Smart Device-Free Campus | The Dunham School | Private PreK-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

Smart Device-Free Campus

The Dunham School has shifted to a smart device-free campus for the 2025-2026 School Year.

As a school that is committed to the best innovative practices in education, we realize that continual access to smart devices and social media have been increasingly damaging to young people. Toward that end, we have transitioned to a smart device-free campus (no smartphones/watches/glasses/etc.) during the school day. By implementing phone-free regulations at The Dunham School, we aim to increase student engagement during class and create more meaningful connections among peers while reducing disciplinary incidents and digital conflicts. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe, healthy, and positive school culture and community where students can thrive.

What does a Smart Device Free Campus Look like at Dunham?

Upper and Middle School students do not have access to smartphones/watches during the school day. All students are required to utilize locking Yondr Pouches to store their phones during the day, keeping phones in their possession but inaccessible. At the conclusion of the school day or upon proper sign-out procedures, students are able to unlock their Yondr Pouch using supervisied unlocking stations. Students are required to bring their Yondr Pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.

Students with medically neccesary reasons to have access to their smartphone may receive an exeption from using the Yondor Pouch that lock but will still be required to use a non-locking version. The spirit of this policy is still in place, and exempted students are expected to comply. To request an exemption, parents should email their division head requesting this exemption and include a doctor's note explaining the medical need for a smartphone.

School Day Communication

We understand this policy raises questions from parents about communication with students during the day. Parents or guardians should contact the school directly or send an email to the school office if they need to communicate with their child.

• To get an urgent message to your child in Grades 5-8, please call (225) 767-7097 x 331.
• To get an urgent message to your child in Grades 9-12, please call (225) 767-7097 x 331.

If a student needs to get in contact with their parent or guardian, they should go to the respective office and ask to call from the school phone.

Procedures

1. Beginning of School

• All students must put their smart device in their Yondr Pouch before 8:00 am.
• Phones must be kept in the Yondr Pouch and not be used or visible during school hours.
• Phones may be used on campus after 3:15 pm.
• During the school day, the ONLY location students can unlock their Yondr Pouch is their divisional office.
• Students arriving late to school will be required to show proof of compliance with this policy upon signing in to school in the Division Office.

2. Phone Visibility and Use

• Phones must not be seen or heard throughout the school day. They are to be stored in the Yondr Pouch and not in pockets.
• Any phone seen or heard by teachers and staff before 3:15 pm will be confiscated immediately.
• Students may not wear AirPods or headphones while walking around campus during the school day. All students must remain unplugged during class transitions and while on school grounds. The only exception to this expectation is during dedicated times in 6-12 classes, where students may listen to music or coursework as directed by the teacher. Students in Grades 9-12 may listen to music or coursework during breaks, lunch, or free periods while seated.

3. End of School Day

• Unlocking stations will be placed in key areas for students to swipe their Yondr Pouch and unlock it as they leave campus or head to an after-school activity.
• Unlocking stations will remain out during the evening in case students forget to unlock their pouch at the end of the school day.