Maker Academy Electronic Device Policy 25-26
Maker is committed to maintaining a safe and distraction-free learning environment that supports
academic and social engagement. In accordance with New York State Law and Chancellor’s
Regulation A-413, students are not permitted to use personal internet-enabled electronic
devices during the school day “from bell to bell” (9:00-3:40) unless specific exceptions apply.
Devices Include:
● Cell phones and smartphones
● Wireless headphones
● Smartwatches and Bluetooth devices
● Non-DOE issued laptops/tablets
● Gaming devices and portable music players
This year, students will be provided with a Yondr pouch that they are responsible for taking to and from
school every day and locking their phones and other electronic devices in every day. We strongly
recommend that students keep their pouched electronic devices in their backpack or locker.
If a student is seen with any of the devices above during the school day or refuses to put their
devices into the Yondr pouch, their phone will be confiscated the following day. Repeated
infractions will result in escalating consequences including suspension.
Students may only use their personal internet-enabled devices during the school day:
1. If authorized by the principal/designee for an educational purpose.
2. By students with medical conditions that require the use of electronic devices to
monitor them, such as glucose monitors for diabetes. In this case, parents should inform the
school and provide any necessary documentation to ensure proper authorization and usage.
3. If the student is a primary caregiver (case-by-case determination by support staff).
4. Where legally required.
5. In individual emergencies, with prior notification to the principal.
6. If required by an IEP or 504 Plan, until a DOE device has been provided.
Families should contact Assistant Principal Seth Pearce at [email protected] to arrange a
conference if they believe their child is eligible for an exception. Requests for exceptions can take
up to one week to process. This policy will be posted on the school website and updated if
changes occur.
Entrance Procedure
Upon morning entry to the lobby, students are to unlock their pouch, turn off their devices
(including multiple phones if applicable) and place all electronic devices into a
school-provided YONDR pouch, which will be verified by CST Members or an Assistant
Principal.
If a student refuses to put their phone in a Yondr pouch they will have their phone
confiscated the following day.
Students who are late to school will have to wait in the lobby by the security desk until a
Maker staff member is able to come down and verify that they have pouched their
devices.
Exit Procedure
As students exit the school building for dismissal Maker staff will unlock students’ YONDR
pouches at Stairwell C or in the lobby. After removing their items, they should re-lock the
pouch for transit.
If a student has an early release, they must stop by ms. Ashley’s office in 442 to have their
Yondr Pouch unlocked. If Ms. Ashley is unavailable, go to room 412.
Out-Lunch
Students are permitted to have their electronic devices during out-lunch. Per state law,
students are not allowed to access their devices in the cafeteria or library. When they swipe
out to go to out-lunch, CST Members or Assistant Principals will unlock their Yondr pouch
once the CAASS machine verifies their out-lunch status. Students who do not have out-lunch
will not have their Yondr Pouches unlocked.
At the end of out-lunch, students must lock their cell phones back into their YONDR pouches
until the end of the school day. If a student has an electronic device that is not in a
YONDR pouch after lunch, they will not be allowed to go out for out-lunch the following
day and their phone will be confiscated and returned at the conclusion of the school
day.
Students who return late from lunch will be held downstairs at the security desk, until a Maker
staff member is able to go downstairs and verify that they have pouched their devices.
Students Who Do Not Own/Have CellPhones
Students who do not own cell phones and therefore will not pouch a phone at school
must bring in a No Cell Phone Verification form signed by a parent with a phone number
at which the school can confirm the form’s validity. If this status should change and the
student will be bringing a cell phone to school, the school must be notified immediately
Any student who hands in the form but is found with a cell phone will have their
cell phone confiscated and a parent meeting will be required to receive their
phone back.
For students who have had their electronic devices taken away by their parent/guardian or
they left it at home, they will have to remain at the security desk in the lobby until a
parent/guardian can verify the status of their devices.
Damage to a Yondr Pouch
Yondr pouches will be checked each day at morning entry. Any evidence of
tampering with the lock or damage to the pouch (including pen marks, ripped
pouch material, and/or bending or clamping of the pouch’s needle) will result in
the pouch and electronic device being confiscated.
Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised,
whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by Maker. This includes but is not limited
to, rips, cuts, tears, and/or evidence of force to the black button on the back or opened in any
way other than prescribed by Maker. If the pouch is damaged: The student/their caregiver is
responsible for purchasing a new Pouch ($25) The student may also be suspended from
extracurricular activities.
