What does “school day” or “instructional day” mean?

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

 How can I reach my student during the school day?

Lancaster ISD is committed to strong, responsive communication between families and schools. The most efficient way to reach someone at your child’s campus is by using our two-way communication tool, Let’s Talk, which allows you to send messages directly to campus staff and receive timely responses.

While calling the campus front office is also an option, using Let’s Talk is the preferred and fastest method to ensure your message is received and routed to the appropriate staff member. If there is an urgent situation, rest assured, whether you use Let’s Talk or call the campus, our staff will ensure your child receives the message as quickly as possible.

What if there’s a school emergency?

All campuses follow established emergency protocols. 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.

Will this law apply to extracurriculars or after-school activities?

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.

Can my student use their phone on the school bus?

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

What about smartwatches? Can students wear them?

Students may wear smartwatches without a communication feature 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 violation consequences.

Can students still bring and use a personal laptop instead of a district-issued ipad/Chromebook?

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. Lancaster ISD provides each student with an iPad or Chromebook to ensure a consistent and secure learning environment.

Can my student take their phone with them to the restroom “just in case”?

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

What if I want to send my child to school with a device that allows them to only contact me as their parent/guardian? Is that okay?

Under House Bill 1481, students are not permitted to use personal or district-issued devices for messaging during the school day, regardless of the device’s intended use. Even if the device is set up to only contact a parent or guardian, it must remain off and out of sight during instructional hours. If a student needs to reach you, they should follow established campus procedures, such as notifying a teacher, staff member, or visiting the front office for assistance.

What if my student walks home and needs their phone for safety?

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 school day is over.

What happens if my student forgets their device is in their pocket?

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.

What happens if a phone rings or vibrates in a backpack during class?

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.

What happens to my student’s cell phone if it’s confiscated for a violation? Cell phones are expensive, and I don’t want the phone to get lost.

We understand that personal devices are valuable. If a student’s phone is confiscated, it will be securely stored in a designated area. 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.

What if my student forgets something at home or has an appointment? Can they check their phone to let me know?

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 ask their teacher and follow classroom protocols or ask an adult to 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.

Can my student check the Lancaster ISD app, Remind, ClassDoJo or SPortsU app on their phone for updates from a coach or sponsor?

No. The Lancaster ISD app and all approved district communication tools may be accessible on personal devices, but they cannot be used during the school day. Coaches and sponsors are aware of this new law and the related protocols. They will ensure timely communication at appropriate times.

Can my student use a messaging app on their Lancaster ISD Chromebook/iPad to contact me during the day?

No. Personal messaging is not permitted during the school day, even on district-issued devices. If your child needs to contact you, they should follow classroom procedures or 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.

Can my student record a presentation or take video/photos for a class project using their phone?

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.

 Can my student use their phone in the nurse’s office to update me on how they’re feeling?

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.

What if my student has anxiety and checking their phone helps them calm down?

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, we encourage you to seek out mental health support for your student. You may also reach out to your child’s campus counselor.

What if my student is a senior with early release or has off-campus classes with the early college high school? Can they use their phone once they sign out?

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

Can my student use their phone if they’re stuck somewhere or have an emergency and can’t reach staff?

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.