• July 25, 2024

    LANCSD YONDR - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    The information below was updated on July 25, 2024. 

    On May 7, 2024, the Lancaster School District Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Yondr Inc. 

    What is a Yondr pouch?

    The Yondr pouch is a magnetic pouch that is used to store an individual's mobile device. It is secured and unlocked with a special magnetic locking device. 

    Why Yondr?

    Lancaster School District is committed to student academic growth, student engagement and provide safe, respectful learning environments for every member of our school community. Yondr creates distraction-free spaces for students, enabling them to focus on their learning.

    Read more about Yondr experiences here.  

    How does it work?

    As students enter school, they will:

    • Turn their cell phone off.
    • Place their cell phone in the Yondr punch and lock it in front of the school staff.
    • They will keep their Yondr pouch with them throughout the day.At the end of the day, students will tap their pouch on the magnetic base unit to unlock it and retrieve their phone. 

    How will students receive a Yondr pouch?

    In August 2024, all Lancaster School District middle school students will be assigned a Yondr pouch. The pouch is property of the school and requires all students to be responsible for their Yondr pouch at all times, including keeping the pouch in good condition.

    Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to school every day. 

    What if I need to reach out to my student?

    Parents may contact the main district office at (661)948-4661 to speak with their student, if necessary.  

    What if there's a school emergency? 

    Lancaster School District staff are trained to execute safety and emergency procedures. Every location in the school is equipped with a phone to dial 911. 

    School Safety Plans

    Every school in Lancaster School District  has an in-depth emergency preparedness plan outlining responses to natural disasters and threats. In preparation for a variety of emergencies, Lancaster School District holds at least two drills monthly to prepare students, staff, and visitors to respond to emergency situations.  There are three types of drills that are conducted in the Lancaster School District:

    • Fire drill - held monthly;
    • Earthquake/disaster drill - held quarterly (2 drills held as a district-wide drill in the fall and spring and 2 held at the discretion of the school's administrator and/or Safety Committee); and
    • Lockdown drill - held at least quarterly.

    Video Cameras

    For the safety of our students, staff and visitors, the Lancaster School District employs camera surveillance equipment for security purposes at all schools. Surveillance cameras are utilized in public areas such as but not limited to school buses, building entrances, hallways, gymnasiums during public events, parking lots, front offices; where students, district staff, and the public come and go. 

    In addition, the Board of Trustees recently approved two agreements to increase safety measures in our middle schools. 

    Evolv Express, a touchless weapon-screening system that automatically detects threatening weapons using artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

    Centegix CrisisAlert, wearable badges for teachers and staff to immediately receive assistance from multiple first responder agencies in case of medical emergencies, altercations, unauthorized visitors, suspicious activity, and any situations considered dangerous for students. The network secures the entire school property with no dead zones, no wi-fi, or cell signal needed. 

    For more information on school safety, click here. 

    What happens if a student doesn't have their Yondr pouch? 

    Students will turn their phones in at the front office to secure them until the end of the day. 

    What if a student needs their personal device for a medical issue? 

    Students who have documented a medical condition as part of their 504 plan and need a personal device for monitoring will be allowed to keep their phones unlocked. 

    Requiring students to lock their phones away seems like a punitive measure. 

    The introduction of Yondr at Lancaster School District is NOT a punitive measure. The implementation of Yondr bags is to: 

    • Create distraction-free classroom settings where teachers and students can focus on teaching and learning.
    • Reduce the negative effects of cyberbullying, as well as other safety concerns.
    • Enhance student engagement, mindfulness, and concentration for academic success.

    What if the Yondr pouch gets damaged?

    Students can ask for a replacement Yondr pouch at their designated school site.

    For Additional Questions? 

    The Yondr FAQs will be updated as implementation begins. If you have any questions, contact Pupil Safety and Attendance at contactPSA@lancsd.org or call (661)623-0351 x57465.