Talk About the Policy:

• Explain why the new rule exists to help students focus and reduce distractions. 
• Let them know it’s now state law (HB 1481), not just a school rule.

Set Expectations at Home:

• Discuss the importance of following school rules and how this supports their teachers and learning.
• Discuss the consequences of not complying with school policies/state law.
• Encourage responsibility and respect for school policies/state law.  

Plan Communication: 

• Let your child know you can contact the school office, and they can make calls from the office. They can also communicate through their school email account on their school-issued device.
• Make sure Parent/Guardian and Emergency contact numbers are up to date with each campus.

In the event of a school emergency, teachers and administrators guide students through established safety protocols, such as lockdowns or evacuations. During a lockdown, students are expected to remain silent and out of sight to protect themselves and others. SISD campuses are equipped with multiple systems to immediately contact 911 and request emergency assistance.

If a real emergency occurs, students may use their personal communication devices to notify parents/guardians once first responders or SISD Safety & Security confirm it is safe to do so.

As a reminder, if a campus initiates a significant safety protocol such as a lockdown or evacuation, parents/guardians will receive a notification through Parent Square with important updates and next steps.

All personal communication devices must be powered off, out of sight, and not on their person, which means they should be put away in the student’s backpack or other bag during the day to prevent any unexpected disruption or temptation to check it.

If the phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be confiscated and treated as a violation. Devices should be off and out of sight at all times during the school day. 

No, students may not wear smartwatches during the school day. If a student is found using a smartwatch to send or receive messages, make calls, or otherwise communicate, the device will be confiscated and treated the same as any other personal communication device violation under the district’s consequences.

Yes. Students will need to have wired earbuds or headphones with either a standard headphone jack.

HB 1481 includes a ban on all personal communication devices that are NOT issued by Shallowater ISD. This means students are no longer allowed to use their personal laptops, Chromebooks, or tablets at school, and may only use district-issued Chromebooks at school. SISD has previously permitted personal devices, but this new law prohibits them.

The law only applies during the school day. Students may use their devices before the first bell and after the final bell off campus. However, the staff member supervising students before or after school or off campus during an extracurricular activity will have discretion regarding when and where devices may be used and may require that students keep personal communication devices put away.

No. All academic tools and teacher-to-student messaging apps must be accessed on district-issued devices via ClassLink during school hours. Students have the ability to access these apps through their Chromebooks.

Please call the school office, and the school will deliver your message. In case of an urgent situation, we will ensure your child receives the information as quickly as possible. If your child needs to reach you during the school day, teacher discretion will be used to allow students to go to the front office to make any necessary phone call home to a parent/guardian.

     In addition, each student has a school email account, and he/she will be able to send or receive email messages on the school-issued device.

Yes. The law only applies during the school day. Students may use personal communication devices before arriving at school and after the final bell, including on the bus, unless the driver determines they need to be put away.

Students may access and use their phones after the final bell. The law applies only during the school day, so phones can be turned on once the day is over.

This new law allows use of a device as necessary to implement an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a student with a documented need based on a directive from a physician, or as necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or the district’s or school’s safety protocols. If your child has an IEP, Section 504 Plan, or medical need, please speak to the nurse or school administration.

Only district-issued devices are allowed to be used while at school. Shallowater ISD has previously set up a virtual desktop that makes running the programs necessary for those specific courses available for students to use. Our technology team will troubleshoot any issues that arise with specific courses with teachers and administrators.

No. Students may not use their phones to contact parents or guardians during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments, on their personal devices. If a student needs to make a call, they can use the front office phone. We encourage families to communicate any planned appointments or early checkouts before the school day begins. If an unexpected situation arises, such as an early appointment or a need to pick up your child, the front office will contact the student directly by notifying the classroom.

No. Personal devices may not be used for recording video or taking photos during the school day. Teachers will provide approved alternatives for projects requiring media.

For the first offense, a student may pick up a confiscated device at the end of the school day. Beginning with the second offense, a parent or guardian may pick up a confiscated device at the end of the school day.  A parent or guardian signature will be required when the device is picked up from the campus.

Each campus will have a designated safe, secure location on campus to store confiscated personal communication devices. Only authorized staff will have access, and the device will remain there until it is returned to the student or picked up by a parent or guardian.

Refusing to surrender a device is considered defiance and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. An administrator will intervene, and additional disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension or placement in the discipline alternative education program.

No. Shallowater ISD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, including those that are confiscated. Students and families are encouraged to leave valuables at home or use devices responsibly in accordance with district policy.

According to House Bill 1481, the district may dispose of a confiscated personal communication device. Shallowater ISD will store a cell phone for one calendar year, and will provide notice if it is scheduled for disposal.  We recommend that parents or guardians retrieve it as soon as possible!