During this school year at Kealakehe High School, many of us have felt the frustration and disadvantage brought on by the use of Yondr pouches, imposed by the new principal. As students striving for success in challenging classes, particularly in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, we depend on technology to bridge educational gaps.

Yondr pouches, designed to lock away our smartphones during school hours, ignore the critical role that technology plays in modern education. In challenging courses like AP World History, the pace is fast and notes are essential for success. Taking photos of slides or notes projected on the board allows us to capture the information we might have missed during class discussions. Without this aid, many of us struggle to keep up, ultimately hindering our ability to perform well in exams and assignments.

Our education is supposed to prepare us for the future, a future where technology is an integral part of everyday life and work. By denying access to our phones, these pouches are not just restricting our ability to capture notes but also hindering our ability to learn effectively. Studies have shown that technology, when integrated thoughtfully, can enhance learning experiences, particularly in STEM and AP courses where the volume of information is immense.

Moreover, many successful schools around the country have integrated responsible phone usage policies that promote balance without suffocating our access to learning tools. Kealakehe High School could learn from these models to craft a more inclusive policy. It's time we update our approach and allow students the tools they need for success.

We urge the administration at Kealakehe High School to review and reconsider the enforced use of Yondr pouches. We ask for a solution that empowers students to thrive academically by using technology constructively and responsibly.

Please sign this petition to remove Yondr pouches and advocate for a learning environment that embraces, rather than hinders, modern educational tools.