This South Dakota School Says No Electronic Devices For Kids

Kids in this South Dakota School district won't be allowed to use smartphones, smartwatches, or other smart devices in the classrooms.

Gettysburg School District, western South Dakota, is excited to announce that we are now a device-free school K-12.

Gettysburg Schools posted that all students grades k-12 will be device-free throughout the school day.

Grades 6-12 will lock smartphones, smartwatches, and Bluetooth earbuds in a YOUDR pouch.

Elementary students will turn off devices and store them in their classroom or backpack for the day.

A YONDR pouch locks with a magnet and students can unlock them if they are leaving for open lunch or as they are leaving campus at the end of the day.

Each student in grades 6-12 will receive a pouch that will be theirs for several years and may be personalized.

If destroyed or lost a new pouch must be purchased for a cost of $35.

The purpose taking these actions is to minimize distraction and provide the best learning environment possible for students.

Marsha R Kostboth commented on Facebook saying: “Just remember we all went to school with no devices and we survived. I applaud the school for addressing this.

Parents you can always call the office if you need to get ahold of your son/daughter.

I know when my grandson was living with us, it was so easy to reach out to him whenever I thought of something.

Remember that the school is only trying to keep an environment where your kids are learning all they can.”