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ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WORTH $370,936.81 WITH YONDR INC, FOR THE PURCHASE OF CELL PHONE POUCHES FOR USE IN NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
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WHEREAS, it has been well-documented and researched that there is a higher percentage of young Americans using social media today than in past generations, particularly within schools, a trend that is contributing to rising mental health challenges and low academic performance and engagement; and,
WHEREAS, in 2023, the United States Surgeon General issued an Advisory on social media and youth mental health, highlighting a troubling relationship between excessive, unrestrained social media use and mental health challenges in youth; and,
WHEREAS, in August of 2024, the Connecticut State Department of Education approved guidance that (1) recommends school districts in the state to limit use of cellphones in schools and (2) outlines steps that school districts in the state can take to limit use of cellphones; and,
WHEREAS, the use of "Yondr" pouches, magnetic pouches that can lock, have been used in thousands of schools across the nation, in Connecticut, and piloted within a number of New Haven schools including King Robinson, Wexler-Grant, Celentano, Bishop Woods, and Barnard to limit cellphone use among students; and,
WHEREAS, the use of these "Yondr" pouches have demonstrated promising results in increased academic achievement, more focus and engagement among students, fewer conflicts among students, and provide relief to teachers and school staff; and,
WHEREAS, the purchase of these pouches can play a role in increasing academic and socio-emotional outcomes among New Haven Public School students to the benefit of the district and the city; and,
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven and Yondr Inc. are the parties (collectively the "Parties"); and
WHEREAS, the parties reached an agreement; and,
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of...
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