Dublin Independent School District students will have restrictions on cell phone usage for the upcoming school year due to a recent law signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
House Bill 1481 bans students from using cell phone and other personal communication devices (like tablets and Smart Watches) during school hours in grades K-12 for public and charter schools.
Some exceptions can be made such as for instructional usage.
“This is such a sensitive topic of concern for students, staff, and parents and Dublin ISD will try to implement HB 1481 to the best of our ability, while keeping our students actively engaged in a safe, learning environment. While cell phones have been a convenient method of communication for parents to stay connected with their children during the school day, students have also utilized cell phones in more distracting methods,” Dublin ISD Superintendent Melissa Summers said.
For Dublin ISD, the “no cell phone” policy will be enforced during school hours from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For grades pre-K through 6th, all students must turn in their cell phones, smart watches and earbuds to the school office upon arrival each morning. These devices will be securely stored and returned at the end of the school day.
Parents must label each device with the student’s full name and grade level to ensure proper return.
For grades 7-12, students must turn off their cell phones, smart watches and earbuds before entering the building each day. Devices must remain powered off and stored in their backpacks throughout the school day.
“Dublin ISD has not allowed students to utilize cell phones during class periods for several years, but now the state has adopted HB 1481, which eliminates cell phones during the instructional day. This will hopefully help students stay more focused on learning and less distracted by the technology at their fingertips. I look forward to watching students actually interact and communicate with their peers during breakfast and lunch periods,” Summers said. “We understand the parents may need to reach their child during the school day. They will need to contact the campus office to leave a message for their child and their child is always welcome to use the office phone to call their parents for a necessary communication.”
Each campus will determine the consequences for each cell phone infraction and distribute those consequences at the district’s annual Meet the Teacher Night.
“We appreciate your support as we implement this policy aimed at increasing focus, improving student engagement , and supporting a positive educational environment,” she said.