Urbana Middle School is implementing a new cell phone policy, with the goal of improving teaching and learning.
Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, Urbana Middle School will use Yondr pouches to create a phone-free space for students. Yondr has been implemented in over 2,000 schools across 16 countries. Schools who have already implemented the Yondr pouches said they have seen better student engagement and positive changes in student behavior and academic performance.
“We believe that phones have great utility. We have also found that learning and social behavior improve drastically when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates,” said Principal Derrick Cooper.
Every UMS student will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. Students will maintain possession of their phones, and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day.
If there is an emergency and you would like to get in contact with your child, please reach out to the front office staff at (217) 384-3685. You can also email your student’s school email.
There is a community roundtable to gather feedback on this new policy scheduled for August 28 from 5-6 p.m. at UMS.
In an effort to best serve your student, we appreciate your support in the adoption of the Yondr Program at Urbana Middle School. If you have any questions, please contact the school directly at (217) 384-3685.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to reach my child during the school day?
We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to contact your student during the school day, contact the main office at 217-384-3685.
What if there is a school emergency?
In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency preparedness protocol.
Will my student’s phone be safe?
Students are in possession of their phone – in their Yondr pouch – for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch in their binder.
What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged or a student is caught on their phone?The Yondr pouch is property of Urbana Middle School. If a student damages their pouch or is caught on their phone, Administration will collect the phone/pouch and call home.
- An adult will be required to come to the school and pick up their student’s phone
- Consequences may include: Community Service/In-School Suspension/Detention /Replacement Fee