West Minico Middle School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In June 2025, the Minidoka County School Board adopted an important change to Student Cell Phone Use Policy 361.00. As a result, West Minico Middle School will become a phone-free learning environment starting this school year.

From 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM each day, students will be required to keep cell phones and wireless headphones (like earbuds or AirPods) turned off and stored in their lockers. These devices may not be used or kept on their person during the school day. Students who use their cell phone for medical reasons and it is documented will be allowed to have their phones with them.

We understand this is a shift from past routines, and it may take some getting used to—for both students and families. However, this decision was made with student well-being at the forefront.

Research—including findings from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—shows that excessive phone use during the school day increases anxiety, disrupts focus, impacts social development, and creates barriers to meaningful peer interaction. At West Minico, we want to create a learning environment that feels calm, connected, and focused—where students can truly thrive both academically and socially.

📱 What You Need to Know:

Phones and earbuds must be off and stored in lockers during school hours.

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

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

• Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary actions.

We’ll help students adjust through consistent communication, support, and clear expectations. If your child needs to contact you during the day, they can use the phone in the school office. We’re always happy to deliver important messages to students from home as well.

Thank you for your partnership as we focus on creating a school environment where all students can be successful, present, and proud to be Warriors.