Important Reminder: MWISD Cell Phone & Device Policy

Dear MWISD Families,

As we begin a new school year, we want to ensure that every student has the best opportunity to focus, learn, and thrive in the classroom. To help create a respectful and distraction-free learning environment, MWISD has implemented clear guidelines regarding the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices by students during the school day.

📌 What’s New:
During the most recent legislative session, House Bill 1481 was passed, adding new statewide restrictions on student device use.

What HB 1481 does:
Prohibits K–12 students from using personal communication devices—including phones, tablets, smartwatches, pagers, and radios (anything “capable of telecommunication or digital communication”)—during the school day on campus, except in limited cases.  

MWISD’s local policy aligns with this new law and includes the following steps if a student does not follow the expectations:

First Offense:
Teacher collects the device and turns it into the office.
➡️ Student may pick up the device at the end of the school day.
⚠️ Student receives a warning.

Second Offense:
Teacher collects the device and turns it into the office.
➡️ A parent must pick up the device.
🍽️ Student receives 1 day of lunch detention.

Third Offense:
Teacher collects the device and turns it into the office.
➡️ A parent must pick up the device.
🍽️ Student receives 3 days of lunch detention.

Fourth Offense:
Teacher collects the device and turns it into the office.
➡️ A parent must pick up the device.
⛔ Student receives 1 day of In-School Suspension and loses the privilege of bringing a device to school.

Fifth Offense:
Teacher collects the device and turns it into the office.
➡️ A parent must pick up the device.
⚖️ A discipline hearing will be scheduled, and further consequences such as additional ISS or DAEP may be assigned at administrative discretion.

📌 Important Note: Refusing to turn in a device to a teacher or administrator may result in an immediate loss of privilege to bring a device to school, along with additional consequences.

"Device" refers to any personal communication or electronic device prohibited by state law during instructional time.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and productive learning space for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s campus.