone call or give them temporary access to their cell phone to connect with you. 
• Download the ParentSquare App and activate your account. ParentSquare is our communication platform we use for our school. Please make sure your contact information is up to date to ensure you receive all notifications. In addition, by activating your account, you will have access to direct message features to connect with teachers and update your notifications and language preferences. If you need support with ParentSquare, please contact our main office.

Although the use of Yondr pouches is new for our school, our expectations for cell phone use in our school will continue as we currently have in place: 

First Violation

Device/Yondr pouch will be collected & held in the office. A parent/guardian will be contacted and must pick up both items (Electronics and pouch).

Second Violation 

Device/Yondr pouch will be collected & held in the office. A parent/guardian will be contacted and must pick up both items (Electronics and pouch). Parents will be notified that the next violation will result check-in plan for the student.

Third Violation 

Device/Yondr pouch will be collected & held in the office. A parent/guardian will be contacted and must pick up both items (Electronics and pouch). Parents will be notified that the check-in plan will be implemented.

Ongoing Violations

Significant violations (including, but not limited to, recording students without their permission, etc.) may also result in a device check-in plan in which devices will be placed in their Yondr pouch and will remain in the main office.

Questions?

Our goal is that this can be a positive experience for us all, so reach out to our team if you have any questions or concerns. 

Learn more about our school's use of Yondr Pouches