2025-2026 MVISD Cell Phone Guidelines
July 30, 2025
Medina Valley ISD Parents & Staff,
As we near the start of the school year, we want to provide you with important information regarding the new Texas law (HB 1481). In compliance, Medina Valley ISD will require students to keep personal devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets—turned off and stored in their backpacks during the school day.
Over the past several weeks, we have carefully reviewed a variety of options to ensure our plan meets the legal requirements while also supporting the needs of both students and staff. At this time, students will be required to turn off all personal devices and keep them stored in their backpacks from the first bell to the dismissal bell, which includes passing periods, lunch and recess. We will continue to do research and explore options, with the possibility of adjusting our plan as we move forward.
This statewide initiative is designed to increase student engagement, and allow teachers to focus on instruction. By removing the daily interruptions of personal devices, we can focus on building stronger connections, improving academic success, and keeping classrooms centered on learning.
Exceptions will be allowed for district-issued devices and for students with documented medical or special education needs.
We know that changes like this take teamwork. We encourage parents to talk with their students at home about these expectations so that we can work together to make this a smooth and successful transition.
We appreciate your support as we follow this new state requirement and work together to create an environment where every student can stay focused and learn.
Sincerely,
Scott Caloss, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – HB 1481 and the MVISD Cell Phone Guidelines
This is not a district decision—it is required by House Bill 1481, a new Texas law. HB 1481 requires all Texas school districts to restrict student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets) during the school day.
All personal devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks from the first bell until the dismissal bell.
This applies to:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Tablets and personal laptops
- Any other personal electronic communication device
The purpose of this new law is to:
- Reduce distractions during class
- Increase student engagement
- Allow teachers to focus on instruction
No. HB 1481 requires that devices remain off and stored throughout the entire school day, including during lunch, recess, and passing periods.
If you need to contact your child, please call the school’s front office. Direct dial phone numbers to all district campuses can be found at the bottom of each campus website.
In case of an emergency, we will follow all campus and district safety procedures to ensure the safety of our students.
Students with documented medical or special education needs that require device access will be allowed to use their personal device as outlined in their plan. Parents should work with the school nurse and campus administration to ensure this accommodation is in place.
Failure to comply will result in consequences outlined in the district’s Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook (which will be shared with parents by the start of the school year). Each campus will have established disciplinary consequences, which is also a requirement of HB 1481.
We will monitor implementation throughout the year and make adjustments as needed to ensure effectiveness.
Parents play an important role in making this policy successful. Please talk with your child at home about these expectations so that we can all work together to create focused, distraction-free classrooms.
No. The law applies during the official school day. Students may use their personal devices while riding the bus before and after school.
Does this apply during after-school programs, such as athletics or tutoring?
No. Before the first bell and after the dismissal bell, personal devices may be used.
