News from Novi: Middle School Students Required to Lock Up Phones
Good news from Novi, where local schools have discovered an innovative way to keep student attention in the classroom rather than on their cell phones. The new protocol demands that middle school students keep their phones locked in specially designed pouches during school time.
Creating Phone-Free Learning Spaces with Yondr Pouches
The idea’s pretty simple. Students from 5th to 8th grade are given a phone pouch by a company called Yondr. These pouches are designed to maintain phone-free spaces for events, organizations, and now, education. The students are required to keep their phones inside these pouches for the entire duration of the school day.
The Rationale Behind the Move
The school officials feel that this approach provides a valuable tool to keep students engaged in learning. With students’ phones locked up, they’re better positioned to focus on their study without any distractions. This decision does not outrightly ban phones, recognizing their practical value for families.
Concerns About Safety and Emergency Communication
Naturally, there have been worries about hindering emergency communication if phones are locked away, especially in the event of an active shooter situation. However, school authorities argue that it’s vital for students to be present in the moment, listening to necessary adult instruction. Having a locked phone can avert the spreading of misinformation or unnecessary panic.
Provisions After School Hours
The good part is, once school concludes for the day, students can unlock the case and take out their phones. If a student realizes after reaching home that their phone is still in the pouch, schools have made provisions for outdoor unlocking stations. Students can easily unlock their pouch just by pushing a button.
Funding the Initiative
The partnership with Yondr – the pouch creators – costs approximately $30 per piece. These funds were sourced from the school’s mental health budget showing the initiative’s alignment with improving students’ mental health and academic engagement.
