All Peoria Public Schools are phone free

This year, Peoria Public Schools will be making our middle and high schools a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning using Yondr Lockable Phone Pouches.

While phones have great utility, they are commonly a distraction in the classroom. Learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates.

Yondr Pouches are 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. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.

We received responses to our annual surveys from over 1,200 school partners, and after implementing the Yondr Education Program:

84% saw a change in student engagement
72% saw a positive change in student behavior
68% saw a positive change in academic performance

Of our most recent impact survey of over 370 of our school partners: 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness.

Sterling students are expected to secure their cell phones, smart watches and AirPods in their Yondr Pouch at the start of each school day. These electronics will be stored in the locked Yondr Pouch for the entirety of the school day. Students will have the opportunity to unlock their Yonder pouches at dismissal each day and retrieve their electronics.

Students with a documented medical need will be provided an ADA compliant Yondr Pouch to use.

Students who lose or damage a Yondr Pouch will be charged $30 for the pouch. Students who have lost or damaged their pouch will be required to turn their cell phone in to the office at arrival each day and pick it up at dismissal. Refusal to use the Yondr Pouch will result in progressive discipline.