This school year, Newport-Mesa Unified School District middle schools implemented the use of Yondr cell phone pouches to help create more focused, engaged, and positive learning environments. While each school is tailoring the program to best fit its campus, the shared goal is the same: supporting students in being present, building connections, and reducing distractions during the school day.

Already, we are seeing encouraging results. Teachers and staff report that students are more attentive in class, more engaged with one another during breaks, and less distracted by phones and earbuds. Ensign Intermediate School notes a “night and day” improvement in student behavior compared to last year, while TeWinkle Middle School staff highlight smoother classrooms and more engaged instructional time. At Costa Mesa Middle School, staff find the program less confrontational and easier to consistently enforce, while Corona del Mar Middle School has seen device violations cut in half since adopting Yondr last year. Students have said using the pouches helps them focus in class, and many appreciate the opportunity to disconnect during the school day.

We recognize that each of our middle schools is implementing the program in slightly different ways, but all are united in the effort to promote a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment. We are proud of the early feedback and results, and we will continue to listen, learn, and adapt as we move forward together.