Photos/Examples
Examples from others schools help administrators understand their options so they can create the procedure that will work for them. Even large schools can opt for no- or low-cost methods.
We recommend every parent group, principal, school board, etc. refer to the Administrator Took Kit for Phone-Free Schools for sample policies, timelines, and even wording for communication with parents and students. Visit phonefreeschoolsmovement.org/administrator-toolkit/ to download your own copy.
Scroll down to see examples of storage methods being used here in VT and beyond.
Ex. of excellent way to explain the policy
This principal from a Colorado junior high / high school does a great job explaining the WHYs behind the phone-free policy and reassures everyone that this is not only doable, but will be a good thing!
Phone locker
Sharon, VT: Phone locker for a high school. Holds approximately 115 phones. Students leave the phone in the locker upon entering. The front desk admin oversees this. It is then locked for the day.
Hanging folders in bins
South Division High School in Milwaukee, WI has 800 students. Phones are kept in hanging folders in bins for the duration of the school day. It is Wisconsin's "largest and multicultural high school" with one of the largest bilingual programs in the state.
Pencil pouches in stackable crates
Photos of DC Hardy Middle School (600 students) where each student has a labelled pencil pouch that they put in stackable bins by class. They added a locker option as well but it seems most people use the pencil pouch in the bin method.
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TODAY: Phone free school in DC shows positive effects, more engagement
Manila folders in bins
Dunbar High School in Dayton, OH has about 500 students. Phones are kept in padded manila envelopes. It is Wisconsin's "largest multicultural high school" with one of the largest bilingual programs in the state.
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TODAY: Ohio school district bans cellphones — and sees positive results
Another phone locker option
This phone locker was made by a trades school in DC.
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Yondr Pouches
Harwood Union and Thetford Academy, VT: Students turn their phone off when they arrive to school and put it into a small pouch. They turn it off and lock it for the day as they arrive. They unlock it at the end of the day.
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Pro: many students like getting to keep it on them even if it's locked up
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Con: $30/student adds up
