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Mobile Device Policy

  • Personal wireless communication devices in alignment with Texas House Bill 1481.

    To provide a focused, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment, Elkhart ISD prohibits the use of personal wireless communication devices (PWCDs}-including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, tablets, pagers, or laptops not issued by the school or any device capable of sending or receiving wireless communication- at any time during the instructional day. 

    School Day Defined 
    The school day includes: 

    • Instruction time
    • Lunch
    • Recess
    • Transitions
    • Tutorials
    • Athletics
    • Any periods on campus prior to dismissal

    Devices must remain powered off and stored in students' backpacks or other designated areas during the entire school day.

    All Grade Levels

    • Devices must be powered off, out of sight, and secured in backpacks or other designated storage areas during instructional time.
    • Use of devices is prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, and any other space where privacy is expected.
    • Wireless earbuds and wireless headphones may not be used unless specified in an approved instructional or special education plan.

    Excepetions

    • Students with a physician's order, or 504 or IEP accommodations, may have exceptions as documented.

    Parent/Guardian Communication & Device Retrieval Policy

    Parent Communication Protocol

    To avoid disruptions:

    • Parents/Guardians should not contact students directly during instructional time.
    • All communication must go through the school front office.
    • Emergency messages will be promptly delivered.
    • Emergency contact must go through the campus front office.

    Parent/Guardian Pickup Policy

    • Only a parent or legal guardian may retrieve confiscated devices.
    • Pickup Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday
    • Photo ID is required
    • Devices will not be released to siblings, relatives, or non-guardians.

    Unclaimed devices: Items not claimed by the last day of school will be disposed of.

    Refusal to Comply

    If a student refuses to turn over their device when requested:

    • Immediate referral to the office.
    • Possible In-School Suspension (ISS), Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) for insubordination, or additional consequences.
    • Parent meeting required.

    Fee Information

    • 1st offense fee: No Charge
    • Subsequent offenses: $15
    • Fees must be paid by cash or check to the campus secretary upon pickup of the confiscated device.
    • Unpaid fees may result in report card holds or denial of extracurricular privileges.

  • Infographic detailing violation consequences, with sections for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd+ offenses.

  • How do I contact my child during the day?

    Call the campus front office. Staff will deliver important messages to your child

    What if a student needs to contact their parent during the school day?

    Students can call using a phone in the front office.

    Can my student use their phones before or after school?

    Yes, students may use their personal wireless communication devices until the first bell rings, after the last bell rings, or after tutorials.

    Can students use phones at lunch or during passing periods?

    No. Devices are not permitted at any time between the first bell and the last bell, including lunch and passing periods.

    How are confiscated devices returned?

    Parents/Guardians must retrieve devices from the school office and pay the applicable administrative fee.

    Can a sibling or friend pick up a phone for a student?

    No. Only a parent or legal guardian with a valid ID may retrieve the device.

    Is the district responsible for lost or damaged phones?

    No. Students bring personal devices at their own risk.