Mount Ida School District

Mount Ida School District Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy Effective: 2025–2026 School Year

In accordance with Arkansas Senate Bill 142 (Bell to Bell, No Cell Act) Purpose: To maintain a focused and respectful learning environment, student use of personal electronic devices is restricted during the school day, with limited exceptions. Electronic Devices include, but are not limited to: ● Cell Phones ● Smart Watches ● Ear Buds or Headphones ● Tablets ● Personal Laptops or Computers ● Any device that sends, receives, or records images, audio, video, or data

Policy Guidelines:
● Students must keep personal devices powered off or on airplane mode from the first bell to the last bell of school.
● Devices may remain in student’s vehicles, lockers, or the school office, but students should not have them in their possession during school hours. This includes all areas of school (classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, cafeteria, gyms, fields, etc.).
● Students may have them in their possession before and/or after school hours.
● Personal device use is only allowed: 1) For health accommodations in an IEP or 504 Plan. 2) In emergencies as defined by school safety procedures. 3) During extracurricular after-school activities.

Policy Violations:
1st Offense Device is Confiscated, Parent Notified, Return to Student at the End of Day, 1 Day of Detention
2nd Offense Device is Confiscated, Parent Must Pick Up, Device Checked in to Office Daily, 1 Day of ISS
3rd Offense Device is Confiscated, Parent Must Pick Up, Device Not Permitted on Campus, 3 Days of ISS
4th Offense and Beyond Device is Confiscated, Parent Must Pick Up, Parent/Administration/SRO Conference, 2 Days of OSS and 2 Days of ISS Instructional

Use Protocol: Use of two-factor authentication for college courses with administrator approval and supervision only. Time restrictions enforced.