Phone Pouch Pilot Program launches in two middle schools

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– Town Creek Middle School and Cedar Grove Middle School in Brunswick County are rolling out the Yondr phone pouch pilot program.

Rebecca Heitz, Principal of Town Creek Middle School, explains that the program is designed to ensure uninterrupted learning.

“Our goal is to make instruction a priority. If we can use a tool like this to help us achieve that, we’re committed to doing so,” Heitz says.

Under the new system, students will check in at designated locations upon arriving at school. They will be required to lock their phones into a pouch in the presence of staff.

Throughout the school day, students will retain their pouches but will be unable to access their phones without the magnet.

At the end of the day, students can retrieve their phones at designated exit points, where magnetic devices will unlock the pouches.

Principal Heitz shares her excitement about the program: “Our teachers and parents are fully supportive, and the students understand the new procedures. We’ll be holding grade-level assemblies to further explain the program. Our community is dedicated to understanding and supporting this initiative.”

For students with specific medical needs, such as those who need to monitor glucose levels via an app, their pouches will feature Velcro for easy access.

Students do have the option to opt out of the program, but those who choose to do so will not be permitted to bring any electronics onto campus.

There is still time for students to opt out at Town Creek; the final day to submit the opt-out form is August 30th.