The Enlarged City School District of Middletown is taking a firm stance on cellphone usage for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Amy Creedon has announced that all Middletown schools will remain cellphone-free during school hours.

All students will once again be required to turn off their cellphones and store them away during the school day. Elementary students will keep their phones in backpacks or lockers, while middle and high school students will utilize the Yondr pouch system.

The Yondr pouches, which lock phones in place and can only be opened in designated zones, will be implemented at both middle schools and the high school. Students will be permitted to use their phones before and after the school day, but they will not have access to them during class time.

In case of emergency, students may request permission from an administrator to use their phone in a private space.

The school district is holding multiple town hall information sessions for parents and students to learn more about the Yondr pouch system and the new cellphone policy. These sessions will be held on Aug. 7, 8, 26, and Sept. 9.