Corbin High School (CHS) has announced an update to its cell phone policy, now implementing Yondr pouches to create a phone-free zone. This initiative aims to enhance student focus, reduce distractions, and address concerns about mental health and behavior linked to phone use, as discussed in a meeting for parents on July 29.
Previously, CHS enforced a “See It-Take It” rule regarding cell phones, which Principal Shannon Dixon and her team found to be ineffective. Dixon said, “We didn’t have an effective tool for the teachers.”
The team at CHS emphasized that the policy aligns with KRS 158.165, a Kentucky law that restricts phone use during instructional time. With this new policy, students will be required to lock their phones, earbuds, and smartwatches in Yondr pouches when they arrive at school and keep them secured until dismissal. Dixon emphasized, “The legislation changed. We’re trying to make sure we’re following the law and doing so effectively.” A reminder will be announced at the beginning of first period, and students will unlock their pouches at the end of the day.
CHS had a team of 26 Corbin Independent School District (CISD) employees: 16 teachers, three classified staff, the Chief Academic Officer, the Student Well-Being Coordinator, the CHS School Resource Officer (SRO), two counselors, two APs, and the principal.
The process began on March 26. The team reviewed law and handbook protocols and brainstormed solutions. On May 1, the team studied school policies/models and visited Fern Creek to see what worked for them. Dixon said, “[Fern Creek] was so successful,” noting their behavior data had “dropped”. The following day, they met with CHS faculty and staff. On May 30, they had a consensus-building within the Committee, discussing their plan and how they wanted to move forward. On June 3, they revised the handbook to include a new disciplinary action for the pouches. They also gathered stakeholder feedback. Then, on June 10, they presented the handbook for review to the SBDM, or School-Based Decision Making.
CHS presented feedback amongst teachers, parents, and students. Regarding teacher feedback, 86% felt students get distracted by cell phones during instruction. 83.7% of teachers say earbuds are an issue during instruction, and 95.5% of teachers say they would support a way to better implement their “see it, take it” policy.
Students, however, saw things differently. CHS presentation revealed that 83.6% of students reported their friends and classmates are not distracted by their phones during class or the school day.
Regarding parent feedback, when asked if they would support a phone storage system, such as pouches or lockers, during class time, 46.2% said yes, 40% said no, and 13.8% said they were unsure. When asked what their biggest concern was related to cell phone use in school, 58.5% said cyberbullying or harassment, and 52.3% said distraction from learning. Other concerns were exposure to inappropriate content (38.5%), social isolation (29.2%), none (27.7%), and academic dishonesty (18.5%).
CHS is aware that students may experience stress or uncertainty. Dixon said, “Our expectation is that once the students adjust, they will realize being phone-free during school is a healthy choice.” They also reminded the audience that the school has mental health coordinators and counselors.
Parents and students mostly voiced concerns over emergencies. Their presentation concluded, “In a time of emergency, when it’s safe to do so, students will be permitted to unlock their phone”. Dixon assured the audience that teachers would have “special scissors” and could use them to open the pouches if needed. CHS also reminded the audience that there is a phone in their office that students can use.
Students are expected to keep their pouches and can take them home. If pouches are lost or damaged, there will be a $30 fee.
Carcille Burchette, a member of the Corbin Board of Education, was in the audience and made a comment in full support, “They should never have been in the classroom to begin with.”
