Community ISD Releases Cell Phone Policy

• The communication device will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• A warning will be issued to both the student and the parent or guardian about further consequences for failing to comply with the communication device-free policy.
• Students must complete a behavior contract to confirm their understanding and future adherence to the communication device-free policy.
• The student is permitted to pick up the communication device on the first offense only. This can only be done after the end of the dismissal bell.
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the communication device violation action code.

• The communication device will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• A warning will be issued to both the student and the parent or guardian about further consequences for failing to comply with the communication device-free policy.
• Students and parents will meet with campus administration to discuss and complete a behavior contract to confirm their understanding and future adherence to the communication device-free policy.
• Only the parent or guardian is permitted to pick up the communication device; students are not allowed to retrieve their own devices. Must be picked up prior to 4:30 PM.
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the communication device violation action code.

• The communication device will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• Only the parent or guardian is allowed to pick up the communication device; students are not permitted to retrieve their own communication device. Must be picked up prior to 4:30 PM.
• The student will be assigned one day of in-school suspension (ISS).
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the communication device violation action code.

• The communication device will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• Only the parent or guardian is allowed to pick up the communication device; students are not permitted to retrieve their own devices. Must be picked up prior to 4:30 PM.
• The student will be assigned 3 days of in-school suspension (ISS).
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the communication device violation action code.

• The communication device will be kept in the assistant principal’s office for the day.
• Only the parent or guardian is allowed to pick up the communication device; students are not permitted to retrieve their own communication device. Must be picked up prior to 4:30 PM.
• An in-person meeting will be scheduled with the parent or guardian.
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the communication device violation action code.
• The 5th offense and beyond will be considered insubordination for refusing to comply with school rules and guidelines related to communication device use. This will be treated as a serious offense according to the CISD Student Code of Conduct, and consequences will be issued accordingly.

1. All campuses follow established emergency protocols.
2. Parents will also be notified through our emergency notification system. Make sure your contact information is up to date in Skyward by clicking here. If you need to update your information and need assistance, please email skyward.help@communityisd.org.
3. During a lockdown or evacuation, students are guided by trained staff.
4. When it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their phones to contact families.

Students are always encouraged to use their best judgement to stay safe. If a student uses their communication device to get help in a situation where staff aren't immediately available, circumstances will be taken into account during any judgement by an administrator.

No personal digital devices can be powered on or used during the school day, unless there is an official medical exemption or 504 plan filed with the District.

No. Under the new law, students may no longer use personal laptops, tablets, or other devices during the school day. All instructional technology must be district-issued and monitored. Community ISD provides each student with a Chromebook to ensure a consistent and secure learning environment.

Yes. Students can use personal devices after the final bell rings, including for extracurricular activities or any transportation needs.

If you need to reach your student during instructional time, please call the main number for your school. You can find those numbers by clicking here. In case of an urgent situation, we will make sure your child receives any relevant information as quickly as possible.

Cell phones are permitted, but if they become a distraction to the driver or other students, they must be put away and this privilege will be revoked. This is Community ISD policy, and part of the Bus Rider Agreement all families must sign before students can ride the bus.

It is a period of time from the first bell to the last bell, including passing periods and lunches.

No matter the reason why, if a communication device disrupts instructional time, it will be confiscated and treated as a violation. Devices should be powered off completely from first bell to last bell.

Except in cases of medical exemptions or 504 exemptions filed officially with the District, students cannot use their communication devices during the school day, even for appointments or forgotten items. If students need to reach their parents/guardians, they should tell their teacher or an administrator who will arrange for another way to contact their parents/guardians.

Families are encouraged to communicate planned appointments or early checkouts to the front office and to teachers before the school day begins, and to do their best to book appointments on Fridays when students are not in class.

If an unplanned situation arises, the front office will notify the appropriate classroom.

If and when a student's device is confiscated, it will be stored securely in a designated area in the front office. Only authorized staff will have access, and the communication device will remain there until it is returned to the student and/or picked up by a parent/guardian.

Though communication devices will remain stored up to 90 days, parents/guardians are encouraged to pick up their student's device as soon as possible.

As long as a student is off-campus, devices may be used as normal. But as soon as a student steps on campus during instructional hours, their communication devices must be powered off and placed in a bag, and remain stored until they leave campus.

We recognize that some students use communication devices as a coping mechanism, but under HB 1481, personal devices cannot be used during instructional time unless there is a specific medical or 504 exemption on file with the District.

Counselors will be available to assist any student that is experiencing anxiety. Community ISD has support systems in place to help students adjust to this new reality.

Yes. Students can access their communication devices as soon as the final bell rings AND they step off campus. House Bill 1481 only applies during instructional time.

No. Students cannot use personal devices at all during instructional time. Only CISD Chromebooks are approved, and these devices can only be used to access specific apps, programs, and websites.

No. No matter what device is being used, personal messaging is not permitted during the school day. If your student needs to get in touch with a parent/guardian, they should ask a teacher or staff member to assist them in reaching them.

In most cases, unless a medical or 504 exemption is officially on file with the District, students will not be permitted to use their phone during instructional time, even in the nurse's office. The nurse will contact a parent/guardian directly if their student needs to go home or if there are any health concerns.

If the nurse determines that it’s appropriate for your child to use their phone to update you, they may permit it. We appreciate your understanding as we work to follow the law while still supporting student well-being.

No. All communication devices should be powered off and stored in back packs at all times, including restroom breaks. Not only does this maintain compliance with HB 1481; it also helps us protect student privacy.