New Cell Phone Changes

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In June 2025, the Minidoka County School Board approved an update to Student Cell Phone Use Policy 361.00, which will bring an important change to East Minico Middle School. Starting this school year, our campus will become a phone-free learning environment.

From 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM, students will be required to keep all cell phones and wireless headphones (such as earbuds or AirPods) turned off and stored in their lockers. These devices may not be carried or used during the school day. Students with documented medical needs will be allowed to keep phones with them for health-related reasons.

We know this will be an adjustment for many students and families, but this shift is being made with your child’s well-being in mind.

Research—including insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—shows that excessive phone use during the school day can lead to increased anxiety, decreased focus, and fewer opportunities for real, face-to-face connection. At East Minico, we are committed to building a calm, focused, and connected learning environment where every student can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

📵 What You Need to Know:

• Phones and wireless headphones must be off and stored during school hours.

• 1st Offense: Device taken to the office; student may pick it up after school.

• 2nd Offense: Device held until a parent or guardian picks it up.

• Repeated Offenses: May result in further disciplinary actions.

If your child needs to get in touch with you during the day, they may use the school office phone. Likewise, you can always call the office at (208) 436-3178, and we will make sure your child receives the message.

Thank you for partnering with us as we help every student stay present, focused, and proud to be a Pirate!

Sincerely,

Dustin Heath,

Principal

East Minico Middle School