Cell Phones

Phone-Free School

To foster the learning environments we desire and promote healthy social and emotional development, Quincy Middle School is a phone-free school during the school day.

Why

Why Phone Free?

Support student learning
Minimize distraction in the classroom
Improve mental health
Decrease students meeting out of class
Decrease bullying via social media

Benefits of Phone-Free Policy

by PHONE-FREE SCHOOLS MOVEMENT

Phone-Free Schools Movement's in depth discussions with administrators who have effectively implemented phone-free policies have consistently highlighted the same positive outcomes. Below are some of the tangible benefits noted by these administrators:

Less distractions: Teachers report improved focus, attention and comprehension leading to better skills and grades.
Less cyberbullying
Fewer fights and social media related drama: Administrators report spending less time on discipline referrals.
Increased engagement: Students engage more with their peers and teachers both in and outside of the classroom.
Improved attendance: Students aren't texting their parents to call them out of school
Boosted efficiency: Teachers report being ahead of schedule on their lesson plans because they aren't spending time policing phones, and because students are completing classwork and assignments faster.
More reading: Phone-free schools report an increase in books checked out from their libraries.
Improved teacher morale and retention
Less mid-class absenteeism: Students request to use the restroom less frequently and trips to the restroom are shorter because students aren't using that time to be on their phones.
More vibrant lunchrooms: Lunchrooms at phone-free schools are markedly louder because students are having face-to-face conversations with their peers.
Less cheating
Less reported stress among students: School counselors are seeing a decrease in the rate of mental health related student visits.

How

QMS will implement a Phone-Free School using Yondr.

Introducing Yondr

Each student will use a Yondr pouch to safely and securely store their cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods/Earbuds, and any other personal cell devices. Students will turn their cell phones off or put them in Do Not Disturb mode and then place them and their other items in the pouch and lock the pouch prior to the start of school. Students will then keep the Yondr pouch with them during the course of the school day and will unlock the pouch when leaving school for the day.

The pouches lock using a mechanism similar to anti-theft tags found on items in clothing, sporting goods, and other stores. Students will visit the unlocking stations at the main office if leaving early or in designated spaces in the building at the end of the day. The pouches will stay with the student.

Yondr Intro video

Family Survey

Policies

Current Policy (QMS handbook Pg 15)

Electronic Devices

*Due to problems with electronics (walkie talkies, cell phones, I-Pods, air pods, cameras, etc.) being lost, stolen and inappropriately used, we strongly encourage students to leave electronic devices at home. Cameras are only to be used when done for a class or school sponsored activity. Electronic devices may be used with teacher approval for an educational activity. Technology can be used before school, during lunch, and after school. At all other times please have phone/devices turned off, silenced, and stored out of sight unless approved by your teacher for academic use. QMS will is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. When a cell phone or other device is confiscated and there is reasonable suspicion that the phone was used to video tape a fight, break school policy or has other illegal activity it may result in the search of the cell phone and in disciplinary action. Repeat offenders will be referred to the Positive Interaction and Intervention Protocol and may receive additional consequences.

The first time a phone is taken to the office, a referral will be written, and the student will meet with someone in the office at the end of the day to review the policy and get the phone.
The second time a phone is taken to the office, a referral will be written, and the student will meet with someone in the office and parent contact will be made.
The third time a phone is taken a parent will be required to pick up the phone during QMS office hours.

Sample Policy

Electronic Devices

*Due to problems with electronics (walkie talkies, cell phones, I-Pods, air pods, cameras, etc.) being lost, stolen and inappropriately used, we strongly encourage students to leave electronic devices at home. Cameras are only to be used when done for a class or school sponsored activity. Technology can only be used before school, during lunch, and after school.  At all other times please have phone/devices turned off, silenced, and stored out of sight.   QMS will is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. When a cell phone or other device is confiscated and there is reasonable suspicion that the phone was used to video tape a fight, break school policy or has other illegal activity it may result in the search of the cell phone and in disciplinary action. Repeat offenders will be referred to the Positive Interaction and Intervention Protocol and may receive additional consequences.

The first time a phone is taken to the office, a referral will be written and the student will meet with someone in the office at the end of the day to review the policy and get the phone.
The second time a phone is taken to the office, a referral will be written and the student will meet with someone in the office and parent contact will be made.
The third time a phone is taken a parent will be required to pick up the phone during QMS office hours.

FAQ

QMS Phone Free Policy

1. When will students get their Yondr pouches?

Students will receive their Yondr pouches in Advisory on November 12.

2. When do students need to have their personal technology in the pouch?

As a phone-free school, students are required each morning, upon entering the school, to turn off their phones or set them to airplane mode or silent. They should then place their phones, along with any earbuds and smartwatches, in a pouch, lock it, and keep the pouch in their backpacks throughout the school day.

3. What if a student forgets their pouch on a given day?

The office will have “day-loaner” pouches available.

4. Does a student have to take a pouch if they do not have a phone or will not be bringing a phone to school?

Yes, all students will be checked out a pouch. Parents may opt out of receiving a pouch after meeting with an administrator.

5. What if a student loses or damages their Yondr pouch?

If a student loses or damages their pouch, there will be a $27 fee to replace the pouch.

