Dear Coppell ISD Families,
We hope this message finds you well as we prepare for the start of the 2025–2026 school year. We want to make you aware of a new state law that affects student use of personal communication devices on campus.
House Bill 1481 (revision of Texas Education Code 37.082), recently passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, requires all public school districts in Texas to adopt a policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices during school hours. In alignment with this law, Coppell ISD has established clear expectations and procedures to ensure a focused and distraction-free learning environment for all students.
Coppell ISD Personal Communication Device Guidelines
Effective immediately, the following procedures will be in place for all students:
During school hours, personal communication devices must be:
Secondary students: Cell phones and smart watches must be secured in a school-issued pouch. All other personal communication devices must be kept in backpacks or left at home. The personal device pouches will be distributed by the campuses to each secondary student. Students are expected to keep their devices stored in their pouches and out of use for the entirety of the school day, including passing periods and lunch.
Elementary students: Stored in backpacks or left at home. Students are expected to keep their devices stored and out of use for the entirety of the school day.
School Day Hours:
Elementary School: 7:40 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.
Middle School: 8:10 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
High School: 8:50 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Victory Place: 7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Devices covered under the law include, but are not limited to: cell phones (smartphones or flip phones), tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, personal laptops, AI glasses, and any other device capable of telecommunication or digital communication. This law does not apply to school-issued devices.
Importantly, the law does provide exceptions for students with documented medical needs or special education accommodations.
To support this policy public Wi-Fi access for personal communication devices will be disabled on campus during school hours. Students are expected to keep their devices stored and out of use for the entirety of the school day. Accessing personal devices at any time during the instructional day is strictly prohibited. Parents, we encourage you to begin discussing this new law and its implications with your student(s) to help them prepare for the upcoming changes. We will also be providing training for staff and students at the start of the year.
Parents and guardians wishing to contact their child during the school may email your student through their CISD Gmail account, accessible via their district-issued iPad, or contact the front office, who will relay the message to the student.
We appreciate your support in helping us create an environment that prioritizes student engagement, academic focus, and social connection. If you have questions or would like to review the full House Bill 1481, you may access it here. CISD has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document related to HB 1481 (included below).
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Coppell ISD
Coppell ISD Personal Communication Devices Policy – Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my student loses their pouch?
Students are responsible for securing a replacement pouch from the campus front office (secondary campuses only). A replacement fee will be assessed. Until a new pouch is obtained, students must leave their personal communication devices at home.
Note: Students may not bring or use their own pouch and must use the district-issued pouch. The personal device pouches will be distributed by the campuses to each secondary student.
Policy Violations & Consequences
What happens if my child uses a personal device during the school day?
1st Offense:
Device is held in the front office
Parent/guardian is notified
Student must complete a behavior contract
Only a parent/guardian may pick up the device the next school day
Behavior is logged in the student’s record
2nd Offense:
Same steps as 1st offense
A $20 fine is required to retrieve the device
3rd Offense:
Same steps as 2nd offense
Additional documentation of the incident in behavior records
Treated as a serious offense per CISD Student Code of Conduct
Results in one day of in-school suspension
4th Offense:
Same steps and fine as above
Treated as a serious offense per CISD Student Code of Conduct
Results in in-school suspension (two days minimum)
Device Pickup Hours by Campus:
Elementary School: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Middle School: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
High School: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Victory Place: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Only a parent or guardian may retrieve a confiscated device. Students are not permitted to pick up their own device.
Communication & Emergencies
How can I contact my child during the school day?
Please contact the campus front office. Staff will relay your message. You may also email your student through their CISD Gmail account, accessible via their district-issued iPad.
Does the school have the right to collect my child’s phone?
Yes. Under House Bill 1481, schools may enforce policies that include collecting personal communication devices when they are used during the instructional day.
What if there is a school emergency?
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. CISD 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 once first responders or CISD 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 will receive a notification through the district’s messaging system with important updates and next steps.
Device Safety & Exceptions
Will my student’s phone be safe if collected?
Yes. Devices confiscated during the school day will be kept in a secured location within the school until they are picked up by a parent or guardian.
Are there any exceptions to this policy?
Yes. Coppell ISD will comply with all exceptions outlined in House Bill 1481, including:
Documented medical needs
Devices required by a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan