DeSoto Independent School District announced updated
expectations for student use of personal communication devices (PCDs) across
all secondary campuses for the 2025–2026 school year, aligning with Texas
House Bill 1481.
James Thomas, DeSoto ISD Chief of Maintenance, Security
and Operations said, “This policy not only reduces distractions but also
enhances safety by ensuring that students remain fully present and focused on
learning. We want to maintain environments where instruction and student
well-being come first.”
The policy requires that all personal devices—including
cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets—remain turned off and stored in student
backpacks or lockers from arrival to dismissal. Devices should not be
visible or in use during the school day.
Key Aspects of the Policy
- Prohibited
Devices: Cell phones (smartphones and flip phones), tablets,
smartwatches, and other telecommunication or digital communication
devices.
- Storage
Requirement: Devices must remain off and stored in backpacks or
turned into an administrator throughout the school day.
- Purpose:
To promote academic focus, reduce distractions, and enhance campus safety.
- Consequences
for Non-Compliance:
- Confiscation
of the device (to be retrieved by a parent/guardian)
- In-School
Suspension (ISS) for repeated violations
- Placement
in the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP) for ongoing
non-compliance
Enforcement of the Policy
Beginning Monday, September 22, 2025, district
security and campus administrators will conduct random checks in
classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, restrooms, and other common areas to ensure
compliance. Students found with devices on their person or in use during the
school day will face the consequences outlined above.
“By minimizing the use of personal devices during the school
day, we are supporting stronger student engagement in the classroom,” said Dr.
Leon Darden, Interim Principal at DeSoto High School. “This shift allows
teachers and students to connect more deeply without the constant interruptions
that devices often bring.”
This update regarding enforcement through the practice of
random checks reflects the district’s commitment to fostering safe,
distraction-free learning environments.
As a reminder, enforcement will begin on Monday,
September 22, 2025, with district security and administrators conducting
random compliance checks in classrooms and common areas. Students who fail to
follow the policy may face consequences, including confiscation of the device,
parent retrieval, in-school suspension (ISS), or placement in the District
Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
“We recognize this is a change in habit for many students,
which is why we are asking families to partner with us,” said Metric
Manning, DeSoto ISD Director of Student Services. “Clear expectations,
consistent enforcement, and open communication with parents will help us ensure
students understand the importance of compliance.”
DeSoto ISD leaders encourage parents to discuss the updated
policy with their students before enforcement begins. Questions or concerns may
be directed to campus administrators.
For more information about DeSoto ISD’s programs, services
and initiatives, please visit www.DeSotoisd.org.