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Ramsey NJ, starting in January, students in the Ramsey School District will place their cellphones in locked pouches during the school day, aiming to “enhance the student learning environment,” according to a letter sent to parents on Thursday.
First of Its Kind in Bergen County
This initiative makes Ramsey the first public school district in Bergen County to adopt such a program. While Montclair Public Schools in Essex County proposed a similar plan last fall, its implementation has been delayed until the new year.
The Yondr Pouch System
Ramsey High School will use the Yondr cellphone storage pouch system, as explained by Principal Michael Thumm and Director of High School Education Michael Biggan. Here’s how it works:
- Student Access: Students keep their phones in a pouch that locks upon entering a designated phone-free zone.
- Unlocking Phones: The pouches unlock when students leave these zones or at specific release times.
- Accessibility: This ensures phones remain accessible before and after school but are out of sight during instructional hours.
“This approach addresses classroom distractions and supports student engagement,” the administrators noted in the letter.
Community Engagement and Safety Measures
A virtual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. to explain the program and address parent concerns. A link will be shared closer to the date.
The district is also working with the Ramsey Police Department to align this initiative with emergency protocols.
Police Chief Bryan Lyman addressed potential concerns about phone access during emergencies:
“As a father, I understand parents’ worries about not being able to immediately contact their children during a lockdown. As a chief of police, I can unequivocally state that students using cellphones during an incident impedes our ability to dispel misinformation, locate threats, and coordinate reunification efforts.”
Proven Benefits of Phone-Free Classrooms
According to a survey of over 1,200 schools that have implemented similar measures, the benefits are significant:
- 86% reported a positive impact on student safety and wellness.
- 84% saw improved student engagement.
- 72% noted better student behavior.
- 68% observed improved academic performance.
“Creating an optimal learning environment for our students remains Ramsey’s top priority,” the district stated. “While this change will require adjustments for both staff and students, we are confident it will positively impact our school culture and academic success.”
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