Manville Becoming Phone Free

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Hello Manville Families,

Starting this summer, Manville School is becoming/will be a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning 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 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. We will also be securing smart watches and wireless ear buds.

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 your clinician. We will be sharing this information with student tomorrow (Friday). Support will be provided (as needed) for students who may struggle with the change. We appreciate your understanding and support in adoption of the Yondr Program at Manville.

Thank you,

John Kershaw

Manville Director

What if I want to reach my child during the school day?

We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the main office at 617-278-4141.

What if there is a school emergency?

In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency preparedness protocol.

Will my student’s phone be safe?

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch in their backpacks where it is completely safe.

What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?

We are in the process of updating our cell phone policy and will share this as soon as it's finalized. The policy will include what happens if the pouch is damaged or if students are on their phone.