Marlborough introduced Yondr pouches for students one year ago, and the policy has not only changed how students connect outside of class, but also how they think about safety on campus. Following a recent accident in the Campbell Hall parking lot, Marlborough’s administration has been reminding students about the importance of distraction-free driving and walking on campus.
The Yondr pouch system, introduced in the 2024-25 school year, requires students to lock their phones in pouches during the school day, which are only unlocked at the end of the school day or while using off-campus privileges. While the program is primarily about increasing classroom focus, the use of Yondr pouches has also prompted administrators to highlight how to create a safer campus parking lot.
Although the cause of the accident in the Campbell Hall pickup area, which involved the death of a student, wasn’t determined by police in initial news reports, it is a reminder of the dangers that distracted driving can cause, especially in school environments where students, faculty and families are constantly moving in and out of campus. Head of Upper School Regina Rosi Mitchell discussed Marlborough’s focus on being proactive about safety.
“After the tragic accident at Campbell Hall, it reminded all of us that even if your car is idling, accidents can still happen in parking lots,” Rosi Mitchell said.
One recommendation Rosi Mitchell noted was for students to give themselves the grace of time, as rushing often leads to poor choices, such as texting a friend while driving to explain arriving late to homeroom. She emphasized that it is better to be tardy than unsafe.
Rosi Mitchell has also made students aware that the parking lot is not a space for mingling or hanging out.
These changes also coincide with the one-year mark of Marlborough’s phone-free initiative using Yondr pouches. According to Rosi Mitchell, the pouches have had a positive impact on the school’s community because when there is less dependency on screens, students can create better practices when driving. “There is a change in that habit of always looking at your phone,” Rosi Mitchell said.
A survey sent out to students in the spring of 2025 showed a more optimistic response than administrators had anticipated, with many reporting that having fewer distractions allowed for more authentic social connections.
“I think that, at least in my personal experience, people have become more open to spending time with others and making new connections,” Rhonie Friedman ’27 said. “It got me to open up more.”
Rosi Mitchell has also noted that Yondr has played a role in strengthening student relationships.
“When I think about the Marlborough experience as a whole, yes, the classes are amazing, but it’s not just about the academics,” Rosi Mitchell said. “It’s about making those connections that I do believe you’ll have for life, and the phone can really get in the way of that.”
The overlap between distracted driving awareness and the Yondr policy has made safety more of a conversation on the Marlborough campus. In the future, the school plans to continue reinforcing safety precautions and working with security to keep traffic running smoothly and efficiently in the school environment. Rosi Mitchell also discussed with the Parents’ Association ways in which families can further ensure safety at school, including adjusting drop-off routes.
“The health and safety of students is always my top priority,” Rosi Mitchell said. “Heads up, eyes up is an important thing to keep in mind, whether you’re walking or driving.”
