Dear Parents,
I hope all is well. We are writing to share exciting news: Ellington is embarking on a pilot program to become a phone-free space and improve teaching and learning! We will utilize the Yondr system, which is used internationally in more than 1,000 schools, as well as at concerts, comedy shows, businesses, camps, weddings and various special events. By using Yondr, these spaces are encouraging people to engage with one another and their surroundings.
While cell phones have great utility, we have found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates Yondr employs a simple, lockable pouch that stores a cell phone. Every student will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. They will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouches to and from school each day and are responsible for the pouches at all times.
We are encouraged by this system’s effects within learning institutions. Yondr surveyed over 900 school partners to measure the impact of phone-free educational environments. These schools achieved notable progress in multiple areas:
● 65% saw an improvement in academic performance. ● 74% saw an improvement in student behavior. ● 83% saw an improvement in student engagement in the classroom.
To reach your child in the event of an emergency during the school day, you can call the main office at 202-282-0123. You also can call Ms. Donna Hollis on her cell phone at 202-374-4693. The new system will be discussed further at upcoming parent meetings. Meanwhile, you can contact the school directly with any questions.
We appreciate your full support in our adoption of the Yondr system to best serve your child and all our students. Thank you!
v/R
Principal Sandi M. Logan