Hallsville Junior High

The Texas Legislature has enacted a new law banning the use of cell phones and personal communication devices in Texas schools. In alignment with House Bill 1481, Hallsville ISD will enforce these regulations regarding the use of personal communication devices during the instructional day.

Guidelines

Prohibited Use:

• Students may not use personal cell phones or school-issued devices for personal communication.

• House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal communication devices anywhere on campus during the instructional day — including hallways, restrooms, and common areas. The instructional day is defined from the first bell to the last bell, including all scheduled class periods, meals, and transitions.

• Devices must remain powered off, out of sight, or stored in a teacher-provided location.

Electronic Communication:

• Students are not permitted to use personal or school-issued devices to call, text, message, or engage in online chats.

• This includes the use of apps and services for texting, messaging, or calling.

Emergency Contact Procedures:

• Parents and guardians who need to contact their child during the school day must call the campus front office. Staff will ensure that messages are delivered promptly.

Prohibited Personal Communication Devices Include:
Cell phones, smart watches, tablets, pagers, handheld gaming devices, wireless headphones/Ear Buds.

What Parents Can Do:

• Speak to your child about this new policy.

• Encourage appropriate cell phone use.

• Promote the importance of student focus during instructional time.

Disciplinary actions for violating this policy will follow the Hallsville ISD Code of Conduct.

Please make sure your child is staying up-to-date in his/her Google Classrooms in the event they are absent. Lessons are uploaded daily. Students will be given an opportunity to make up work when they return, but we recommend staying current with their lessons so that way they are caught up when they return to campus.

If your child is struggling in a class, HJH provides opportunities for them to receive extra support outside the school day. Teachers are available before and after school for tutorials. Even if the day you can bring your child early or pick them up late doesn't match with their teacher, someone in that department can help. Please contact your teacher if you feel your child needs the extra support to be successful this school year.

In an effort to practice our safety protocols, HJH will regularly perform safety drills to ensure our students and staff know how to respond in a crisis situation. Safety is our number one priority, and we will continue to practice all state-mandated drills throughout the school year so that our students and staff are prepared in the event of an emergency.