Click here to view Yondr pouch introduction video
District complies with state law while uniquely allowing students to keep their devices on them during the school day
Starting this school year, Yonkers Public Schools will implement Yondr Pouches in all secondary schools. This initiative is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering focused, engaged, and respectful learning environments while ensuring compliance with the new state law prohibiting student internet-enabled device use during the school day.
Yondr pouches are secure, lockable cases that hold students’ personal cellphones and other internet enabled devices. Students place their devices inside the pouch upon arrival, keep the locked pouch with them throughout the day, and unlock it at dismissal to regain access.
Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. stated, “Like every public school district in New York State, Yonkers Public Schools had no question but to comply with the new law. Thanks to available funding from Governor Kathy Hochul and in partnership with Mayor Mike Spano, we were able to think outside of the box and secure critical resources to ensure our high school students can hold onto their devices while still learning in a distraction-free environment. We are proud to be the largest school district in New York State to offer this option for all of our high school students.”
Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio emphasized the importance of governance and partnership in the decision, “The Board of Education takes seriously its responsibility to govern with care and foresight. Implementing Yondr required careful planning, and I commend Superintendent Soler and Mayor Spano for their leadership and tact in bringing this forward. This collaborative effort reflects our shared commitment to both compliance and the well-being of our students.”
“Yonkers Public Schools is an elite school district, consistently graduating our kids at 90%,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Governor Hochul’s statewide policy banning internet-enabled devices during learning has been shown to increase academic performance and engagement. We want our students to attend to each other and their teachers, not their phones. We believe this will greatly shift the school atmosphere to one with more student interaction, conversation, and connection.”
What Families Need to Know:
- Student responsibility: Each high school student will receive their own Yondr pouch and must bring it daily.
- Lost or damaged pouches: Schools will provide information on replacement procedures and costs.
- Emergencies: Families should contact the main office if they need to reach a student during the school day.
- After school: Pouches will be unlocked at dismissal, and students will regain full access to devices.
Graham Dugoni, founder and CEO of Yondr added, “The Yonkers Public Schools partnership with Yondr represents a transformative step toward reclaiming the learning environment our students deserve. When we remove the constant distraction of phones from classrooms, we restore genuine human connection and social interaction among our young people, all while improving academic outcomes. Yonkers’ decision prioritizes student wellbeing and academic excellence, and we’re proud to support districts that put learning first.”
Why this matters:
- Increased focus and participation in class
- Fewer distractions and reduced social media conflicts
- Improved safety and school climate
- Stronger student-to-student and student-to-teacher connections
- Better mental health
For grades PreK-8, schools will continue to use secure storage methods such as lockboxes, classroom-managed containers, or designated lockers, depending on grade level and building.
The district is proud to partner with Yondr, a recognized leader in creating phone-free spaces, and to set a precedent as the largest school district in New York State implementing this initiative.
“By removing cellphone distractions during the school day, we are creating a healthier, safer, and more productive school environment,” said Superintendent Soler.
New York State “Bell-to-Bell” Policy Overview
New York State now requires all K-12 schools to enforce a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal internet-enabled devices – this includes smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other web-connected gadgets from the start to the end of the school day. This restriction applies across schools’ entire property, including classrooms, lunch areas, hallways, study halls, and school grounds.
In alignment with this statewide mandate, the Yonkers Board of Education formally adopted Policy 5695: Student and Personal Electronic Devices on July 23, 2025. The policy prohibits the unsanctioned use of personal internet-enabled devices – including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and similar technology during school hours across all district schools.
The Yonkers BOE policy specifies that:
- Students in grades 9-12 will store their devices in district-issued Yondr pouches, which remain locked throughout the day while in the student’s possession.
- Students in PreK–8 schools will store devices in teacher-managed lockboxes, classroom caddies, or secure lockers as designated by administrators.
- Exceptions are made for health needs, emergencies, translation services, and accommodations required by an IEP or 504 Plan.
- Replacement procedures and costs are outlined for lost or damaged pouches.
- Adoption of Policy 5695 ensures that Yonkers Public Schools fully complies with New York State law while also setting a model for large urban districts by allowing high school students to maintain possession of their devices in a secure, locked manner.
According to the Yonkers Public Schools, the cost was less than $250K. Taxpayer money was not used. The cost was paid for through a mix of grant funding and funds provided by Gov. Hochul.
