Only a special magnet can unlock the pouch
By Megan Molseed, Storm Lake Times Pilot
Iowa-Students at St. Mary’s high school and middle schools will soon lock their cellphones and smart devices away during the school day.
The new policy takes effect next week on Ash Wednesday and will be enforced using Yondr pouches, a system designed to keep phones inaccessible while remaining in students’ possession.
Each student will receive a personal Yondr pouch, which locks securely with a specialized magnet. The pouches can only be unlocked at the end of the school day using a designated device.
“The phones stay with the student so they always know where it is, but it won’t be a distraction during the school day,” said St. Mary’s 6-12 Principal Ryan Berg of the new system.
Each Yondr pouch costs between $25 and $30 per student, Berg notes.
St. Mary’s has already banned cell phones for younger students, from kindergarten through middle school, but high schoolers were still allowed limited access during lunch and passing periods.
The Yondr pouches will now eliminate that access, creating a uniform policy for students in grades 6-12.
“This move will help the students focus on what they are here in school to do,” Berg said.
Berg adds that now is the right time to make the switch. With state legislation on the horizon and Iowa’s governor preparing to require schools to restrict phone usage, St. Mary’s is taking a proactive approach. Additionally, the Diocese of Sioux City is set to implement a similar policy at the start of the next school year, making this transition a logical step for the school.
“Father (Lingle) and I visited each grade last week to talk about the new policy,” Berg said.
“This is a great time for students to start. Lent is about sacrifice, and this change gives them an opportunity to step away from their devices, limit distractions, and help us create a more focused learning environment as a school.”
The policy will apply to all middle and high school students, while those in kindergarten through fifth grade will be expected to leave their phones and smart devices, including smartwatches, at home.
“It hasn’t been a major issue in our classrooms yet, but we’ve certainly seen a rising impact,” said St. Mary’s K-5 Principal Kate Swanson of the growing distraction smart devices bring into the classroom. “I’m excited to see the shift this change will bring to the whole school.”
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