The school day or instructional day encompasses the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods.

If you need to get in touch with your student during the school day, please contact the school’s front office. Our staff will be happy to pass along your message or arrange for your student to return your call if needed. We kindly ask that you avoid calling or texting your student directly, as they are expected to keep their phones turned off and stored away during the school day.

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and we have Standard Response Protocols that we follow when emergency situations arise. It is critical in an emergency situation that all individuals on campus follow these protocols so the situation can be resolved quickly and safely for all. We certainly understand the need for families to know their students are safe and, once safety has been established, student devices may be accessed at the direction of campus, district, or law enforcement representatives. 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.

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.

Yes. The law only applies on school property during the school day. Students may use personal devices before arriving at school and after the final bell, including on the bus.

Yes. Headphones, earbuds, etc., may be worn as part of teacher-led instructional activities. These devices can be connected to their district-issued device to be used as part of learning.

House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of smartwatches; therefore, students may not wear smartwatches or use any kind of personal communication device during the school day*. The law defines “personal communication device” as a “telephone, cell phone such as a smartphone or flip phone, tablet, smartwatch, radio device, paging device, or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.” All personal devices that meet this definition should be kept in a backpack during the school day.
*Note limited exceptions as defined in state law.

State law allows limited use of cell phones during the school day under the following exceptions:

1. When necessary to implement an individualized education program, a plan created under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), or a similar program or plan;
2. By a student with a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician; or 
3. When necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the district's or school's safety protocols.

House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal laptops, tablets, or other devices during the school day. All instructional technology must be district-issued and monitored. Birdville ISD provides each student 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.

In accordance with the new law, phones must remain stored throughout the entire instructional day, including during restroom breaks. This is part of ensuring compliance with state 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.

Personal devices must be stored in backpacks, purses, bags. A student will be asked to store their device appropriately.

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

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.

House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal devices during the school day; therefore, students may not use their phones to contact parents during the school day. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian, they can visit the front office for assistance.

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.

House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal devices only during the school day. Teachers will provide approved alternatives for projects requiring media during school hours, and students will be able to use personal devices to complete required assignments outside of the school day.

We completely understand wanting to hear from your child when they aren’t feeling well. The nurse will contact you directly if your child needs to go home or if there are any health concerns. At that time, if you wish to visit with your student by phone, the nurse can facilitate that discussion using the nurse's office phone. 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.