Crandall ISD

• Electronic devices must be put away and out of sight. 
• Students may not use their electronic communication devices during school hours. 
• Cell phones must be silenced and turned off during school hours, including passing periods and lunches.

• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• Ipads and tablets (non-school issued)
• Non-school issued laptops
• Headphones

While there has not been a ban on cell phones until this new legislative session, CISD and most schools across the state have had cell phone policies in place for quite some time.

• Cell phones and other electronic devices can be left at home.
• Students who opt to bring their electronic devices must turn off and securely store their cell phones on their person in a pocket or a bag.
• Students can store their electronic devices in the office.  If a student chooses this option, the device must be turned in before the start of the school day and may not be picked up until the end of the day.

• If a student fails to comply with CISD procedures regarding HB 1481, the cell phone or other electronic communication device will be confiscated by a staff member. 
• Any CISD staff member may confiscate a device.
• The device will be turned into the office and logged for tracking and accounting purposes. 
• The device will be secured by  designated personnel, to be picked up either by the student or the parent, depending on the infraction.

• 1st Infraction: Device is confiscated, parent/guardian contact is made, and student may pick up the phone at the end of the school day or the next school day prior to the start of 1st period.
• 2nd Infraction: Device is confiscated, parent/guardian contact is made, and parent must pick up the phone.  One full day of ISS will be issued to the student.
• 3rd Infraction: Device is confiscated, assessed a $15 fine, and the student will be assigned In-School Suspension. A parent or guardian must pick up the phone.
• 4th Infraction:  Device is confiscated, assessed a $15 fine, and the student will be assigned In-School Suspension. A parent or guardian must pick up the phone.

5 Times: Device is confiscated, parent/guardian contact is made, and a parent or guardian must pick up the phone. The student may be assigned a Discretionary DAEP Placement or a multi-day In-School Suspension placement.

• Reduced Distractions: Students are less likely to text, browse social media, or play games during instruction.
• Improved Academic Focus: Better student attention and participation.
• Classroom Management: Clear and consistent expectations reduce behavior issues and classroom disruptions.

Improved Student Culture: Limiting student opportunities reduces the number of negative interactions students partake in throughout the day. Reduction in cyberbullying.

• CISD and most districts throughout the state have assessed a fine for confiscated cell phones for years.
• Cell phones may be disposed of after being held for 90 days at the campus after confiscation.
• Cell phones will only be returned before school begins or after school ends.

The school day or instructional day begins when students enter the building and encompasses the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods. 

In case of an urgent situation, please call the school office, and we will ensure your child receives the information as quickly as possible.

All CISD campuses follow the Standard Response Protocols during an emergency.  During a lockdown or evacuation, students are guided by trained staff. When it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their phones to contact families. Parents will also be notified through our emergency notification system.

No. The law only applies during the school day. Students may use their devices after the final bell, including for extracurricular activities or transportation needs.

Students may wear smartwatches during the school day if they are used strictly for telling time. However, if a student is found using a smartwatch to send or receive messages, make calls, or otherwise communicate, the device will be confiscated and treated the same as a cell phone violation under the district’s consequences.

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. Crandall ISD provides secondary students with a Chromebook to ensure a consistent and secure learning environment. Students who previously opted out of the Chromebook program will now be required to use district-issued devices.

No.  Phones must remain powered off and put away throughout the entire instructional day, including during restroom breaks. This is part of ensuring compliance with the law and protecting student privacy in restrooms.

Students may access and use their phones after the final bell. The law applies only during the school day, so phones can be turned on once the day is over.

If the device remains off and unseen, there is no issue. However, if it becomes visible, makes noise, or is accessed in any way, it will be treated as a violation.

If the phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be confiscated and treated as a violation. Devices should be completely powered off and silenced during the school day.

We understand that personal devices are valuable. If a student’s phone is confiscated, it will be securely stored in a designated area in the front office. Only authorized staff have access, and the phone will remain there until it is returned to the student and/or picked up by a parent or guardian.

No. Students may not use their phones to contact parents during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments. If a student needs to make a call, they can use the front office phone.

We encourage families to communicate any planned appointments or early checkouts before the school day begins. If an unexpected situation arises, such as an early appointment or a need to pick up your child, the front office will contact the student directly by notifying the classroom.

Crandall ISD (ParentSquare) and all academic tools must be accessed on district-issued devices during school hours. If the message is important, they should let a teacher or administrator know.

No. Personal messaging is not permitted during the school day, even on district-issued devices. If your child needs to get in touch with you, they should go through the front office or a staff member.

The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning. As a public school district, we are required to follow this law, and we ask for your support in helping us enforce it consistently.

No. Personal devices may not be used for recording, video, or photo purposes during the school day. Teachers will provide approved alternatives for projects requiring media.

We completely understand wanting to hear from your child when they aren’t feeling well. While students are generally not permitted to use personal devices during the school day, including in the nurse’s office, the nurse will contact you directly if your child 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.

We understand that some students use their phones as a coping mechanism, but under state law, personal device use is not permitted during the school day. If your child is experiencing anxiety that affects their ability to focus or stay regulated at school, please reach out to the campus counselor. We have support systems in place to help students manage these challenges without relying on personal devices.

Yes. Once a student is off campus, they may use their personal devices. Phones must remain stored until they leave school grounds.

Yes. In a genuine emergency, students should always use their best judgment to stay safe. If a student uses their phone to get help in a situation where staff aren’t immediately accessible, we will handle it with understanding and evaluate the circumstances appropriately.

We want families to know that our intent is not to punish students for trying to do the right thing. We recognize that unexpected situations can happen, and we will approach those moments with common sense and care. At the same time, we are working to follow the law as required and ask for your support in keeping personal device use limited to true emergencies only.