SIS Device-Free School Policy & Yondr Pouch Information

Dear SIS Families,

As we prepare for another school year, we wanted to provide families with an important reminder regarding New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools Law and our procedures for cell phones and other personal internet-enabled devices at Southampton Intermediate School. Under New York State requirements, students are prohibited from using personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. This includes smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal devices that can connect to the internet.

Yondr Pouches at SIS

Once again this school year, SIS students who bring a smart device to school will be issued a Yondr pouch. Students are expected to lock all personal smart devices in their Yondr pouch upon entering the building each morning. Devices will remain secured for the duration of the school day and can be unlocked at dismissal.
Each morning, a staff member will ask students entering the building if they have a smart device with them.
If a student has a device:
The student will lock the device in their Yondr pouch in front of a staff member before proceeding into the building.
If a student states that they do not have a device:
The student will be asked to complete a brief daily attestation stating:

I attest that I am not in possession of a smartphone, smartwatch, or any other personal internet-enabled electronic device while at school. I understand that New York State law requires these devices to be put away during the school day. I further understand that if I am found to be in possession of or using an undisclosed personal internet-enabled device, I may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Southampton Intermediate School Code of Conduct and school cell phone policy.

If a student states that they do not have a device but is later found to be in possession of one, the device will be confiscated and the student will receive the appropriate consequence in accordance with the SIS Cell Phone/Smart Device Ladder of Referral.

Cell Phone/Smart Device Consequence Ladder

1st Offense: Device is confiscated and the student receives a lunch detention. The student may pick up the device from the Main Office at the end of the school day.
2nd Offense: Device is confiscated and the student receives an after-school detention. The student may pick up the device from the Main Office at the end of the school day. Also, a daily office phone/device drop off plan will be established between student, administration and parent/guardian.
3rd Offense: Device is confiscated and must be picked up by a parent/guardian, who will meet with the Assistant Principal. The student will also receive two after-school detentions.
4th or Subsequent Offense: Device is confiscated and must be picked up by a parent/guardian, who will meet with the Principal. The student will also receive three after-school detentions.

Does Your Child NOT Bring a Smart Device to School?

We understand that many SIS students do not have a smartphone, smartwatch, or other personal internet-enabled device that they will be bringing to school.
To save these students from having to complete the attestation each morning, and to avoid issuing an unnecessary Yondr pouch, parents/guardians may complete the Parent/Guardian Device Attestation Form attached to this ParentSquare message.

By completing the form below, you are confirming that your child does not have and will not bring to school a smartphone or other personal smart device capable of connecting to the internet.

Students whose parents/guardians complete this form will not be issued a Yondr pouch and will not be required to complete the daily student attestation when entering the building.

If your child DOES bring a smartphone, smartwatch, earbuds, or another personal internet-enabled device to school, you do not need to complete the Parent/Guardian Device Attestation Form. Your child will simply be issued a Yondr pouch and follow our regular device procedures each morning.
If circumstances change during the school year and your child begins bringing a smart device to school, please notify the school so that we can issue your child a Yondr pouch.

Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together to maintain a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for all SIS students.

Click on the picture below to watch our SIS Yondr pouch video: