Personal Electronic Devices

Based on extensive research around how cell phones and social media negatively affect teenagers (social skills, mental health, distraction, academic achievement), YHS continues to work toward establishing a phone-free environment for the vast majority of the school day

During classes (including morning advisory, study halls, and Flex Time), student cell phones will be kept in classroom-based cell phone hotels unless a staff member gives student/s specific permission to use their device/s for an educational purpose. 

During classes and Flex Time, earbuds/headphones will be “off and away” unless a staff member gives student/s specific permission to use their device. 

During study halls, earbuds/headphones may be used but cell phones will be kept in cell phone hotels.  Smartwatches must be set to airplane mode and should be used as timepieces only.  

These devices are allowed during school-wide breaks, lunches, passing periods, and before and after school.

Please know that we are, as a staff, committed to phone-free classrooms. If your student does not follow the above expectations, they will leave their device in the main office until a parent/guardian can pick it up.

We appreciate your partnership in creating a healthy social and learning environment for all students!

Technology Changes

In order to enhance the educational environment, ensure compliance with copyright and licensing laws and to protect student data, Yarmouth Schools have made three changes to student and staff technology:

• Default block of non-educational games

• Block of commercial streaming media

• Students are now "Standard users" on laptops

See full details about these changes here.

Student Parking & Junior / Senior Open Campus

Due to space limitations, parking on school grounds is available ONLY to juniors and seniors who have pre-registered in the main office. See this letter for more details about parking.

Students in grades 11 and 12 who meet certain criteria will be allowed to leave school during study halls, breaks, and lunches.  Please see Open Campus Information for Juniors and Seniors for a full description of the program.

Daily Schedule / Attendance

School begins at 8:00 a.m. (9:00 on Wednesdays) and ends at 2:45 p.m.  We are emphasizing both arriving at school on time and strong daily attendance this year at YHS.  A 7:55 bell alerts students to be in advisory period by 8:00.  (For Wednesday late start there is a bell at 8:55 to alert students to be in advisory by 9:00!)      

Students who participate in athletics, Playmakers, Robotics, Debate, and Math Team must arrive at school by 9:30 a.m. in order to attend those after-school programs. 

Also, a student who is absent from part or all of the school day due to a personal health appointment, needs to bring a note from the health provider to the office in order for the absence to be excused.  See the attendance section of the student handbook for full details around absences and tardies.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to a new school year! My name is Melanie Lord, and I am excited to be your school nurse. I am here to support the health and well-being of your child throughout the school year.

To better help your student, it is crucial to maintain open lines of communication. Please inform me of any changes in your child's health, allergies, or medications. You can reach me at 207-846-5535 or melanie_lord@yarmouthschools.org.

If your student will require any medication at school, please complete the following medication permission form. 

Please note:

• Medication can only be accepted in its original, properly-labeled pharmacy labeled box or bottle. (medication that is not properly labeled will not be accepted.)

• A doctor’s order in the form of a physician signed Asthma Action Plan, Allergy Action Plan or Seizure Plan or above medication permission form is also required.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. I look forward to a healthy and successful school year with your child!