Dripping Springs ISD is implementing a significant change for students for the 2025-26 school year, in compliance with Texas House Bill 1481, passed during the 89th Legislative Session.
What is Changing?
In an effort to promote more focused learning environments, reduce distractions in the classroom, and promote positive peer interactions, HB 1481 requires all public schools in Texas to adopt policies restricting student access to personal communication devices during the school day while on school property. Personal communication devices are defined as a:
Cell Phone;
Tablet;
Smartwatch;
Radio or Paging Device; and
Any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication (including laptops).
This means students will need to leave personal communication devices at home or keep devices powered off and stored away (in backpacks, lockers, or vehicles, etc.) during the school day, including passing periods and lunches.
All secondary students in DSISD will be issued a district Chromebook, and elementary students will have access to technology in their classrooms, as needed, for instructional purposes.
From the time students enter campus in the morning, until they leave at the end of the regular school day, devices will be prohibited. Campus schedules are:
Campus Doors Open | Tardy Bell | End of Day | |
Elementary Schools | 7:10 a.m. | 7:40 a.m. | 3:05 p.m. |
Middle Schools and High School | 8:00 a.m. | 8:50 a.m. | 4:15 p.m. |
Are There Exceptions?
Students may qualify for exceptions under the law if they have an approved Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan that requires device use. If your student has a documented medical need based on a directive from a qualified physician and you need to request an exception, please contact your campus principal.
What Happens if a Student Brings a Personal Device to School?
The state law requires disciplinary measures for students who violate the policy. Devices brought to school may be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. More information about specific consequences will be provided in the Student Code of Conduct, which is currently being finalized.
Next Steps for Families:
Please make arrangements for your student(s) to keep personal devices at home or turned off and properly stored beginning on the first day of school on Wednesday, August 13.
Talk with your child about this change and the reasons behind it. We understand that this possibly changes the way you communicate with your child during the day, and we encourage you to develop a plan so that the policy is not violated.
If your child requires an exception under an IEP, 504, or other medical circumstances, contact your campus principal as soon as possible.
While as a school district, we already had requirements that limited cell phones during instructional time, we know this is a significant shift, and we appreciate your support as we work to create a stronger, more focused learning environment for our students.
Information on these changes as well as a list of prohibited devices can be viewed in this infographic (English / Spanish)