Electronic Device Policy

ECHEM's policy around the use of electronic devices (cell phones, wireless headphones, non-DOE issued laptops/tablets, and smart watches) is that students are not permitted to have unpouched electronic devices on their person during the school day.


Please be advised that for the purpose of this policy, electronic devices are defined as cell phones, wireless headphones, and smart watches etc.


So long as the electronic device is powered off and locked in a Yondr pouch, it can neither be seen nor heard, and therefore will not be confiscated. We strongly recommend that students keep their pouched electronic devices in their NYCDOE assigned locker throughout the school day. Another option is to place it inside of your backpack.


Any student observed pouching a second device instead of their primary device will have both devices confiscated.


There are no excuses for having an electronic device outside of your Yondr pouch during the school day. 


Below is a list of common excuses given, none of which are acceptable:


  • “I am waiting for a call from my job”
  • “I was talking to a college representative of a college/university where I am applying”
  • “I was just holding it”
  • “I was just putting it into my Yondr pouch”
  • “I’m leaving right now”
  • “I was about to leave”
  • “It’s not my phone”
  • “I forgot my pouch and forgot to check it in”
  • “It’s not mine”
  • “My mom texted me”
  • “I was talking to my parent/guardian”
  • “I was turning it off
  • “I forgot to turn it off (after it rings)”
  • “My mom called me”
  • “This is really important, I need to take this call!”

  • Entrance Procedure

Upon entry to ECHEM, students are to place all electronic devices into a school-provided YONDR pouch.

Daily Process

Yondr

 

 

  • Exit Procedure

As students exit the school building for dismissal ECHEM staff will unlock students’ YONDR pouches. The ECHEM issued YONDR pouches will be returned to the school in the condition to which they were received by students.


  • Late Arrival + Early Dismissal 

Students who arrive late or are authorized to leave early from school must lock/unlock their electronic devices in the following areas: 

  • Main Office
  • School Lobby
  • Administrator’s Office 

  • 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 report to the main office upon entry and have their parents contacted for verification. 


  • Open Lunch

Students are permitted to have their electronic devices during open lunch periods. At the end of open lunch, students must lock their cell phones back into their YONDR pouches until the end of the school day. If students have an electronic device that is not in a YONDR pouch after lunch, they will not be allowed to go out for open lunch the following day and their phone will be confiscated and returned at the conclusion of the school day.