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U-46 tightens device rules in code of conduct and discusses Yonder pouch pilot for middle schools
Summary
The board reviewed changes to the student code of conduct that classify all communication-capable devices — including smartwatches — as subject to restrictions and discussed a proposed purchase of Yonder phone pouches for middle schools; medical-device exceptions tied to IEP/504 plans were clarified.
The School District U-46 Board of Education on May 19 reviewed proposed student-code-of-conduct language that would restrict use of communication-capable devices in K–8 classrooms and limit high-school device use to outside instructional spaces, and district staff presented a recommended bid for Yonder phone pouches intended to secure devices at middle schools.
Mark Cannella, coordinator of culture and climate, said the updated code aligns with federal and state requirements, emphasizes proactive and restorative discipline approaches, and clarifies that “communication devices” include cell phones, smartphones and smartwatches. Under the draft language, K–8 students must keep communication-capable devices put away during the school day; high-school students may use devices outside academic and instructional time or spaces. Cannella and Tricia Olsen, the district’s chief legal officer, said medical-device exceptions will be honored when device access is documented in a student’s IEP or Section 504 medical plan.
Board members asked how the rules affect watches in “school mode.” Administrators said school-mode smartwatches that have their communication features disabled would be acceptable; the district will encourage parents to set devices to that mode. District staff also said Streamwood High School and Larson Middle School had piloted versions of the approach during the year and shared practices and lessons on restricting device use in instructional spaces.
Separately, district staff presented a bid recommendation for Yonder pouches — neoprene pouches that clip shut and are opened with a magnetic base. The administration recommended awarding a bid to Yonder Incorporated for $172,250 for districtwide middle-school pouches; administrators described operational details used at pilot sites: students keep pouches on their person or in lockers, staff can greet and lock/unlock pouches and the system has options (Velcro pouches) to accommodate students with medical needs. Larson staff reported behavior incidents decreased after the pilot and lunchtime interactions increased.
Administrators emphasized that for students who need to contact parents during the day, the office remains the channel for calls; pouches are intended to limit in-class device use, not to block parental communications in emergencies.
The Yonder proposal and the code changes were presented for board review; the transcript does not record a separate board vote on the Yonder purchase during this meeting.
