GETTSBURG, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The Gettysburg School District is instituting device-free school days this year to eliminate distractions and foster better mental and social-emotional health for students.
According to the district, all students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be device-free throughout the school day.
Those in grades 6-12 will lock smartphones, smartwatches and Bluetooth earbuds in YONDR pouches, which lock with a magnet. The school district says that students can unlock them if they leave for open lunch or as they leave campus at the end of each day. Teachers and administrators can unlock the pouches as needed for classroom use.
Elementary students will turn off devices and store them in their classroom or backpack for the day. Those senior high students who violate the no-device policy will lose open campus privileges and follow the discipline matrix in the 2024-25 student handbook.