Mineola Middle School students will no longer have their cell phones during the school day.

Principal Brittany Thompson announced the change to the student handbook at Monday’s school board meeting, which the MISD board approved unanimously.

Thompson cited two primary reasons for the change – social and emotional well-being of students and discipline issues.

She said students have been observed during the lunch break on their phones rather than interacting with each other.

And many of the discipline issues on the campus have been related to cell phones.

Mineola ISD Police Chief Cody Castleberry agreed with Thompson’s assessment, having investigated some of those discipline issues. “If y’all had seen what I’ve seen,” he added.

Thompson estimated 80% of middle school students have phones. They must remain in lockers throughout the school day.

She said she is passionate about the change and acknowledged there will be some push back.

New high school Principal Chase Thomas said students on that campus will continue to have access to phones for now. They must be off during class time.

He announced several minor changes to the handbook, including clarifying that boys hair length limits still apply when hair is tied back.

The elementary and primary campus handbooks are unchanged from last year.