As students stepped into the McClymonds High School building bright and early Monday morning, they were immediately greeted by staff, who stopped them from walking any further while holding open small black pouches. The cost of entry? The students’ cellphones.
Some teens balked at locking away their devices, while others coyly claimed they didn’t have one. Once a student’s phone was magnetically sealed, they were free to pick up their class schedule, greet their old classmates and teachers, and go on to class.
The Yondr-brand pouches will be a ubiquitous sight on Oakland Unified School District campuses this year, as the district rolls out a state-mandated policy prohibiting students from accessing their phones during the school day. Middle and high school students will keep the fabric containers with them throughout the day, while elementary school classrooms will be equipped with lock boxes for student phones. Phones will be returned, or unlocked, at the end of the school day…