Cell Phone Storage Pilot Message from Ms. Boggan

Dear Thomas Jefferson, Middle School Community,   I am writing with more information about the upcoming Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program to help make Thomas Jefferson, Middle School (TJMS) a phone-free learning environment and ensure students are present and engaged at school.

TJMS is one of four APS schools participating in the program, using the pouch storage program provided by Yondr. The Yondr pouch program has been implemented in neighboring Virginia school divisions, as well as in thousands of schools across 27 countries.

This pilot is part of the new cell phone procedures that APS has enacted, as the school division prepares to implement Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order, requiring all Virginia schools to ensure devices remain off and away from bell to bell, effective in January 2025. The pilot will allow APS to assess whether a pouch storage system effectively aids student learning as part of the new policy.

The pilot officially kicks off at TJMS on Thu, Sept. 19, 2024. During the week of Sept. 16, we will provide every student with a personally assigned, lockable pouch to safely store their personal devices during school. Pouches will be distributed at no cost to families, and students will receive information on how to safely lock and store their pouches, and expectations for use. Students must bring their pouch to school with them each day beginning on Sept. 19.   View more information about the pilot, including Frequently Asked Questions.   We will provide additional information to families during our upcoming Back-to-School Night on September 18, 2024. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly at 703-228-5900. We appreciate your partnership and full support as we move ahead to best serve our students and will gather ongoing feedback from our families, students, and staff throughout this year-long pilot.

 

Thank you,

Keisha Boggan, Principal