Subject: New Law on Student Cell Phone & Personal Communication Device Use – Important Information for the 2025–2026 School Year

Dear Argyle ISD Families,

We hope you and your families are enjoying a safe and restful summer. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to inform you about a new state law that will impact all Texas public schools beginning this fall.

During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481, requiring all local school boards to adopt and enforce a policy that prohibits students from using personal communication devices while on school property during the school day. This evening, the Argyle ISD Board of Trustees formally adopted this policy, FNCE (LOCAL), and corresponding FNCE Administrative Regulations in compliance with the law.

The Student Handbooks and Student Code of Conflict will reflect these new changes. Beginning August 12, 2025, students will not be permitted to use personal communication devices — including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, smart glasses, wireless headphones, earbuds, AirPods, or similar devices — from the time they enter the school premises until they are dismissed and have exited the school premises after dismissal. This includes all instructional and non-instructional time, such as lunch, passing periods, pep rallies, assemblies, advisory periods, and study halls.

What Does This Mean for Students?

Under the new law and adopted policy:

• These guidelines apply during the school day. Students may use their devices before arriving at school and after they have exited the school premises - such as after dismissal, during extracurricular activity trips, or during off-site transportation.
• Students must keep all personal communication devices powered off and stored in a backpack or purse during the entire school day and while on school premises.
• Personal communication devices include cell phones (smartphones and flip phones), smartwatches, tablets, paging/radio devices, AI glasses, and any electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.

Students who use or access these devices during the school day will face progressive disciplinary consequences, and the device will be confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian as outlined in the district’s Administrative Regulations.

Exceptions

The law allows students with a documented and required need — such as through an IEP, 504 Plan, or medical necessity documented by a qualified physician — to be allowed to carry a device for specific, approved purposes. However, they are still prohibited from using the device to call, text, or communicate during the school day.

If you believe your student qualifies for an exception, please read the Administrative Regulations for further information and contact your student’s campus before the first day of school to be considered. 

What If I Need to Reach My Child?

We understand that many parents are used to communicating with their students during the day. Please be assured that you can still reach your child when needed. The district has outlined clear guidelines for these situations that can be reviewed in full detail in our FAQs and Administrative Regulations.

What if there is an emergency on campus?

In the event of a classroom or campus emergency, each classroom is equipped with a phone capable of contacting the front office and 911. Additionally, all staff members wear a Centegix security badge, which allows them to quickly alert campus administration and emergency responders.

As a reminder, all official emergency communication from the campus or district will be sent directly to the parent or guardian contact information listed in the student information system. Argyle ISD will begin using ParentSquare as its primary communication platform for emergency notifications and all messaging for the 2025-2026 school year.

Why This Change Matters

While this policy represents a significant shift, research consistently shows that reducing cell phone usage during the school day leads to improved focus, fewer distractions, and stronger academic outcomes. Our goal is to create a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and academically focused.

In Argyle ISD, we view this change not just as a requirement but as an opportunity. Through our campaign, Powering Down the Distractions and Powering Up the Potential, we are helping students redirect their attention to strengthen meaningful connections with their learning, their classmates, and their teachers.

This campaign supports positive shifts in:

• Student outcomes and connections
   
• Classroom behavior and engagement
   
• Overall school climate
   

Importantly, this is not a move away from technology. Our classrooms continue to integrate Chromebooks, digital curriculum, and other instructional technologies to enhance student learning and support academic success.

Classrooms across the district are embracing this initiative to create spaces where students can fully engage, think critically, and interact with greater intention. This shift supports a positive learning environment, promotes excellent student outcomes, and helps build a stronger, more connected school culture.

We appreciate your support as we implement this state-mandated policy across Argyle ISD. If you have any questions, please contact your campus administrator or use our Just Ask Argyle portal.

We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to a successful 2025–2026 school year!

Argyle ISD District & Campus Administration