NBHS cell phone use

Dear NBHS Families,

I am writing to share an important update regarding our district's cell phone and personal electronic device policy, which will officially take effect at North Brookfield Junior/Senior High School on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Over the past several months, we have been working with our School Committee, school leadership, and staff to establish clear and consistent expectations regarding student cell phone use during the school day. As part of this initiative, we will be implementing the YONDR pouch system, which will allow students to securely store their cell phones and other personal electronic devices throughout the school day.

Our goal is simple: to create a learning environment where students are more engaged, less distracted, and better able to connect with their teachers and peers. While we recognize that cell phones have become an important part of our daily lives, we also recognize the challenges they can present in schools, including distractions from instruction, disruptions to learning, and reduced opportunities for meaningful face-to-face interaction.

This initiative is not intended to be punitive. Rather, it is another step in our ongoing efforts to promote a positive school culture, strengthen student engagement, and ensure that our classrooms remain focused on teaching and learning.

What Will the School Day Look Like?

Beginning Friday, November 13, all NBHS students will follow these daily procedures:

Morning Arrival (By 7:30 a.m.)

• Upon entering the building, students will retrieve their individually assigned YONDR pouch from the designated grade-level holders located in the main lobby.

• Students will power off their cell phones and place them, along with any other personal electronic devices, including earbuds, inside the pouch.

• Students will securely close and lock their pouch before proceeding to class.

During the School Day

• Students will keep their locked YONDR pouch with them throughout the school day.

• Students will not be permitted to access their cell phones, earbuds, or other prohibited personal electronic devices during the school day.

• Devices will remain secured until the conclusion of the school day, consistent with the district's adopted policy.

End-of-Day Dismissal

• At the end of the school day, students will use the designated magnetic unlocking stations located in the main lobby to open their pouches.

• Students will remove their devices and return their assigned pouch to the appropriate grade-level holder.

• YONDR pouches will remain at school each day. Students will not be taking them home.

Communication With Your Child During the School Day

We understand that families may be accustomed to communicating directly with their children through cell phones during the school day. We also recognize that situations arise when parents need to reach their children.

Please be assured that families will continue to have the ability to communicate with their children through the school's main office. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the school, and our staff will assist in relaying important messages.

Similarly, students who need to contact a parent or guardian during the school day will be able to do so through established school procedures.

In the event of an emergency, our school administration and staff will continue to follow established safety and communication protocols to ensure that students and families receive timely and accurate information.

Our Expectations and Partnership With Families

As with any new initiative, we recognize that there will be an adjustment period. Our administration and staff will work with students to teach, reinforce, and consistently implement these expectations.

We are asking families to take a few minutes before November 13 to speak with their children about the importance of following these procedures. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home will be an important part of making this transition successful.

We also want to emphasize that students will continue to have access to technology necessary for instructional purposes, as directed by their teachers. The intent of this policy is not to eliminate technology from our classrooms, but to ensure that personal electronic devices do not interfere with learning.

Any individualized needs or circumstances requiring consideration will be addressed by school administration in accordance with the adopted policy and applicable student support plans.

Additional Information and Resources

To help families and students better understand this transition, I have attached the finalized cell phone policy along with a short video demonstrating how the YONDR pouch system works. I encourage you to review both resources with your child before our November 13 implementation date. Principal Beck will also be available to answer any questions at next Thursday's parent/guardian-teacher conference event from 11:45-2pm or 5-7:00pm at NBHS. Additionally, you can always email any questions to NBHS Principal Brian Beck at bbeck@nbschools.org.

We recognize that changes of this nature can generate questions and, at times, concerns. However, we firmly believe that creating a more focused, engaging, and connected school environment is in the best interest of our students.

At North Brookfield Public Schools, we remain committed to providing our students with the conditions necessary to learn, grow, and succeed. This initiative represents another important step toward that goal.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to make this a successful transition for our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Tim