New Student Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy – Effective July 1, 2025

Dear Mason City Families,

We want to inform you of an important change in Iowa law—House File 782—which requires schools across the state to limit student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. In response to this new law, the Mason City Community School Board has approved a new policy (503.09) that will take effect July 1, 2025, for all K-12 students.

Numerous research studies have shown that frequent access to cell phones during the school day can significantly negatively impact student focus, academic performance, social development, and mental health. Excessive screen time and constant connectivity can lead to anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, decreased face-to-face interactions, and reduced ability to concentrate and retain information. By setting clear expectations and boundaries for personal device use, we are helping students build stronger attention spans, healthier relationships, and lifelong learning habits.

This policy is rooted in our commitment to creating an engaging, distraction-free learning environment for all students.

What the New Policy Means for Students:

Beginning this fall, students will not be allowed to use or possess personal electronic devices on their person during instructional time. These devices include cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, gaming devices, and other wearable or portable technology.

Each building has designated secure storage expectations:

• Elementary & Lincoln Intermediate: Devices must be stored in lockers.
• John Adams Middle School: Devices must be stored in lockers.
• Mason City High School & Alternative High School: Devices must be stored in lockers or backpacks (zipped and concealed).
• High School students may use their phones only during their assigned lunch period in the cafeteria.

All devices must be silenced during the school day.

Instructional Time

"Instructional time" is any part of the school day when students are supervised by teachers or instructional staff, including independent work time.

School-specific hours are:

• Elementary (Harding, Hoover, Jefferson, Roosevelt): 8:05 AM – 3:00 PM
• Pinecrest Center: 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM
• Lincoln Intermediate: 7:55 AM – 2:50 PM
• John Adams & MCHS: 8:35 AM – 3:40 PM
• Alternative School: 8:25 AM – 3:40 PM

Communication & Emergencies

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school office directly. In the event of an emergency, school officials will contact families using all available methods (phone, text, email, etc.) as soon as it is safe to do so.

Violations & Consequences

We know adjusting to this policy may take time. Here's how violations will be handled each semester:

• 1st Offense: Device taken and returned to student at the end of the day.
• 2nd Offense: Device taken and returned only to a parent or guardian during office hours.
• 3rd+ Offense: A plan will be created to prevent further violations, and additional restrictions or disciplinary actions may apply.

If a student refuses to give their device to a staff member upon request, they may be sent home for the remainder of the day.

Instructional Exceptions

Teachers may request approval from their principal to allow personal device use for a specific learning activity. Additionally, students with an IEP, 504 plan, or medical documentation may have access to devices as outlined in their plan.

Families may petition the building principal for exceptions based on documented health or safety needs.

I appreciate your support as we work together to create a safe and engaging learning environment for every Mason City Community Schools student!

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your school's principal.

Sincerely,

Pat Hamilton

Superintendent

Mason City Community School District