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House Bill 1481
Prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students during the school day.
Here’s what that means for NBISD
Bell to Bell – No Cell!
Devices are expected to be turned off or silenced and out of sight at the official start of the school day, but may remain in the student’s possession during the day. Students may turn their devices on at dismissal.
Personal Communication Device Listing
A personal communication devices is any of the following that is not provided by the campus:
Telephone
Cell phone
smart phone
flip phone
Tablet
Smartwatch
Radio Device
Paging Device
Any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication
Classroom Consequences
1st violation:
Students will be given a verbal warning to turn off/put away the device.
2nd violation:
The student will turn in the device to the teacher and the teacher will hold it for the duration of class. The teacher will notify the parent(s).
3rd violation:
The device(s) will be turned over to the office for the duration of the school day.
Office Consequences
1st Office violation:
The device(s) will be held in the office for the duration of the school day.
– A student may pick up their device(s) after school.
2nd (or more) violation:
The device(s) will be held in the office for the duration of the school day.
– A Parent/Guardian must pick up the device from school after dismissal.
– An additional campus consequence may also be assigned.
Please Note
Any student that has a device out in common areas of the school (hallways, cafeteria, etc) during the school day will have the device taken to the front office by any NBISD staff member. Violations will count as an Office Consequence, described above.
If a personal communication device is in the possession of the school, the school will take appropriate efforts to keep the device appropriately stored and free from damage. However, parents should note the school specifically disclaims any liability for devices that are damaged or lost while in the school’s possession. Parents will not be compensated for devices that have been in the school’s possession in the event those devices are lost or damaged while in possession of the school.
Exceptions
The state did adopt exceptions to the law regarding the ban of personal communication devices. A student shall be authorized to use a personal communication device on school property during the school day only under the following circumstances:
1. The student’s use is necessary for implementation of the student’s individualized education program, a 504 plan, or a similar program or plan;
2. The student’s use is required due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician; or
3. The student’s use is necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the District or campus safety protocols.
If you believe your child meets the criteria for one of the exceptions listed above, please contact us for next steps on how to have the exception approved. An exception must be approved by an administrator on our campus before a personal communication device can be used on campus during the school day.
Should you have any questions at all regarding this new policy, please reach out to your campus administration team. We appreciate your partnership and support as we work to provide a safe, focused, and productive learning environment for Every Student. Every Day.
HB1481 FAQ
House Bill 1481
Prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students during the school day.
Here’s what
that means for NBISD
Bell to Bell – No Cell!
Devices are expected to be turned off or silenced and out of sight at the official start of the school day, but may remain in the student’s possession during the day. Students may turn their devices on at dismissal.
Should you have any questions at all regarding this new policy, please reach out to your campus administration team. We appreciate your partnership and support as we work to provide a safe, focused, and productive learning environment for Every Student. Every Day.
