Mammoth Spring School District adopts phone-free policy, offers free school supplies

Staff and students from the Mammoth Spring School District stand with a ceremonial donation check for school supplies. Image provided by the Mammoth Spring School District

The Mammoth Spring School District will implement a phone-free learning environment for the 2025–26 academic year to reduce distractions and improve student engagement, the district announced.

Beginning in the fall, students will be required to secure their phones in Yondr pouches during school hours. The pouches allow students to retain physical possession of their devices but remain locked and can only be opened at the end of the school day. Students will be responsible for bringing the pouches to and from school each day and keeping them secure.

“Research shows that the mere presence of cellphones in the classroom can harm student performance,” the district said in a news release, citing a 2015 study by the London School of Economics that found a 6.4% increase in test scores at schools that restricted phone use.

A 2019 survey conducted by Yondr found that 84% of participating schools reported higher student engagement, 69% reported improved academic performance, and 80% reported fewer behavioral referrals after implementing phone-free policies.

District officials acknowledged the change may raise questions and encouraged parents and guardians to speak with their children about the policy.

The district also announced that all school supplies, except backpacks, will be provided to students at no cost for the upcoming school year. The initiative is made possible through a partnership with NEXT Powered by NAEC and the Mammoth Spring/Thayer Ministerial Alliance.

“We’re so thankful for the way our community always steps up for our kids,” said Superintendent Mark Taylor. “This takes a big weight off a lot of families and means our students can walk in on the first day ready to go.”

Supplies will be delivered directly to classrooms to ensure students have what they need from day one.

“NEXT’s donation is our way of giving back and helping support student success in our community,” said Cortney Varner, marketing and business development director at NEXT.

Chris Powers, president of the Mammoth Spring/Thayer Ministerial Alliance, added, “By helping provide school supplies, we’re investing in the future of our children and showing them that they’re valued and cared for.”