Embedded Files
Student Personal Communication Device Use
Student Personal Communication Device Use
Effective: August 19, 2025
Effective: August 19, 2025
Purpose
In accordance with Texas House Bill 1481, this policy is intended to reduce distractions during the school day, promote student engagement, and support a healthy and focused learning environment.
Policy Statement
Students may not carry personal communication devices (PCDs), including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches with messaging capabilities, tablets, or any device used to send or receive digital communication, on their person during the school day.
Guidelines
Storage Requirement
From 7:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., all PCDs must be powered off and secured inside the student's backpack while on campus.
Devices may not be kept in clothing pockets or held on the body in any manner during school hours.
Prohibited Use
The use of personal communication devices for any purpose—including texting, calling, taking photos, or using apps—is prohibited during school hours unless expressly authorized by a school official under the Exceptions section.
Please note: Using iPads for texting or non-educational activities will result in disciplinary action.
Permitted Exceptions
Use of a PCD is permitted only under the following circumstances:
As a documented accommodation in a 504 Plan, IEP, or other educational plan.
As required to treat or manage a medical condition (with documentation from a licensed physician).
In response to a health or safety emergency.
As permitted during school-approved testing or instructional activities.
Unacceptable Use Consequences
Elementary School
Violations will result in confiscation of device(s), which will be returned only to a parent/guardian.
Intermediate, Middle, and High School
Violation #1: Confiscation of device(s) and given to the Dean of Students or Principal until the end of the school day. A detention will be issued to be served on the next detention day.
Violation #2: Confiscation of device(s) and given to the Dean of Students or Principal until the end of the school day. A detention will be issued to be served the next detention day, plus a $25 fine to be placed on the family FACTS account.
Violation #3: Confiscation of device(s) and given to the Dean of Students or Principal until the end of the school day. A detention will be issued to be served the next detention day, plus a $50 fine to be placed on the family FACTS account. Phone privileges may be suspended for a time determined by the Dean of Students or Principal.
Note: Unclaimed devices may be disposed of after 90 days, following written notice to the parent/guardian.
Enforcement
Teachers and staff are authorized to enforce this policy and confiscate devices in violation.
Students who refuse to comply may be subject to disciplinary referral.
Communication
This policy will be communicated to students and parents prior to the start of the school year and included in the student handbook.
Staff will be trained on consistent implementation and procedures for exceptions and enforcement.
Definitions
Personal Communication Device (PCD): Any privately owned device capable of digital communication, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other electronic messaging devices.
Review and Evaluation
This policy shall be reviewed annually or as required by updates to state law or school operational needs.
High School Bring Your Own Device
High School Bring Your Own Device
Minimum Device Requirements and FAQ
Minimum Device Requirements and FAQ
Q: Will I need to buy my high school student a ‘new’ computer?
A:
Students can continue to use their personally owned iPads in the High School if they so choose.
Q: What are the minimum requirements for devices?
A:
Minimum 8’ Screen Size
Battery life: at least 6 hours
8GB RAM; 256GB hard drive; WiFi 802.11ac or 802.11ax (WiFi 5 or 6)
Wired or wireless headphones/earbuds
Microphone (integrated)
Camera (integrated)
Software capabilities:
Updated virus protection
Security: Must have a password/passcode (login) to access the device.
Students choosing an iPad or other tablet type device: it must be no more than 3 years old at the beginning of the year.
Q: Are there any other recommendations for my device?
A:
Device tracking - Apple’s “Find My”, LoJack, Tile, etc.
Extended warranty with accidental damage coverage, if available.
External hard drive/flash drive for backing up files or cloud storage - Google Workspace allows unlimited cloud storage for our students.
Additional AC power adapter (if you want one for school and one for home).
There’s no need to purchase Microsoft Office. Your student can download it from Office.com using their LCCS username and password.
We strongly recommend all students have a case or sleeve to protect their device.
Q: What happens if my student’s battery dies?
A:
Students are required to bring their devices to school fully-charged. We will do our best to accommodate students who need to sit close to a plug on a temporary basis with their own charger. The school will not have chargers available.
Q: Can you provide examples of devices?
A:
Dell Latitude laptop
Apple Macbook Air or Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface Laptop
9th or 10th Generation iPad, iPad Pro
Any Chromebook that meets the above minimum requirements
Q: Will technical support be provided for my device?
A:
The family is solely responsible for the repair, maintenance, and updating of the device. The school's technology department will assist students in connecting the device to the school's wireless network.
Q: Is there specific software that needs to be installed?
A:
Students will need access to a fully functional web-browser.
Q: Is the device required to have an Internet filter?
A:
We do not require students to have a filter installed on their own device. Parents may choose to install Internet filtering software, although the Tech Department will not troubleshoot it. While at school, personally-owned devices will connect through the same content filter as all school-owned computers. Devices using a VPN will need to be disabled during the school day and hot-spotting from phones is not allowed.
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