Implementation of YONDR

Dear McKay Families and Students,

We hope you're enjoying a well-deserved and relaxing summer! As we gear up for the 2025–26 school year,
we want to take a moment to celebrate a major success from last year—our schoolwide implementation
of YONDR—and share that it will be returning this fall, stronger and more refined.

Unlike other schools just beginning this journey, McKay is entering our second year with YONDR. That
experience gives us the opportunity to improve and build on the clear growth we saw in the second
semester. Over 90% of teachers reported that YONDR had a positive impact on classroom engagement
and instructional focus. Distractions dropped, students re-engaged with their learning, and we noticed
improved academic behavior across campus.

Even beyond academics, our staff observed a decline in student aggression and hallway conflict. While
we know multiple factors contribute to that kind of improvement, YONDR may have played a role in helping
students remain more focused, present, and less pulled into digital conflict during the day.
Now, we also know that some students (and maybe even a few families) were hoping YONDR might not
return this fall. But as a school community, we believe last year brought us closer to becoming the kind of
learning environment we strive for—focused, respectful, and safe. We’re proud of that progress, and we’re
committed to continuing it.

We’re also pleased to share that over 85% of YONDR pouches were returned at the end of the year. If
you come across a pouch at home this summer, feel free to drop it off at our main office in the coming
weeks to avoid any replacement charges.

We understand that every student adjusts at their own pace, and change takes time—even in year two.
That’s why we’ll continue to approach this work with consistency and care, and we’re committed to honoring
our partnership with families. If you ever need to reach your student during the school day, please know that
our front office is always ready to help communicate urgent messages.

More details—including a few minor adjustments to this year’s rollout—will be shared in early August. We’ll
also be working with student leaders to help shape messaging and keep the conversation going throughout
the year.

Thank you again for your continued partnership. We’re looking forward to another great year at McKay!

Take care,

McKay Admin Team