The Mitchell School Board approved the 2025-2026 high school student handbook during its meeting Monday.
It includes a new section regarding limiting the use of electronic devices during instructional time. Principal Justin Siemsen told the board its goal is eliminating distractions in the classroom. “For example, social media,” said Siemsen. “Some students have dings going off on their phone or watch. And clearly their attention is going to go in that direction instead of to the instruction that is happening in the classroom.”
Part of the plan is to place the devices in a holder when students enter the classroom and remain there during instructional time. “Towards the end, right before transition time, and they would be able to reacquire their items,” Siemsen said.
Siemsen spoke to several classrooms of students to get their opinions. Some teachers are already using the practice.