Device Policy

Sherman ISD has prohibited student use of cell phones during instructional time for many years, with some flexibility for students to use personal communication devices during other times of the school day such as lunch. 

The new law applies across the entire state of Texas and requires districts to establish disciplinary measures for violations. It applies throughout the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods. SISD will require all personal communication devices to be turned off before students enter campus each school day. 

Texas House Bill 1481 requires school districts to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, smartphones, flip phones, tablets, smartwatches, personal laptops, radio devices and anything that can transmit messages such as earbuds, Bluetooth headphones, Meta glasses and paging devices.

The only communication devices allowed for students to use during the school day are District-provided devices. The law does not apply to wired headphones that students use in class under the direction of a teacher. 

Call the school office and staff will ensure your child receives the message as quickly as possible.

All campuses follow established emergency protocols. During a lockdown or evacuation, students are guided by trained staff. Families will be contacted using the district's emergency notification system, which includes phone calls, text messages and emails. When it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their phones to contact families.

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.

Yes. Exceptions are made in the following situations:

• For students who need accommodations through a individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan
• For students who have a directive from a qualified physician due to a documented medical need
• When necessary to comply with a legal health or safety requirement
• When required to implement the district's safety protocols

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.

No. These communications may be accessible on personal devices, but they cannot be used during the school day. Coaches and sponsors have been notified of the new law and related protocols. They will work to ensure timely communication at appropriate times.

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.

No. The new law prohibits students from using personal laptops, tablets, or other devices during the school day. All instructional technology must be district-issued and monitored. Sherman ISD provides each student with a device to ensure a consistent and secure learning environment.

Learn more about District-issued Devices

The supply lists for elementary and middle school students do ask for wired headphones (no earbuds). These will be used in the classroom for instructional purposes only and monitored by teachers. 

The state law prohibits the use of Bluetooth/wireless headphones and earbuds, which can be used to transmit messages.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Yes. While not covered under House Bill 1481, the Sherman ISD Staff Handbook includes the following statements:

• The employee shall limit use of personal electronic communication devices to send or receive calls, text messages, pictures, and videos to breaks, meal times, and before and after scheduled work hours, unless there is an emergency or the use is authorized by a supervisor to conduct district business.
• If an employee’s use of electronic media interferes with the employee’s ability to effectively perform his or her job duties, the employee is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.