July 1, 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The RSU 56 School Board has updated the cell phone use policy. You can read the
policy in full at this link: JICJ- Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
or on the district website at www.rsu56.org by clicking on “menu,” then “policies,” and
then “J” policies. (Scroll down through the J policies to find JICJ.)
We will be making our schools a phone-free space to improve teaching and learning using a program called Yondr at both Dirigo High School and TWK Dirigo Middle School. Yondr has been implemented in thousands of schools across 27 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment.
We believe phones have great utility. We have also found that learning and student mental health improve drastically when students are fully present with their teachers and classmates.
The Yondr Program utilizes a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure (lock) their phone and other smart devices in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they enter the school building. Students will maintain possession of their devices and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students at Dirigo High School with Open Campus privileges will be allowed to unlock their phones/devices before exiting for Open Campus and relock them upon return. Students being dismissed from school can unlock their devices in the main office prior to exiting the building.
Students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.
In an annual survey of more than 1,200 schools that implemented the Yondr Program:
86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness
84% saw a positive change in student engagement
72% saw a positive change in student behavior
68% saw a positive change in academic performance
In an effort to best serve your child, we appreciate your full support in the adoption of the Yondr Program at our schools.
Thank you,
Pamela Doyen, Superintendent
Click here to view the full letter from Superintendent Doyen