October 1, 2026 8:04 am
Camas, News, Schools 
Seventh grader Elanor McCain, left, and sixth grader Tucker Koch unlock their Yondr device pouches after classes Monday at View Ridge Middle School. The Ridgefield School District implemented an “away for the day” cellphone policy a year ago. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)
Eighth grader Hadlee Brown unlocks a device bag after classes Monday at View Ridge Middle School. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)
A student unlocks a device bag Monday at View Ridge Middle School. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)
A Yondr device pouch and unlock mechanism sit on a table Monday at View Ridge Middle School. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)
A cellphone pouch system hangs on a wall in a Discovery High School classroom Sept. 18 in Camas. (Photo contributed by Doreen McKercher)
A Yondr unlocking magnet is attached to a wall underneath a “no skateboarding” sign Monday at View Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield.
A Yondr device pouch and unlock mechanism sit on a table Monday at View Ridge Middle School.
Ridgefield High School senior Elizabeth Ibarra has noticed more face-to-face social interactions among her fellow students since the school board implemented an “away for the day” cellphone policy a year ago.
“When you’re in that virtual reality, there’s no real need for friendships,” Ibarra said. “But once that’s taken away from you, we are all we have. So, I just think that community building is so strong.”
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