Phone Free Schools Evaluation Process:

Community Feedback and District Exploration

Survey: Our district's exploration included gathering community feedback through a survey in Fall 2024, receiving input from 722 parents, 159 students, and 129 staff.

Focus Group: We also conducted three focus groups with parents and guardians to explore concerns and potential solutions, reviewing relevant research and sharing personal experiences.

Adoption of Phone Free Schools Policy 

• The school board adopted an update to policy 3245 creating a phone free environment in Wenatchee schools at their June 24, 2025 board meeting.
• The policy change will go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year which would include the implementation of the Yondr pouch at Wenatchee High School, WestSide High School and Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center.

How We Will Implement a Phone Free Environment Using Yondr Pouches
Based on the compelling national research and the thoughtful engagement with our local community, we are taking a significant step forward. WSD will implement a phone-free environment at Wenatchee High School, WestSide High School and Wenatchee Valley Tech starting next school year through the use of Yondr pouches. Middle and elementary schools will not use Yonder but will continue their current “away for the day” phone free practices which have been successful. 

The Yondr Program is a widely used solution recommended by experts to help schools create phone-free spaces. Schools in Washington, such as Mercer Island and others more closer to home, like The River Academy, have adopted Yondr.

With the Yondr system, students keep their phones with them, but they are securely stored in individual pouches that remain locked during the school day. These pouches are unlocked at the end of the school day.

This approach aims to balance the need for a distraction-free learning environment with the desire for students to have their phones for communication before and after school and in case of emergencies. Yondr systems include methods like classroom bases, go bag bases, or safety shears to unlock pouches in emergencies, ensuring immediate access once a student is safe.

Schools partnering with Yondr have reported seeing improvements in:

• Student behavior
• Academic performance
• Social connection
• Mental health
• Student engagement
• And even narrowing the achievement gap

One independent study on the Yondr Program found a significant increase in academic performance (a 14.9% increase in the probability of earning a 'C' grade or better in academically focused classes for grades 6-12) and significant reductions in average monthly behavioral referrals (-43.72%), technology use referrals (-45.37%), and discrimination/harassment/bullying referrals (-34.72%). School staff using Yondr also reported noticing reduced classroom disruptions, improved academic performance, and students being more attentive and participating.