6. What if a student leaves school early for a sporting event or field trip?

Students may be allowed to unlock their phones before boarding the bus, at the discretion of the teacher or coach. If phone/device access is not permitted, the coach or supervisor will have a portable magnet available to unlock pouches as needed.

7. Will students be allowed to unlock their pouch if they need to leave school early?

Yes, students will be able to unlock their pouch in the office when they leave the building.

8. What if a student needs a phone to check their blood glucose numbers?

Students with 504s or IEPs that require the use of their phone throughout the day for health concerns, will be checked out a Velcro pouch.

9. Where will students unlock their phone pouches at the end of the day?

Students will have access to at least nine unlocking magnets mounted on walls near exits around the school building. These magnets will be available for student use after the dismissal bell rings.

10. What if a student forgets to unlock their pouch before they leave school for the day?

An unlocking magnet is mounted on the wall outside the Quincy district office at 404 1st Ave. S.W. Quincy, WA.

11. What happens if there is an emergency at school and a student can’t access their phone?

All school staff have access to phones and/or radios and are trained to implement and follow safety and emergency procedures. In the event of an emergency, students should follow all instructions from staff to ensure their safety. Quincy School District (QSD) has a detailed reunification plan in place. Should an emergency occur, parents will be contacted with instructions on where to reunite with their child. Additionally, the Quincy Middle School incident command leader will have access to a portable magnet, and a Yondr magnet is located outside the QSD district office at 404 1st Ave S.W., Quincy, WA.

12.What kind of activities will be offered in lieu of cell phones?

Foosball tables
Balls for outdoor activities
Leadership led games/tournaments
Club offerings
Activities to increase social interaction

Política de No Uso de Teléfonos en QMS

1. ¿Cuándo recibirán los estudiantes sus estuche Yondr?

Los estudiantes recibirán su estuche Yondr durante la clase de Asesoría el 12 de noviembre.

2. ¿Cuándo deben tener los estudiantes su tecnología personal dentro de su estuche?

Como una escuela libre de teléfonos celulares para estudiantes, se les pedirá a los estudiantes que cada mañana, al entrar a la escuela, apaguen sus teléfonos o los pongan en modo avión o silencio. Luego, deben colocar sus teléfonos, junto con cualquier audífono o reloj inteligente, dentro de su estuche, cerrarlo y mantenerlo en sus mochilas durante todo el día escolar.

3. ¿Qué pasa si un estudiante olvida su estuche?

La oficina tendrá estuches “prestados por el día” disponibles.

4. ¿Debe un estudiante llevar un estuche si no tiene teléfono o no va a traer un teléfono a la escuela?

Sí, a todos los estudiantes se les entregará un estuche. Los padres pueden optar por no recibir un estuche después de reunirse con un administrador.

5. ¿Qué sucede si un estudiante pierde o daña su estuche Yondr?

Si un estudiante pierde o daña su estuche, se cobrará $27 para reemplazarlo.

6. ¿Qué pasa si un estudiante sale temprano de la escuela para un evento deportivo o una excursión?

A discreción del maestro o entrenador, los estudiantes podrán desbloquear sus teléfonos antes de abordar el autobús. Si no se permite el acceso al teléfono o dispositivo, el entrenador o supervisor tendrá un imán portátil disponible para desbloquear los estuches según sea necesario.

7. ¿Se permitirá a los estudiantes desbloquear sus estuches si necesitan salir temprano de la escuela?

Sí, los estudiantes podrán desbloquear sus estuches en la oficina cuando salgan del edificio.

8. ¿Qué pasa si un estudiante necesita un teléfono para verificar sus niveles de glucosa en sangre?

Los estudiantes con planes 504 o IEP que requieran el uso del teléfono durante el día por razones de salud recibirán un estuche con cierre de velcro.

9. ¿Dónde desbloquearán los estuches los estudiantes al final del día?

Los estudiantes tendrán acceso a al menos nueve imanes para desbloquear los estuches, montados en las paredes cerca de las salidas del edificio escolar. Estos imanes estarán disponibles para uso de los estudiantes después de que suene la campana de salida.

10. ¿Qué pasa si un estudiante olvida desbloquear su estuche antes de salir de la escuela?

Hay un imán para desbloquear estuches montado en la pared fuera de la oficina del distrito de Quincy, en 404 1st Ave. S.W., Quincy, WA.

11. ¿Qué ocurre si hay una emergencia en la escuela y un estudiante no puede acceder a su teléfono?

Todo el personal de la escuela tiene acceso a teléfonos celulares y/o radios y están capacitados para implementar y seguir los procedimientos de seguridad y emergencia. En caso de emergencia, los estudiantes deben seguir todas las instrucciones del personal para garantizar su seguridad. El Distrito Escolar de Quincy (QSD) tiene un plan detallado de reunificación. En caso de que ocurra una emergencia, los padres serán contactados con instrucciones sobre dónde reunirse con su hijo. Además, el líder del comando de incidentes de Quincy Middle School tendrá acceso a un imán portátil, y también hay un imán Yondr disponible fuera de la oficina del distrito de QSD en 404 1st Ave S.W., Quincy, WA.

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