Park City School District expands cell phone locking system to middle and high schools

Photo: Unsplash // Adam AY

PARK CITY, Utah — Starting this fall, all students in grades 6 through 12 in the Park City School District will be required to secure their cell phones in Yondr pouches during the school day. The policy will go into effect at Ecker Hill Middle School and Park City High School for the 2025–26 academic year.

The expansion follows the implementation of the Yondr system at Treasure Mountain Junior High School last year. As the district completes its secondary grade realignment and closes Treasure Mountain, officials say this is an opportunity to unify expectations across all secondary campuses.

“The timing is right to ensure consistent expectations across campuses, as well as classrooms,” Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman said in a letter to families.

The Yondr system allows students to keep physical possession of their phones while making the devices inaccessible during the school day. Each student will receive a locking pouch, which is expected to last the entire school year. Protocols will be in place for emergency and medical exceptions.

District leaders cited multiple reasons for the shift, including reducing classroom distractions, supporting face-to-face social interaction, complying with Utah Senate Bill 178, and aligning with PCSD Policy 10046 on cell phone use. The decision also reflects input from students, families, and teachers.

A detailed FAQ and video overview will be released in the coming weeks, according to the district. Families with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact their school administrators or use the district’s online feedback form at pcschools.us/about/feedback.