Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, all Newport-Mesa Unified School District middle schools will implement the Yondr pouch system to reinforce the existing Mobile Communication Devices Policy [English | Spanish | Russian]. 

While we acknowledge the benefits of mobile devices, we’ve found that student learning and behavior significantly improve when devices are out of sight during the school day. The Yonder implementation will foster a more focused learning environment and promote positive social interactions by ensuring that mobile devices remain secured and out of use during the school day.

About Yondr & Prior Pilot Program: 

Used by more than 1,000 schools worldwide, Yondr is a lockable pouch that securely stores students' mobile devices during the school day. 

Yonder was successfully piloted at Corona del Mar Middle School during the 2024-25 school year and will be fully implemented for the 2025-26 school year at all middle schools.

To learn more about the success of the CdM pilot, including student and parent feedback, please view the Yondr Pilot Overview and Recap Presentation that was featured in the March 4, 2025, Board Meeting (presentation starts at minute 52 through 1:19).

How to use Yondr: 

Check out this 1-minute video where students explain how the Yondr pouch works and share their experience using it on campus.

Key Information:

• Devices include: Cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other mobile communication devices.
   
• Pouch assignment: Students will receive their pouch during registration and must carry and care for it throughout the year.
   
• Process: Students will lock their devices in a personally assigned Yondr pouch before entering campus and unlock them at the end of the school day.
   
• Stay connected: If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school office directly. Students may use the school front office phone during break or lunch if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions:

For more information, please view the Frequently Asked Questions [English | Spanish | Russian], or contact your child’s school.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us create learning environments where students can stay focused, build stronger social connections, and thrive both socially and academically.

Look for more information coming from your child’s school soon.