Studies have shown excessive screen time has been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Further, cell phones can be distracting, hinder students’ focus and engagement and discourage social interaction. As educators, we feel a sense of responsibility to design a cell phone policy that promotes student attention, engagement, and community.

Upper School students’ cell phones are not to be used, heard, or visible on the MPA campus during regular school hours (8 AM-3 PM) unless specifically authorized by a teacher or administrator. This includes all classes, study halls, lunch, recess, and passing time.
We recommend students leave phones at home but, if that is not possible, we recommend students silence their phones and store them in their backpacks, vehicles, or lockers for the duration of the school day. Students should not have their phones on them. Alternatively, students are welcome to voluntarily check in their phones in the Upper School office at the start of the school day. We have phone storage lockers available for those who choose to use them.
Consequences:

When a faculty or staff member sees a cell phone, they will take it and turn it in at the Upper School Office. (“We see it, we take it.”)

• First offense: Student will reclaim the phone from the Upper School office at the end of the day.
• Second offense: Student will reclaim phone after administrator has communicated with a parent/guardian.
• Further offenses: Parent/guardian will reclaim the cell phone from the Upper School office and student will be asked to turn in their phone to the Upper School office at the start of the day or be asked to leave it at home.

Air Pods, earbuds, and headphones should also not be worn without specific approval from a teacher or administrator. The same process (as seen above) will apply if they are seen.

Last Updated: May 29, 2025