New Student Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy – Effective July 1, 2025
Dear Mason City Families,
We want to inform you of an important change in Iowa law—House File 782—which requires schools across the state to limit student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. In response to this new law, the Mason City Community School Board has approved a new policy (503.09) that will take effect July 1, 2025, for all K-12 students.
Numerous research studies have shown that frequent access to cell phones during the school day can significantly negatively impact student focus, academic performance, social development, and mental health. Excessive screen time and constant connectivity can lead to anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, decreased face-to-face interactions, and reduced ability to concentrate and retain information. By setting clear expectations and boundaries for personal device use, we are helping students build stronger attention spans, healthier relationships, and lifelong learning habits.
This policy is rooted in our commitment to creating an engaging, distraction-free learning environment for all students.
What the New Policy Means for Students:
Beginning this fall, students will not be allowed to use or possess personal electronic devices on their person during instructional time. These devices include cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, gaming devices, and other wearable or portable technology.
Each building has designated secure storage expectations:
- Elementary & Lincoln Intermediate: Devices must be stored in lockers.
- John Adams Middle School: Devices must be stored in lockers.
- Mason City High School & Alternative High School: Devices must be stored in lockers or backpacks (zipped and concealed).
- High School students may use their phones only during their assigned lunch period in the cafeteria.
All devices must be silenced during the school day.
Instructional Time
"Instructional time" is any part of the school day when students are supervised by teachers or instructional staff, including independent work time.
School-specific hours are:
- Elementary (Harding, Hoover, Jefferson, Roosevelt): 8:05 AM – 3:00 PM
- Pinecrest Center: 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM
- Lincoln Intermediate: 7:55 AM – 2:50 PM
- John Adams & MCHS: 8:35 AM – 3:40 PM
- Alternative School: 8:25 AM – 3:40 PM
Communication & Emergencies
If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school office directly. In the event of an emergency, school officials will contact families using all available methods (phone, text, email, etc.) as soon as it is safe to do so.
Violations & Consequences
We know adjusting to this policy may take time. Here's how violations will be handled each semester:
- 1st Offense: Device taken and returned to student at the end of the day.
- 2nd Offense: Device taken and returned only to a parent or guardian during office hours.
- 3rd+ Offense: A plan will be created to prevent further violations, and additional restrictions or disciplinary actions may apply.
If a student refuses to give their device to a staff member upon request, they may be sent home for the remainder of the day.
Instructional Exceptions
Teachers may request approval from their principal to allow personal device use for a specific learning activity. Additionally, students with an IEP, 504 plan, or medical documentation may have access to devices as outlined in their plan.
Families may petition the building principal for exceptions based on documented health or safety needs.
I appreciate your support as we work together to create a safe and engaging learning environment for every Mason City Community Schools student!
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your school's principal.
Sincerely,
Pat Hamilton
Superintendent
Mason City Community School District
2025-26 Student Registration
As we prepare for the 2025-26 school year, we are asking all families to complete the annual update in Infinite Campus this spring.
This process ensures that we have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your student(s), including emergency contacts, health details, and important permissions. In past years, registration has taken place in the summer, but this year we are shifting the timeline to spring to help streamline back-to-school preparations.
Please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and complete the annual update. The process only takes a few minutes and applies to all returning students. You will need to click on the menu > More > Online Registration. From there you will click “start” for the 25-26 Online Registration (K-12) under Existing Student Registration.
*All incoming transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students should complete the New Student Registration, even if they have attended Mason City Schools before. Any incoming preschool students must complete the 25-26 Preschool Registration.
What’s New This Year?
There are a few differences to be aware of for the 2025-26 school year:
- Free/Reduced Meal Applications will not be available until after July 1, 2025. A notification will be sent out to all families as a reminder when the application is available to be completed.
- Student textbook fees will not be assigned or payable until after the school year has started. More information will be provided once they are available and at that time, fees can be paid in your Campus Parent Portal.
Thank you for your attention to this important step in getting ready for another great year at Mason City Schools! If you have questions or need assistance accessing the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please contact your school’s main office or Amy Graven at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 641-421-4401.
MCCSD School Supply Lists for 2025-2026
School Supply Lists of suggested materials for the 2025-26 school year:
Lincoln Intermediate (Grades 5-6)
Kindergarten & TK Registration for 2025-26 is NOW OPEN!
Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open! At Mason City Community School District, we provide small class sizes, expert teachers, and a welcoming school culture where every child can thrive! Enroll today and give your child the best start to their educational journey. Register NOW!
Click HERE for more information!
Click HERE to register your student TODAY!!
*All students for TK and kindergarten should be registered as NEW students, even if they attended preschool at MCCSD.
2025-2026 NEW Student Registration
New student registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open! If you have a student who has never attended Mason City Community School District or a student who left the district and is now returning you must complete a new student registration. Students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade will attend their neighborhood school. If you are unsure which school that is, you can enter your address in our boundary map by clicking HERE or call 641-421-4401.
Click HERE to complete the online registration in Infinite Campus!
Please contact the building offices with questions or Amy Graven at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 641-421-4401.
Harding Elementary (Preschool - 4th grade) - 641-421-4406
Hoover Elemetnary (Kindergarten - 4th grade) - 641-421-4408
Jefferson Elementary (Kindergarten - 4th grade) - 641-421-4411
Roosevelt Elementary (Kindergarten - 4th grade) 641-421-4415
Lincoln Intermediate (Grades 5-6) - 641-421-4423
John Adams Middle School (Grades 7-8) - 641-421-4420
Mason City High School (Grades 9-12) - 641-421-4436
Mason City Alternative School (Grades 9-12) - 641-421-4426
Mason City Virtual Academy (Grades 7-12) - 641-421-4426