Welcome back, Braves

The first day of school in La Conner was in the bag.

La Conner Middle and High School students received something new during this year's back-to-school routine. Staff distributed magnetized Yondr bags into which students place and lock their cell phones during the school day. They can unlock the pouches to access phones when school lets out.

Yondr marks the start of a project designed to increase academic engagement and eliminate distractions in classrooms.

By establishing a cell-phone-free zone, La Conner is at the forefront of a national movement.

"This program is being used in schools all over the country," La Conner Middle & High School Principal Christine Tripp told sixth graders Thursday morning. "I found out about this program from a principal in North Dakota."

The program is so novel that it was featured over the weekend on network newscasts that noted how it is being employed this year in some of America's largest school districts. La Conner is believed to be the first Skagit County district to use Yondr pouches.

Tripp said their use is becoming more common in settings such as comedy clubs and concerts.

"They're really easy to use," Tripp told students. "Even adults can do it."

Student input was sought throughout the 30-minute demonstration. One sixth grader said she doesn't have a phone, but she got a Yonder pouch anyway. It can hold other valuables, she was told.

A few moments later a classmate raised her hand.

"The only reason I have a phone is so I can call my parents in case of a shooting," she told Tripp.

Tripp said staff would go over emergency communication procedures later in the week.

Students were asked to sign contracts accepting the conditions for Yondr use.

"These are like textbooks," Tripp said. "You check them out now and return them at the end of the year."

Daily use of Yondr pouches is intended to curb student overuse and misuse of cell phones.

"It's a tool to help teach students how be good digital citizens," said Tripp, who asked the sixth graders if they were aware of the expression "all things in moderation."

"It means that we should create balance in our lives," she said.

Before entering school buildings last Wednesday morning for the first day of classes, students were greeted by interim Superintendent David Cram, Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Cherri Kahns, school board members and district administrators, and Swinomish Tribal Senate Chair Steve Edwards, among others.

The vibe was positive and upbeat.

"I'm really excited about the school year," Tripp said. "I'm looking forward to a great year."

The tone was set the day before, during annual Braves Day afternoon campus activities, during which students and parents met teachers, received district schedules and informational handouts, and had the opportunity to chat with vendors representing community organizations.

Turnout was large by most accounts.

"I sat with town council members and we made several interesting contacts," said Emergency Management Commission Chair Jerry George. "The community seems very interested in doing more about telling community members how they can prepare for emergencies."

Town Assistant Planner Ajah Eills was another Braves Day participant.

"It went really well," she recounted. "We were able to meet with quite a few people."