Cell Phones

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.

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Phone-Free School

Why