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To comply with HB 1481, a law that was passed during the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, Dripping Springs ISD (DSISD) has enacted a new policy for students’ personal communications devices.
When students return to school on Aug. 13, they will need to either leave their devices at home or keep them powered off and stored away during the school day, including during passing periods and lunches. Devices can be stored in backpacks, lockers or vehicles.
Personal communications devices include cell phones, tablets, smart watches, radio or paging devices, and any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communica- tion, including laptops.
HB 1481 requires all public schools in Texas to adopt policies restricting student access to personal communication devices during the school day while on school property. The law is intended to promote more focused learning environments, reduce distractions in the classroom, and promote positive peer interactions.
For DSISD, personal communications devices will be prohibited from the time students enter campus in the morning until they leave at the end of the regular school day. For elementary schools, campuses open at 7:10 a.m. and the day ends at 3:05 p.m. For middle schools and high schools, campuses open at 8 a.m. and the day ends at 4:15 p.m.
The state law requires disciplinary measures for students who violate the policy. Devices brought to school may be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. More information about specific consequences will be provided in the DSISD Student Code of Conduct, which is currently being finalized.
Students may qualify for exceptions under the law if they have an approved Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan that requires device use. If a student has a documented medical need based on a directive from a qualified physician, parents should contact the campus principal to request an exception.
All secondary students in DSISD will be issued a district Chromebook, and elementary students will have access to technology in their classrooms, as needed, for instructional purposes.
In an official statement, DSISD officials encouraged families to discuss this change and the reasons behind it with their children prior to the start of school. They also suggested making a plan for how students should communicate with parents during the day to avoid policy violations.
“While as a school district, we already had requirements that limited cell phones during instructional time, we know this is a significant shift, and we appreciate your support as we work to create a stronger, more focused learning environment for our students,” the DSISD statement said.
