Oblong Set to Begin “Yondr Phone-Free School Program”

(Oblong) — Oblong High School is adopting a rule that may soon become law statewide. According to Unit 4, beginning August 18th, they will launch the “Yondr Phone-Free Schools Program.” Per the program, each student will be assigned a “Yondr pouch,” a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. When students arrive at school, they will be required to power off their phones, AirPods, and smartwatch or switch to airplane mode, place all devices in the pouch, and lock it. Students will then keep the locked pouch in their backpacks. They will be allowed to unlock the pouches at designated stations to retrieve their devices at the end of the school day. School officials say if parents need to reach their child during the school day, they can call the main office at 618-592-4235. Governor Pritzker will sign a school cellphone ban into law today. A measure approved by the state Senate would require all school districts and charter schools in the state to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day.