August 2, 2024
The School Board of Trustees met on Thursday, July 25th, 2024 to review a recommended cell phone policy for Pearsall Junior High and Pearsall High School students for the 2024-2025 school year.
After over a month of consideration on how to address issues caused by students misusing cell phones at school, the PISD school board has adopted guidelines regarding the use of cell phones and other electronic devices (such as smart watches, air pods, etc.) and the consequences for violating the new cell phone guidelines.
Pearsall ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nobert Rodriguez, was delegated the task of researching a Yondr product and developing guidelines to introduce this growing trend to Pearsall ISD schools. There is a growing trend of school districts nationwide adopting similar guidelines. Pearsall ISD will invest $37,400 in these pouches and will distribute them to the Junior High and High School students by mid-September.
Students bringing electronic devices must keep them secured inside the Yondr pouch during the school day. Electronic devices include but are not limited to the following: phones, airpods/headphones and smart watches. Students may be allowed to unlock the pouches once they leave campus or for other reasons with approval from school administration.
According to the data, administrators in other districts that have implemented the pouch system, report significant improvements in productivity, student performance, and overall discipline on campuses and in the classroom.
The Pearsall Independent School District Cell Phone Policy states that students must ensure proper use and care of the pouch, which includes returning it at the end of the school year in good condition. Good condition is defined as having a functional locking mechanism; being free from tears, holes, or fraying; being clean and odor-free; having secure, intact seams; and effectively preventing access to devices when locked. For questions, contact your student’s campus administration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nobert Rodriguez Superintendent of Schools