News from Novi: Middle School Students Required to Lock Up Phones
Good news from Novi, where local schools have discovered an innovative way to keep student attention in the classroom rather than on their cell phones. The new protocol demands that middle school students keep their phones locked in specially designed pouches during school time.
Creating Phone-Free Learning Spaces with Yondr Pouches
The idea’s pretty simple. Students from 5th to 8th grade are given a phone pouch by a company called Yondr. These pouches are designed to maintain phone-free spaces for events, organizations, and now, education. The students are required to keep their phones inside these pouches for the entire duration of the school day.
The Rationale Behind the Move
The school officials feel that this approach provides a valuable tool to keep students engaged in learning. With students’ phones locked up, they’re better positioned to focus on their study without any distractions. This decision does not outrightly ban phones, recognizing their practical value for families.
Concerns About Safety and Emergency Communication
Naturally, there have been worries about hindering emergency communication if phones are locked away, especially in the event of an active shooter situation. However, school authorities argue that it’s vital for students to be present in the moment, listening to necessary adult instruction. Having a locked phone can avert the spreading of misinformation or unnecessary panic.
Provisions After School Hours
The good part is, once school concludes for the day, students can unlock the case and take out their phones. If a student realizes after reaching home that their phone is still in the pouch, schools have made provisions for outdoor unlocking stations. Students can easily unlock their pouch just by pushing a button.
Funding the Initiative
The partnership with Yondr – the pouch creators – costs approximately $30 per piece. These funds were sourced from the school’s mental health budget showing the initiative’s alignment with improving students’ mental health and academic engagement.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
