Dear Parents & Guardians,
Washington Academy & High School will be implementing a new protocol beginning March 3, 2025 meant to strengthen the enforcement of our student cell phone policy using a program called Yondr. Yondr has been implemented in thousands of schools across 27 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment.
The Yondr Program utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure their phone, and other personal electronic devices (smartwatches and earbuds) in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times. The cost to replace a damaged or lost pouch is $30.
If there is an emergency and you need to get in contact with your child during the school day, please call the school at 410-651-0480. Likewise, if there is an emergency in any of our classrooms, each room is equipped with a telephone that can be used to dial 911 and call for help.
In an annual survey of over 1,200 of schools that implemented the Yondr Program:
86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
84% saw a positive change in student engagement
72% saw a positive change in student behavior
68% saw a positive change in academic performance
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at 410-651-0480, or attend one of our upcoming school meetings about the adoption of Yondr on March 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
More information about Yondr can be found on our school website. In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in adoption of the Yondr Program at our school.
Sincerely,
Shelton Handy, Interim Principal