DeSoto ISD Personal Communication Device Violation Protocol – Secondary Campuses
DeSoto Independent School District is updating its student personal communication device expectations to reduce classroom distractions, protect instructional time and support academic readiness across all campuses.
Section 37.082 of the Texas Education Code authorizes school districts to regulate student use of personal communication devices during the school day. Under DeSoto ISD expectations, scholars may bring personal communication devices to school, but the devices should remain turned off and stored according to campus procedures throughout the school day.
The updated approach provides clear, consistent and progressive responses when scholars do not follow device expectations. It emphasizes accountability, continued access to instruction and opportunities for corrective support before more serious disciplinary action is considered.
Elementary Campus Expectations
At elementary campuses, responses will increase progressively based on repeated violations.
First offense: The scholar receives a reminder and a documented warning.
Second offense: The device is secured according to campus procedures, and the parent or guardian is notified.
Third offense: The device is secured, a parent or guardian conference is held, and additional consequences may be assigned, including in-school suspension when appropriate.
Fourth and subsequent offenses: The campus may develop an individualized support plan and assign additional consequences, including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or placement in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.
Secondary Campus Expectations
Secondary campuses will use secured device pouches as an intervention tool while allowing scholars to retain possession of their devices.
First offense: The scholar receives a reminder and a documented warning.
Second offense: The scholar is assigned a secured device pouch for five school days, and the parent or guardian is notified.
Third offense: The scholar is assigned a secured device pouch for 10 school days, a parent or guardian conference is held, and additional consequences may be assigned.
Fourth and subsequent offenses: The campus may develop an individualized support plan and assign additional consequences, including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or placement in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.
Under the revised expectations, scholars will remain in class unless their behavior becomes disruptive or additional disciplinary intervention is warranted. The district’s goal is to preserve access to instruction while helping scholars understand and meet expectations.
The guidelines clarify and standardize how DeSoto ISD campuses implement existing Student Code of Conduct expectations related to personal communication devices. All disciplinary responses remain subject to the DeSoto ISD Student Code of Conduct and applicable state and federal laws.
Campuses may also use additional tools, including secured device pouches or campus-based storage systems, to support student compliance and minimize disruptions to instruction.
DeSoto ISD encourages families to review these expectations with their scholars and reinforce the importance of keeping personal communication devices turned off and properly stored during the school day.