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TMS Cellphone Policy

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES

All preschool-grade 12 students across School District U-46 will be restricted from using their wireless communication devices (e.g., cellphones, smart watches, smart glasses, etc.) during the school day inside academic spaces and during instruction. The use of cellphones will be allowed only before entering or after leaving the building, or as directed by U-46 employees. Parents/Guardians should call the main office instead of their student’s personal cellphone for home or personal emergencies; likewise, students are asked to use the main office’s phone if they need to contact their parents/guardians for an emergency during school hours. Cellphones should be turned off and kept either in a backpack, locker, or otherwise secured in accordance with the individual school’s procedures. Please follow the individual school’s cellphone guidelines for any other cellphone-related matters. The district is not responsible for any loss or damage to any personal property, including but not limited to cellphones brought by students onto district property.

TEFFT'S POLICY :

At Tefft Middle School, we’re committed to creating a learning environment where every student can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Beginning August, we will launch the Yondr Phone-Free Schools Program—a proven, bell-to-bell approach that supports student focus, well-being, and connection by removing mobile phone distractions during the school day.

For over a decade, Yondr has helped schools across all 50 states and more than 35 countries build healthier, more engaging school cultures. Their pouch-based program, combined with hands-on guidance and dedicated support, has led to powerful results:

  • 86% reported improved safety and student wellness
  • 84% saw increased engagement in class
  • 68% experienced academic gain
  • 44% reduced behavioral referrals

The School Code of conduct has the following statement about cell phones in middle school. 

All Pre-K to 8th grade students across School District U-46 will be restricted from using their wireless communication devices (e.g., cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, etc.) during the school day. They must keep their wireless communication device away for the day. This includes, but is not limited to, no cell phone use in all academic spaces as well as hallways, during lunch, in the locker room or bathrooms. These guidelines include other electronic devices that may be synchronized with the cell phone and/or that create distraction during instruction.

The use of Yondr pouches does not represent a new expectation; rather, it is a tool designed to support the enforcement of existing guidelines outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. This practice is also in alignment with Board Policy 7.190 – Student Behavior. In January, the principal of Larsen Middle School presented the school's implementation of Yondr pouches and the positive outcomes to the Citizens Advisory Council. As part of the district’s approval process, the initiative was also reviewed and approved during the spring Board meeting.

How the Program Works

Each student will be assigned a Yondr pouch—a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and keeping it in good condition.

  • Upon arrival: Students power off their phone and smartwatch (or switch to airplane mode), place all devices in the pouch, and lock it upon entering the building
  • During the day: Students keep the locked pouch 
  • At dismissal: Students unlock pouches at designated stations to retrieve their devices.

This process is quick, simple, and will be supervised by staff as part of our daily routine.

Staying Connected

With student safety as our top priority, we will follow our standard safety protocols in the event of an emergency. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact our main office at 630-213-5535.