Students who are enrolled in a class with English instructor Kathy Wagoner have been greeted this year with her new classroom cellphone policy.

At the beginning of the hour, students must place their cellphones into their assigned pouch. These pouches, called “Yondr“, cannot be opened unless a special magnet is used.

Wagoner said she learned about Yondr from a news program.

“I was just fascinated by what these young entrepreneurs were saying,” Wagoner said. “They were kind of annoyed and upset about how addicted people are to their phones. No one seems to be living in the moment anymore.”

While watching the news program, Wagoner learned that famous comedian David Chappelle got with Yondr because he was annoyed that people weren’t paying attention to his performances.

“People were always just distracted by their phones at his events,” Wagoner said. “Now his security guys stand outside his venues and you cannot enter the building unless you put your phone in a bag.”

Yondr sleeves are similar to security tags found on clothes in shopping areas. When a student is in class, they have their phone inside of the pouch next to them at all times. However, they are not able to actually access the phone.

“I thought, rather than putting cellphones in a shoe organizer, I wanted something more secure,” Wagoner said. “Of course, phones can walk off here but you would have to do a lot more to try and open the bag.”

After researching the product, Wagoner contacted the creator of Yondr and was offered a special deal on the pouches.

“I was the first person in this district to request it,” Wagoner said. “With the districts approval, I was able to order them.”

Wagoner’s classes are now testing the pouches.

“So far, the students don’t really seem to mind so much,” Wagoner said. “To me, if they know they have possession of their phone it’s good. But they also know they can’t get to it, so their focus is on class.”

Senior Brianna Brin is enrolled in AP English IV with Wagoner.

“I really understand the point,” Brin said. “I found them to be more distracting at first because usually my phone is in my backpack. But now it’s sitting on the table and I can hear when it vibrates.”

Senior MKilar Otte is also enrolled in AP English IV.

“My initial thoughts were that [the pouches] were weird and I didn’t like them,” Otte said. “I can control myself with my phone, but sometimes I do need to check it in case I get an important text from my mom or something.”

Otte said he doesn’t necessarily mind the pouches, but also wouldn’t mind if they went away.

“I like to play with my phone but it’s not a big deal,” Otte said.

Wagoner said she wants the focus of her students to be in the moment.

“I don’t want the students to be focused on who’s texting or calling them,” Wagoner said. “As of now, my classes are the only ones using the sleeves, and I really do believe the Yondr pouches will be successful this year.”

To learn more about Yondr, click here.

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