Letter from Modoc High School.
November 1, 2026
Braves Students, Parents and Guardians,
I am aware that some students are considering a walkout over school expectations. I want to address those concerns directly and make our responsibilities clear.
All decisions we make at MHS are grounded in what is best for our students—their safety, well-being, learning, and growth. As principal, I am responsible for protecting instructional time and maintaining a safe, orderly campus. Several expectations are direct responses to student behaviors: excessive time out of class, wandering, vaping, inappropriate restroom use, and belongings left in spaces needed for school operations and student services. Repeated bulletin reminders have addressed appropriate bathroom use and protecting instructional time. When problems continue, we must respond with clear structure and consistent
accountability.
We are Building BRAVES: Bold, Resilient, Academically Strong, Virtuous, Empathetic, and Skilled. Our expectations provide the structure needed to develop these qualities. Every student deserves focused classrooms, accessible restrooms, and a safe campus.
- Energy drinks: MHS will continue implementing the district’s restriction in support of student health and wellness. Energy drinks are not permitted on campus. These products often contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that can contribute to increased heart rate, anxiety, restlessness, sleep disruption, and difficulty concentrating. Our responsibility is to promote student health, safety, and readiness to learn, not encourage products that may negatively affect those things.
- Hall passes & staying in class: Students are expected to remain in their assigned classrooms during instructional time unless they have permission to leave. Hall passes help staff maintain accountability and supervision of students throughout the day. Unnecessary time outside the classroom results in lost instructional minutes, repeated interruptions to other students’ learning, and opportunities for unsafe or inappropriate behavior, including vaping, drug-related activity, and gathering in unsupervised areas. Every minute of instruction matters, and we have a responsibility to protect that time. Necessary restroom, health, and support services remain accessible.
- Lockers: Beginning November 2, backpacks must be stored in lockers during break and lunch—not in offices, the counseling center, hallways, or bathrooms. Requiring backpacks to remain in lockers during the school day helps reduce the potential for prohibited or unsafe items to be brought into classrooms, limits opportunities for concealment of substances or other items, reduces hallway congestion and tripping hazards, and allows staff to better monitor the learning environment. This expectation is a campus safety measure, not an effort to inconvenience students.restrooms Classroom
backpack use and storage is at teacher discretion. We will assist students in utilizing their lockers throughout the day on Monday and throughout the week, if necessary..
- Cell Phone Restrictions: California has enacted the Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), requiring school districts to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student smartphone use during the school day. These restrictions are intended to support student learning, mental health, and well-being. Cell phones can create distractions, contribute to social conflict, facilitate inappropriate recording and social media activity, and interfere with students’ ability to be present and engaged. Our expectations are consistent with
- Regarding the incident on Friday, October 30: MHS did not initiate a lockdown because there was no danger to our campus. Law enforcement was present throughout the day. The investigation determined that none of our students were involved in the threat.
- Off-Campus Lunch Privileges: Off-campus lunch is a privilege, not a guaranteed right. Students who are permitted to leave campus for lunch are expected to demonstrate responsible decision-making, follow established expectations, and return on time. If student behavior, safety concerns, or repeated violations warrant it, the District reserves the right to review and revoke off-campus lunch privileges in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. We would much rather maintain these privileges than find it necessary to restrict them.
Advocating positively and respectfully for change does not mean MHS expectations will be eliminated. It does mean we will listen, take concerns seriously, and have proactive conversations about solutions that protect safety, responsibility, and learning.
I am inviting students to class conversations this week to discuss MHS expectations and student concerns and ideas moving forward.
School will follow its regular schedule and students are expected in their assigned classes. Attendance and athletic participation requirements will be applied consistently, with applicable excused absences and individual circumstances considered. Contact the office beforehand about an anticipated absence. Students must respect one another’s choices and access to learning.
Families, I ask for your partnership in reinforcing attendance, responsible behavior, and respectful communication. I will listen, communicate clearly, and follow through so every Brave can learn and thrive.
Kristen Budmark
Principal, Modoc High School
