07/28/2026
Mountain Home High School will be implementing a new cell phone policy beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. This change is designed to support a more focused learning environment by reducing distractions during instructional time and helping students stay engaged in their classes.
Our goal is simple: create classrooms where students can focus, participate, and get the most out of their learning time.
More information about the full policy and expectations will be shared with students and families before the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Please see below for the updated policy. Thank you!
Mountain Home High School Policy: Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the use, storage, and management of cell phones and personal electronic devices at Mountain Home High School. The goal is to minimize distractions and foster a learning-focused environment by limiting student access to personal devices during instructional time.
Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled at Mountain Home High School and dual-enrolled students.
9–12 Grade Students:
During instructional periods (defined as the start through the end of each class), students may not have a cell phone or personal electronic device on their person. This includes the tutorial period.
Implementation Guidelines
Each classroom will have a designated area where students are expected to place their electronic devices at the beginning of class. This area will be clearly identified and may include options such as:
A classroom phone caddy or vault
A designated basket or storage area
The student’s backpack
Devices must be powered off before being placed in the designated area. Teachers may establish a system to collect and return devices that ensures efficiency and accountability.
Smartwatches and other wearable devices are exempt from being placed in the storage area but must be powered down during instructional time. During assessments, teachers may require the removal of a wearable device. Any use of or distraction caused by wearable technology will result in disciplinary action consistent with school expectations.
Exceptions
Teachers may allow students to use personal devices for educational purposes only. During these times, the use of a personal device is not a replacement for the school-issued device. In case of an emergency requiring immediate access to a phone or other device, the teacher will handle the situation on a case-by-case basis.
This policy does not apply to:
School-issued Chromebooks or other district technology
Devices permitted under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, English Learning Plan (ELP), or Health Services Plan
Device Retrieval
Students may retrieve their electronic devices at the end of each class period, but only when directed by the teacher.
Enforcement
Teachers and staff are expected to consistently enforce this policy in their classrooms. Teachers are expected to digitally document infractions.
Repeated or serious student violations will be referred to the administration and handled according to the Mountain Home High School discipline procedures.
Loss or Damage
Mountain Home High School and the Mountain Home School District are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices brought onto campus.
Parents, Guardian, and Student Communication
Parents, guardians, and students will be informed of this policy upon school registration. There will also be communication via newsletters, social media platforms, the school website, and the student handbook. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Mountain Home High School main office.
Effective Date
This policy is effective beginning with the 2026–2027 school year and supersedes any previous procedures or guidelines regarding student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time.
Continuum of Consequences – Cell Phone Infractions
1st Infraction
The phone will be confiscated and taken to the main office.
Parents/guardians will be notified.
The student may pick up the phone at the end of the school day.
2nd Infraction
The phone will be confiscated and taken to the main office.
Parents/guardians will be notified and must come to the high school to pick up the phone.
A meeting will be scheduled between an administrator, the parent/guardian, and the student.
3rd Infraction
The student must turn in their phone to the main office daily until further notice.
If the student fails to turn in their phone and is found to be in possession of a cell phone, additional disciplinary action will be assigned.
Further Infractions
Continued violations will result in the student not being allowed to have a phone on campus at all. Any possession of a phone after this consequence is assigned will result in additional disciplinary action.
