April 27, 2026
Dear Hempstead Elementary Families,
To ensure our students have a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment, Hempstead Elementary would like to remind you Student Personal Communication Device Policy for the 2025-2026 school year. This policy is in compliance with the new Texas state law, House Bill 1481.
The Standard: Devices Off, Learning On
Starting this school year, all personal communication devices must be powered off and stored out of sight in backpacks from the moment students enter campus until the end of the school day.
Restricted devices include:
Cell phones and smartwatches/smart rings.
Tablets, iPads, and gaming devices.
Headphones, earbuds, and all Bluetooth audio devices.
Any personal device not issued by the district.
How We Will Partner Together
Safety & Communication: If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the front office. We will ensure your message is delivered promptly.
Exceptions: Exceptions are only granted for documented medical needs (e.g., diabetes monitoring) or as outlined in a student’s IEP/504 plan.
Responsibility: Please discuss these new rules with your child. While we understand this is a change, it allows our teachers and students to focus entirely on learning.
Consequences of Policy Violations
To maintain a consistent environment, the following steps will be taken if a device is seen or heard:
1st Offense: Device confiscated; student picks up after school.
2nd Offense: Device confiscated; parents must pick up after school.
3rd & 4th Offense: Device confiscated until the end of the week; parent conference and disciplinary action (ISS) required.
Action Required: Please review the full policy in the Student Code of Conduct and sign the required acknowledgement form.
For more information and a list of FAQs, please visit: hempsteadisd.org
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Bobcats focused and "in the zone" for learning!
Sincerely,
Hempstead Elementary Administration
To ensure our students have a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment, Hempstead Elementary would like to remind you Student Personal Communication Device Policy for the 2025-2026 school year. This policy is in compliance with the new Texas state law, House Bill 1481.
The Standard: Devices Off, Learning On
Starting this school year, all personal communication devices must be powered off and stored out of sight in backpacks from the moment students enter campus until the end of the school day.
Restricted devices include:
Cell phones and smartwatches/smart rings.
Tablets, iPads, and gaming devices.
Headphones, earbuds, and all Bluetooth audio devices.
Any personal device not issued by the district.
How We Will Partner Together
Safety & Communication: If you need to reach your child during the day, please call the front office. We will ensure your message is delivered promptly.
Exceptions: Exceptions are only granted for documented medical needs (e.g., diabetes monitoring) or as outlined in a student’s IEP/504 plan.
Responsibility: Please discuss these new rules with your child. While we understand this is a change, it allows our teachers and students to focus entirely on learning.
Consequences of Policy Violations
To maintain a consistent environment, the following steps will be taken if a device is seen or heard:
1st Offense: Device confiscated; student picks up after school.
2nd Offense: Device confiscated; parents must pick up after school.
3rd & 4th Offense: Device confiscated until the end of the week; parent conference and disciplinary action (ISS) required.
Action Required: Please review the full policy in the Student Code of Conduct and sign the required acknowledgement form.
For more information and a list of FAQs, please visit: hempsteadisd.org
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Bobcats focused and "in the zone" for learning!
Sincerely,
Hempstead Elementary Administration