Amarillo School District Phone Rules

Overview of New Cell Phone Policies in Texas School Districts

Following the recent signing of a bill by Governor Greg Abbott that bans cell phones in Texas schools, various school districts across the state have begun implementing new or updated policies to align with the legislation. These policies aim to reduce distractions and promote a more focused learning environment. Below is an overview of the current policies in several school districts.

Amarillo ISD

Amarillo ISD states that its existing cell phone policy already meets the requirements set by the new legislation. The district has not made any changes to its current guidelines, but it remains committed to ensuring compliance with the law.

Bushland ISD

Bushland ISD requires students to power off all electronic communication devices upon entering their campus. Devices must be stored away in backpacks or bags and remain out of sight throughout the school day, including during passing periods and lunch. Students may resume using their devices after the school day ends.

Exceptions include cases where a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan that necessitates device access, a documented physician’s order, or a health or safety requirement imposed by regulation or law.

Consequences for violations are as follows: - First offense: Device confiscated, parent notified, and device can be retrieved at the end of the same school day. - Second offense: Device confiscated, parent notified, and parent may pick up the device at the end of the same school day. - Third and subsequent offenses: Device confiscated, parent notified, and parent may pick up the device at the end of the same school day. Additional consequences from the Student Code of Conduct will also apply.

Dalhart ISD

Dalhart ISD prohibits the use of cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication on campus. Devices must either be left at home or stored in secure storage areas on campus.

Student Options: - Leave devices at home. - Check devices into a designated area before the first bell rings (10 minutes before the first bell). - Devices will be stored until the end of the school day or when the student leaves campus (excluding lunch).

Requirements for bringing devices to school: - Devices must be powered off. - Stored devices may not be removed during lunch, regardless of whether the student stays on campus or leaves.

Important Notes: - Tardies will not be excused for turning in devices. - No personal earbuds, earphones, or headphones are allowed unless provided by the school for classroom activities. - There will be no warnings; students will be considered warned once they or their parents sign the Cell Phone Policy at registration. - The district is not responsible for lost or damaged devices.

Consequences for Violations: - First Offense: Confiscated devices can be picked up after the final school bell. - Second Offense: Confiscated devices can be picked up on the 10th day after confiscation. - Third and Subsequent Offenses: Confiscated devices can be picked up on the 30th day after confiscation.

Hereford ISD and Panhandle ISD

Hereford ISD and Panhandle ISD have not yet provided their finalized policies. The district is still awaiting responses from these schools.

Highland Park ISD

Highland Park ISD allows students to possess personal cell phones for safety purposes, but these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during testing, unless approved for instructional use. Other personal devices like laptops and tablets require permission from teachers. Unauthorized devices will be collected and turned in to the principal’s office. If a student uses a device without authorization, it will be confiscated. A fee of $15 applies for retrieving the device, which doubles with each infraction. Unretrieved devices may be disposed of after legal notice.

River Road ISD

River Road ISD has not yet released its finalized cell phone policy.

Pampa ISD

Pampa ISD is implementing a new policy in compliance with Texas House Bill 1481, effective Monday, August 19, 2025. The policy restricts the use of personal communication devices during the instructional day.

Key Details: - Students are prohibited from using any personal communication devices inside school buildings during the instructional day. - The school day is defined as the time from when a student enters the building until the dismissal bell rings. - Devices included in the restriction are smartphones, personal laptops and tablets, smartwatches, earbuds and earphones, smart eyeglasses, and portable gaming devices.

Emergency Exceptions: - In case of emergencies, students will follow staff directions. Once safe, students may use devices to communicate with family. - Devices that are forgotten in pockets will not result in consequences if they are powered off and out of sight. However, if a device rings, vibrates, or becomes visible, it may be confiscated.

Confiscation and Retrieval: - Confiscated devices will be stored securely in the front office. - Parents or guardians can retrieve devices, and only authorized personnel will have access. - The district encourages families to discuss the policy with students before the school year begins.

More information about the policy, including frequently asked questions, is available on the district’s website. Pampa ISD remains dedicated to creating a safe and focused learning environment for all students.