Beginning January 4, 2012, students of Mena High School are allowed to use their cell phones in the cafeteria before school, during lunch, and after school. The cafeteria will be considered a 'Free-Talk Zone.' Other use of the cell phone in the building is prohibited. If a student has his/her cell phone taken away from him/her at school, outside of the ‘Free-Talk Zone,’ he/she will receive the following consequences:

1st Offense - Cell phone will be taken up for 5 days (including weekends) or $10 fine and receive the phone at the end of the following school day.

2nd Offense - Cell phone will be taken up for 10 days (including weekends) or $50 fine and receive the phone at the end of the following school day.

3rd Offense - Cell phone will be turned in to the office each morning (loss of privilege).

Also, there can be no more than 30 cell phones taken up during a semester or the 'Free-Talk Zone' privilege will be taken away.

Students are not allowed to use their cell phones to make threatening or otherwise harmful texts, posts, etc. Students who use their phone in this manner during their ‘Free-Talk Zone’ time will lose all privileges immediately and could be turned over to the authorities for cyber bullying.

This policy does not prohibit the educational use of cell phones in the classroom.

This policy was developed by students working with teachers and administration. It is not a finalized policy at this point.