Stephensen Elementary

Dear Stephensen Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Stephensen Elementary — the only school in the district located on Mountain Home Air Force Base and home of the Eagles! Whether you’re brand new or a returning family, we’re so excited to launch into another year of learning, laughter, and leadership together.

👋 Meet Your Principal

I’m Robynn Schipani, proud principal and lifelong Mountain Home girl! This is my third year leading Stephensen Elementary, and I’ve previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade and served as vice principal at Hacker. I love our school and our kids fiercely — and I can't wait to see what this year brings!

Thank you for being part of the Stephensen family — where we act the Eagle Way and soar together every single day. Let’s make it a joyful, successful, and memorable school year!

With excitement,

Robynn Schipani

Principal

Stephensen Elementary

As we settle into a great school year, we want to ensure that our morning drop-off procedures remain safe, smooth, and efficient for everyone. Below are important guidelines for using the Drive Line and Parking Lot at Stephensen Elementary.

Please take a moment to read and follow these procedures to help us keep all students safe during morning arrival.

🚗 Stephensen Elementary Drive Line Procedure & Protocol

• Drive Line Time: 8:10–8:25 AM (Mornings Only)

• No Drive Line After School (Youth Center Buses will use the Drive Line area in the afternoons)

• Single-Lane Only — Follow directions from Stephensen Adults and Student Safety Patrol members

• Speed Limit: 5 MPH

Morning Drop-Off Reminders:
✅ Pull all the way forward when directed
✅ Staff or student helpers will assist students from the right (passenger) side
✅ If your child needs help from the left side, please notify us so we can support you
✅ Do not park, exit your vehicle, or pass other cars in the Drive Line

🅿️ Parking Lot Drop-Off Procedure

🚗 You may use the parking lot, but:

• You must park in a designated space — No stopping in the driving lane to let students out

• There is no adult supervision in the lot, so please use extra caution

• Speed Limit is 10 MPH — Please drive slowly and watch for students walking

• Do not block the crosswalk — Let students and families cross safely

• When exiting the parking lot, right-hand turns only are permitted

• Both areas are monitored by local police each morning

Thank you for helping us make student safety a top priority! We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to following these important procedures.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the front office.

We want to take a moment to remind families about our expectations regarding student cell phones and smartwatches during the school day.

At Stephensen Elementary, we understand that many students carry cell phones or wear smartwatches for safety and communication purposes. However, during the school day, learning is our top priority, and these devices can become a significant distraction.

📵 Our School Expectations:

• Phones must remain turned off and stored in backpacks from the moment students arrive on school property in the morning until the end of the school day.

• Smartwatches with texting or calling features will be treated the same as phones. If a smartwatch is being used to communicate, it will be asked to be turned off and placed in the backpack.

• Devices should not be used during class, lunch, recess, or in the restroom.

• After school, students may use their phones to contact family members once they have exited the building.

⚠️ Consequences for Inappropriate Use:

First Offense:

• The device will be taken by the teacher or staff member and held in the front office until the end of the school day.

• The student may retrieve the device at dismissal.

• A reminder of the policy will be sent home.

Second Offense:

• The device will be held in the office.

• A parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to pick up the device.

• A phone call or meeting with the parent may be requested to review expectations.

Third Offense:

• The student will lose the privilege of bringing the device to school for a period of time (e.g., one week or more).

• The student may also receive a minor behavior referral.

• A plan may be created with the student, family, and school to prevent future disruptions.

Continued Violations:

• The student may be required to check in the device at the front office each morning and pick it up at the end of the day.

• Additional disciplinary actions may be considered depending on the nature and frequency of the behavior.

If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the front office. We will ensure the message is delivered.

We appreciate your help in reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we can create a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students.