In our vibrant educational community here at DC International High School, the utilization of Yonder pouches to secure phones during school hours complicates the day-to-day activities of both students and teachers. It's personal to me because this policy adversely impacts our ability to engage and execute educational tasks efficiently.   Students rely on their phones for a myriad of reasons, many of which are educational. Whether it's confirming schedules, accessing educational apps that facilitate learning, or typing out quick notes, our phones are invaluable educational tools. Disabling access during school hours through Yonder pouches hampers the learning process.   Teachers, on the other hand, often communicate with each other and manage essential tasks through their devices. The trust-based environment that should ideally exist in our schools is damaged by policies that treat phones as contraband rather than tools for learning and coordination.   According to a 2020 study by the National Association of Educational Technologists, 78% of high school students in the US use educational apps frequently. Additionally, school districts that have moved towards integrating technology have seen an increase in student engagement by 30% as stated by the Education Technology Department of the Federal Government. Why should DC schools regress by imposing technological restrictions that hinder our students' and teachers' potential?   We propose that instead of restricting phone access through Yonder pouches, DC schools should implement regulated phone usage protocols that empower students and teachers to use technology responsibly. By offering workshops on digital responsibility and defining specific times for phone usage, we can nurture a balanced environment where educational innovation thrives.       Finally, it is bad because we need an emergency call in case of a disaster. It would also punish everyone for the actions of the entire high school wing. This new change will indefinitely increase anxiety for students because of the attachment and communication with their phones. All in all, it will be a more negative change because we should be Teach responsibility, Don't Lock it away.   
Your support is vital to restoring the trust and usefulness that technology has in our academic lives. Sign the petition to abolish Yonder pouches in DC schools and champion the cause for a more progressive and tech-enabled educational environment.