Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School implemented a bell-to-bell Device-Free Plan using Yondr pouches for students in grades 7–12. This plan was developed in preparation for Vermont’s new state law regarding student cell phone and personal electronic device use in schools.
Under Vermont law, schools are required to adopt and enforce a student cell phone and personal electronic device policy beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. The law states that school policies must prohibit student use of cell phones and non-school-issued personal electronic devices that connect to cellular networks, the internet, or have wireless capabilities from arrival to dismissal, unless a specific exception applies (16 V.S.A. § 583, 2025). Exceptions may include documented needs related to an individualized health care plan, IEP, 504 plan, approved academic or school-sponsored purposes, or compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (16 V.S.A. § 583, 2025).
At Mt. Abe, our Device-Free Plan supports a focused, connected, and healthy learning environment. Students place cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods/Bluetooth headphones, and similar personal electronic devices in a locked Yondr pouch upon arrival. Devices remain secured from 8:20 AM through dismissal at 2:47 PM, allowing students to engage fully in learning, build stronger peer connections, and reduce the distractions and conflicts that can come from personal device use during the school day (Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School, 2025).
The purpose of this plan is not punitive. Our goal is to enhance academic focus, support mental health and emotional well-being, encourage in-person social interaction, foster independence and responsibility, and strengthen our school culture and community (Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School, 2025). Families who need to reach their child during the school day may contact the Main Office at (802) 453-2333, and students may access a phone in the Main Office when needed (Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School, 2025).
Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School will continue to gather feedback from students, caregivers, and staff throughout the year as we refine this plan and prepare for full alignment with Vermont’s statewide expectations.
Links and Resources
Vermont State Law:
16 V.S.A. § 583 — Student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices in schools https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/009/00583
Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School Device-Free Plan: Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School. (2025). Device-Free Plan.