Example of Damage
Damage includes, but is not limited to, the following:
● Ripped
● Cut
● Torn
● Inappropriate markings
● Bent/cut pin
● Signs of force to black button on flap
Retrieving Electronic Devices
Electronic devices that are confiscated throughout the day will be returned by Chad at
dismissal at the front door. Other items can be returned to the student at the end of the school
day. Items that are not picked up by the end of the school year from the day they are
confiscated are subject to donation. Maker is not responsible for replacing items that have
been donated after being left and not picked up by the end of the school year.
Response procedure for a student who is in possession of an unpouched electronic device:
1. Staff member reminds students of the school device policy
2. Provide 1-2 minutes for the student to turn in their electronic device or put it in a YONDR
pouch.
3. Staff member logs electronic device usage into JumpRope for confiscation the following day.
Students who are repeatedly seen with an unpouched electronic device will have a family
meeting and may require a parent/guardian to retrieve confiscated devices going forward.
Family Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this policy being implemented? Last spring, Governor Hochul signed a law stating
that cell phones are banned in New York State public schools in order to prevent distractions to
learning. Our previous phone home system, in which students turned in their phones at the
beginning of each class, is no longer compliant with that law, as students are no longer allowed
to have access to their phones in hallways or other school spaces during the school day.
What if my student does not have an electronic device or smartphone?
Students who do not have a cell phone or smartphone, must fill out a form stating so (final
page of this packet). Students will still be issued a pouch and will be expected to always keep
the pouch in their possession. A laminated card will be provided to the student to show staff
that they will not have a smartphone in their pouch.
What if I want to reach my child during the school day?
We want our students to be engaged in their learning; however, if a situation arises that cannot
wait until school is dismissed, please contact the main office at (212) 225-0890 and select to
speak with the Parent Coordinator when given the option and we will pull them out of class to
speak with you. You can also email the Parent Coordinator directly at
susan.crowson@uamakernyc
What if there is an emergency?
In case of an emergency, we direct our students to safety first. School staff will be able to
unlock a Yondr pouch for students once they are in a safe and secure location. In the event of
an emergency, the school will communicate with families using Parentsquare and DOE Messenger, which will send messages directly to your email or phone. You do not need to
sign up for any accounts or applications to receive these messages. If you believe you
are not receiving this messages, contact Parent Coordinator Susan Crowson at
[email protected].
Will my child’s electronic device be safe?
Students will retain possession of their electronic devices, securely encased within Yondr
pouches, throughout each class period. We will encourage students to safely stow the
pouches in their backpacks or lockers.
What about student athletes that leave early for a game?
Student-athletes will be able to unlock their electronic device with Ms. Ashley in room 442 at
the time of their early release?
What if the pouch gets damaged or lost?
The Yondr pouch belongs to The New York City Department of Education just like any other
school supply.
If a student damages or loses a Yondr pouch, he/she will be held responsible and will be
required to purchase a replacement pouch from the school.
Damage includes, but is not limited to, the following:
● Ripped
● Cut
● Torn
● Inappropriate markings
● Bent/cut pin
● Signs of force to black button on flap
If damage is assessed or a device is lost, the student’s electronic devices will be confiscated,
and returned at the end of the day. In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full
support in adoption of the Yondr Program at our school. If you have any questions or to
report a lost or damaged pouch and purchase a new one, please do not hesitate to
contact the school directly (212) 225-0890 or email AP Seth Pearce at
[email protected].
How will the Yondr Pouch process work at arrival and dismissal?
● All students will be assigned a Yondr pouch.
● The pouch is the property of UA Maker and is considered a loan to the student during the
school year.
● Upon entering school, students will turn off their electronic device, place them inside of the
Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated Maker staff.
● If a student needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency,
work, athletic event, or other school-sponsored trip, unlocking bases will be available to allow
for a quick opening of the pouch.
What if a student refuses to put their device in their Yondr Pouch?
● The parent will be notified.● Students will have their phones confiscated the following day and be subject to disciplinary consequences as per NYCDOE Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student
Learning.
What if my child has an Apple Watch or other Bluetooth devices like headphones? How
are these affected by the change in policy?
All electronic devices are to be switched off before they are locked in the Yondr pouch which
will eliminate their connectivity to smart watches and their messaging functionality.
Headphones are to also be placed in Yondr pouches. It will be assumed that any student seen
with headphones that are not connected to a laptop with a cord are using them in conjunction
with a mobile phone and, therefore, will be subject to the consequences of that behavior as
stated in the new mobile phone policy.