Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, New Canaan High School will transition to a fully phone-free campus as part of its continued commitment to supporting student wellness, strengthening face-to-face connections, and promoting academic integrity.
The decision follows months of conversations with students, families, and staff about the role of personal devices during the school day. Building on the success of the school's current "off and away" expectations, the new policy is designed to further reduce digital distractions while creating an environment where students can fully engage with their learning and one another.
Later this fall, students will receive personal Yondr pouches to securely store their cell phones and wearable technology throughout the school day. The pouches, which are expected to arrive in September or October, feature built-in signal-blocking technology that prevents text messaging and phone mirroring to school-issued laptops.
Until the pouches arrive, the existing "off and away" expectations will remain in effect school-wide from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including all indoor and outdoor community spaces such as the cafeteria, library, and the area outside the Guidance Suite.
Once implemented, students will:
Turn off their phones and wearable devices upon arrival.
Secure them inside their assigned Yondr pouch for the school day (8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.).
Keep the locked pouch with them throughout the day.
Unlock the pouch at dismissal or during approved off-campus free periods using designated magnetic unlocking stations.
Important: Phones must be completely powered off before being placed in the pouch. If left on, the pouch's signal-blocking technology can quickly drain the device's battery.
Families can be assured that students will continue to have access to communication throughout the school day. Students are encouraged to use their school email to contact parents when needed and may also request to use a phone from any staff member's office.
For urgent matters, parents should continue to contact the school's Main Office at 203-594-4601, and staff will ensure that students receive important messages promptly. The Attendance Office is also available throughout the day at 203-594-4672.
Additional details about the Personal Device Policy and the rollout of the Yondr system will be shared with families as the start of the school year approaches.