Minnesota schools begin implementing new cell phone policies

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2024

Minnesota schools begin implementing new cell phone policies

Maple Grove, Minn. — As students head back to class across Minnesota this week, they’ll find new expectations regarding cell phones and other electronic devices.

“The kids are there to learn. So, it’d be a good idea to focus on the learning and what teachers are trying to teach them,” said Jamie Skjerseth of Maple Grove.

The Minnesota legislature mandated school districts adopt a clear cell phone policy by March 2025.

It also required two principals’ organizations to design a new model policy that districts could adopt.

The resulting “Cell Phone Tool Kit,” released in July, suggests that all classrooms be phone free with few exceptions.

“This year they’re pushing it to where you can’t have phones during school hours at all. Not even during lunch or their walking hours in between classes,” explained Karin Sayler of Otsego.

Sayler supports the change for her middle school son.

“He has kids in his class that will actually use it and it distracts him a lot,” she said.

The toolkit also spells out an alternative for high schoolers.

“We cannot have them in the classroom. We have to put them in these phone holders and then we can have them in the hallway or at lunch,” said incoming Rogers High School freshman Grace Hobbins.

Hobbins has mixed feelings about her school’s new policy.

“In high school, I feel like we’re old enough to control ourselves,” she said.

“I’m not going to lie, I do like to be able to text my kids at school,” said Amelia Hobbins, Grace’s mom.

It’s a concern Maple Grove High School addressed in a letter to parents last month, saying in part:

“Students will be able to use their cell phones during passing times and lunch – added together, this amounts to 55 minutes each day! They’ll be just fine.”

Grace’s mom, Amelia, will miss the convenience but agrees that it’s needed to limit distractions, boost learning, and improve kids’ mental health.

“At the end of the day, they should keep the phones in their locker,” she said.

Derek James

Derek James anchors Saturday and Sunday evening newscasts and contributes stories during the week on “The 4.”

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Iran conflict: 250 Minnesota National Guard member serving in Middle East

Published

2 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iran conflict: 250 Minnesota National Guard member serving in Middle East

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota National Guard tells FOX 9 there are currently 250 guard members on regularly scheduled deployment at the United States Central Command areas of responsibility as the United States leads strikes in Iran.

Guardsman in Middle East

What we know:

The Minnesota National Guard says the deployed airmen and soldiers are serving from Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing, the Marshall-based 1-151 Artillery, and the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company.

What they’re saying:

“While their missions and duty locations vary, all are grateful for the strong support of those back home,” writes Army Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, State Public Affairs Officer for the Minnesota National Guard.

What we don’t know:

The guard did not disclose the exact bases or countries where the soldiers and airmen are serving.

CENTCOM covers 21 countries including: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Pres. Trump says Iran operations likely to last 4 to 5 weeks

Big picture view:

In his first public remarks since the launch of the attack on Iran, President Trump said he expected operations to last four to five weeks, but he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

The president also laid out his objective for the mission: to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, to “annihilate” their navy, to ensure the country doesn’t obtain a nuclear weapon and that the regime “cannot continue to arm, fund and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.”

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U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

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14 hours ago

March 2, 2026

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U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

Iranians in Minnesota react to Khamenei death

Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. While many Iranian-Americans expressed hope for regime change, anti-war protesters also took to the streets to condemn the military strikes, with some members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation calling the operation “unlawful” and “illegal.”

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East. Anti-war protesters also took the streets of Minneapolis Saturday.

Plus, Jewish communities say they are on high alert over concerns of potential retaliatory acts in major cities across the U.S.

‘Massive moment’

What we know:

Following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation in Iran, Khamenei was killed in an attack, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.

What they’re saying:

Iranian community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street on Sunday to express hope for regime change.

Dozens of Iranian-Americans said they are celebrating the news.

“We are here to support Iranian people. Today, everybody is happy, very happy,” said Beheshteh Zargaran, an Iranian-American.

“Killed Khamenei, which was the supreme leader, and hopefully they will continue this action and help Iranians finally topple the Islamic regime,” said Faraz Samavat, an Iranian-American.

“That means a lot. We are fighting for almost half a century to destroy this cruel regime against people of Iran,” said Ali Mohammad, an Iranian-American.

Iranians in MN celebrate strikes by Pres. Trump

Iranians in the Twin Cities are gathering in downtown Minneapolis to celebrate major developments in the Middle East following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation. Community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street to express hope for regime change after news that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in Saturday’s airstrikes.

The other side:

Protesters also took to the streets in the Twin Cities over the weekend condemning the strikes.

Some people are criticizing the military operation including members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation. Congresswoman Betty McCollum called the strikes “unlawful” and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called the war “illegal and unjustified.”

Heightened security:

Jewish communities in Minnesota say they are also on high alert following security guidance across the country to prevent potential retaliatory violence.

“A heightened sense of vigilance making sure that everybody is aware of their surroundings and that all of the protective measures are in place,” said Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

There are currently no known specific threats against local Jewish communities.

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Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

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Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

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Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28.

LANESBORO, Minn. (FOX 9) – Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state.