Dear FMS and THS Parents,
To promote the best possible learning and social environment, Terrell ISD follows a no cell phone policy during the school day for students. The policy, which has been in place since the inception of cell phones, means that students must keep their phones turned off and put away throughout the entire school day so as not to distract from instruction.
Over the course of the last several years, Terrell ISD, along with schools across the nation, has seen an increase in classroom cell phone usage amongst our secondary students, leading to classroom distractions and disciplinary issues.
Recent research highlights the issues that smart phone interactions have on young adults, including increased anxiety, exposure to adult content, and a lack of connection.
During the 2024 spring semester, district leaders met with campus staff, students, and members of the community including parents to discuss this on-going issue. At the regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting held on April 15, district leaders brought forward a proposal to the Board of Trustees to amend the current cell phone policy and the board subsequently voted to approve the suggested amendment.
The updated policy is not much different than the existing policy, but will approach enforcement in a new way. The new policy is as follows:
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, students at Furlough Middle School and Terrell High School will be assigned what is called a Yondr Pouch. A Yondr pouch, which is made by a company called Yondr, is a magnet-locked cellphone bag used to create cell-phone free environments. Other school districts who have implemented Yondr have seen increased belonging, reduced disciplinary referrals, and increased student learning.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
Every Terrell ISD secondary student will be issued a Yondr Pouch.
If a student has a phone, every day when entering school, students will turn it off and place it in the Yondr Pouch where it will be magnetically locked, which prevents it from being used during the school day.
At dismissal each day - or if the student leaves early for an appointment - students can unlock the Yondr Pouch at numerous unlocking stations that will be stationed throughout the school and begin using their phone.
WHAT IF I NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH MY STUDENT OR IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
Parents may contact the front office of their student’s school to have a message related to their student.
Students who rely on their smartphone to help manage a health condition, such as diabetes, will be able to continue to do that as part of their 504 accommodations.
In the event of a school emergency such as a lockdown, staff will be able to unlock Yondr bags when it is safe, allowing students to connect with parents to let them know they are OK.
In Terrell ISD we are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for our students. We ask that you partner with us and talk to your child about keeping their cell phones turned off and placed in their Yondr pouch. We want our students to have a successful year, and need your help as parents to reinforce those expectations.
Thank you for your support and partnership as we seek a solution to this ongoing issue that directly impacts student learning.