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MDUSD pilots Yonder Bag cellphone program at two high schools; superintendent cites early engagement gains
Summary
The district is piloting a magnetic Yonder Bag phone storage program at Mount Diablo High and YV High, where administrators reported students more engaged and teachers less distracted; the superintendent said the district will evaluate the pilot before considering districtwide policy.
Mount Diablo Unified is piloting a Yonder Bag cellphone program at select high schools to reduce phone distraction and increase student engagement.
Superintendent Clark described the pilot: each participating student receives a bag to store and magnetically lock their phone during the school day; teachers and staff can unlock bags quickly in emergencies. Clark said the pilot is voluntary for sites that opt in and early reports are favorable: the vice principal at Mount Diablo High told news outlets that at lunchtime students were "jumping rope" and that teachers reported classroom engagement not seen in years.
Clark said some parents expressed concerns about contacting students in emergencies; he said the program includes procedures to unlock phones quickly during lockdowns, evacuations or other incidents. He also said other comprehensive high schools that wish to adopt the practice next year should start discussions in January or February to prepare for rollout.
Trustees and staff said they will bring reports from participating sites to the board as the district evaluates whether a wider policy is warranted.
