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Village Academy Cell Phone Policy Letter – Yondr Implementation 2025 – 2026
Overview
To foster a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment, Village Academy will implement the Yondr pouch system beginning Monday, September 4, 2025. This initiative aligns with NYC DOE Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, which prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day, and supports the Respect for All (RFA) policy under Chancellor’s Regulations A-831 and A-832, which address bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Why Yondr?
Research shows that limiting cellphone use in schools:
- Improves academic performance, especially for students from underserved communities.
- Reduces safety risks, such as organizing fights or spreading misinformation.
- Supports mental health by minimizing social media distractions.
- Promotes equity and focus in classrooms.
How Yondr Works
Each student will be assigned a personal Yondr pouch at the start of the school year. The pouch remains the property of Village Academy.
Upon entering the building:
Our school day, Monday through Thursday, is 8:00 AM to 2:55 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM. Students may enter at 7:30 AM for breakfast.
- Students turn off their phones.
- Unlock their empty pouch at the entrance station.
- Place their phone inside along with any smart watches and/or earbuds, securely close it, and have pouch visible as they are entering through scanning.
Upon exiting the building:
- Students unlock their pouch at the exit station.
- Retrieve their phone and store the empty pouch for the next day.
Late arrivals will complete this process at the main office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reach my child during the day?
Call the main office at 718-471-6042. Ms. Kitt-Cooper, our Parent Coordinator will relay urgent messages to your child. Students can also make emergency phone calls in the main office or with a guidance counselor.
What if there’s an emergency?
Staff can unlock pouches within seconds once students are in a safe location. In case of emergency circumstances, the school will contact families using NYCSA email and text messages for communication. Please make sure your contact information is updated. You can also download our school app for notifications in any Play store for Apple or Android by searching for Village Academy and clicking on our logo.
Is my child’s phone safe?
Yes. Phones remain in students’ possession inside locked pouches stored in backpacks.
What if the pouch is lost or damaged?
Lost pouch: Students must pay $5 to replace the pouch. Phone held until replacement is issued.
Damaged pouch: Parents must pick up the phone and pay a $5 replacement fee.
Does my child get to use their phone during extended day and afterschool programs?
No, pouches will remain locked until they exit the school or are dismissed. During after school CBO staff will allow students to utilize their office phone. The same communication systems will be utilized to communicate with families in case of an emergency.
Student Responsibilities
- Bring their Yondr pouch daily.
- Keep all personal technology (phones, smartwatches, and headphones) turned off and stored.
- Respect others’ privacy—no photos, videos, or recordings allowed.
Discipline
Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. As provided in the State law, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy. Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
Violations and Consequences
| Offense | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1st Violation | Phone + pouch confiscated. Parents are notified and must pick up the phone. |
| 2nd Violation | Confiscation + lunch/afterschool detention. Parent pickup required. |
| 3rd Violation | Confiscation + detention + possible suspension. Parent meeting required. |
| Tampering with Yondr pouch | $5 fee for replacement. Phone confiscated until fee is paid. Parents must retrieve their phones. |
| Lost Yondr pouch | Students must pay $5 to replace the pouch. Phone held until replacement is issued in the main office. Students must turn their phones in upon arrival and will receive their phones at 3:30 PM after dismissal. |
| Smartwatch or earbuds not placed in pouch | Immediate confiscation. Parents must retrieve items from school. |
| Refusal to comply with pouch policy | Removal from class + mandatory parent meeting. Can lead to removal from school events, class, or suspension. |
| Repeated violations | The school reserves the right to hold the phone for multiple days. Further disciplinary action may be taken. |
Exceptions
- Parents/guardians must contact your child’s guidance counselor or our parent coordinator if a student requires an exception for reasons such as medical monitoring (for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances). Responses to exception requests will be received within five school days.
- Some exceptions may be authorized for a specific educational purpose as requested by the classroom teacher.
In case of emergency circumstances, the school will contact families using NYCSA email and text messages for communication.
Early Dismissal
Your child will unlock the pouch in the main office when they are signed-out of the building in the event of an early pick-up.
Cyberbullying and Technology Misuse
Under Chancellor’s Regulations A-831 and A-832, cyberbullying and misuse of technology are serious offenses. Students engaging in such behavior will face disciplinary action, including suspension and referral to support services.
Reporting:
- Students and parents should report incidents to school staff or the RFA liaison.
- Reports can also be submitted via the Respect for All online form.
Parental Support
- Discuss responsible technology use.
- Ensure devices are charged at home.
- Reinforce the importance of respect, self-control, and responsibility.
- Monitor compliance and follow up on any violations.
Family Engagement
This policy was developed in consultation with our SLT and PTA in the spring of the 2024-2025 school year. It has been updated for clarity. It will be reviewed once this fall and placed on our school website as well as backpacked home.
Disclaimer
Village Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. We are a one-to-one device school—students are provided with school-issued devices for learning. Personal tablets and iPads should be left at home.
Contact Us
For questions or concerns, please contact the school office at 718-471-6042.
Educationally Yours,
Dr. Doris C. Lee
Founding Principal, Village Academy