Phone Policy

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all Cleburne ISD students in grades PK–12 will take part in a personal electronic device free school day including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, and gaming devices. Students PK-4th grade will be expected to power down and store their device in their backpack. Students 5th-12th grade will lock their phones and other personal devices in Yondr pouches when they arrive on campus and unlock them when the day ends.

This policy follows House Bill 1481, which bans the use of personal communication devices during instructional time. But more importantly, it reflects our commitment to improving student wellness, academic focus, and social connection.

"This is about giving students the freedom to learn without distraction" said Superintendent Dr. Coby Kirkpatrick.
“When we remove the constant pull of devices, we create space for deeper focus, stronger relationships, and better mental health. We’ve seen the data and heard from districts who’ve used Yondr with great success—this is the right move for our students and staff.”

Daily Procedures

Staff will state expectations clearly and reinforce the importance of maintaining a personal electronic communication free environment throughout the school year. Staff will monitor violations to inform them of the need for reinforcement and support. CISD’s focus will be on the mitigation of educational distractions precipitated by the use of personal electronic communication devices during instructional time.

At the Beginning of the School Day:

1. Before entering the school premises, students must power off their devices.
2. Before entering the building and while awaiting the opening of school doors, students must place all personal electronic communication devices in their designated Yondr Pouch. (grades 5-6 will receive a Yondr pouch upon entry each day)
3. Once the personal electronic communication devices are safely stowed inside the pouch, students should securely seal the Yondr Pouch using the locking mechanism and store it in their backpack in the presence of a door monitor.
4. It is the student's responsibility to ensure their pouch is securely fastened.
5. Students without their assigned pouch upon arrival will go to the office and turn their phone in to be stored for the day.    

Throughout the School Day:

1. Students should maintain all personal electronic communication devices securely within their assigned Yondr Pouch for the entirety of the school day.
2. In the event of leaving campus for an appointment, students should unlock their pouch at the main office before leaving the building. Upon returning, students will check in the office and relock their pouch. 
3. Accessing personal electronic communication devices anywhere on campus during the school day is strictly prohibited.

Conclusion of the School Day:

1. Upon the conclusion of the school day, students should unlock their pouch utilizing the unlocking bases provided by the campus door monitors.
2. Students should retrieve their personal electronic communication devices from the pouch.
3. Students should securely seal the empty pouch and store it in their backpack for the following day. It is the students’ responsibility to keep track of their assigned pouch. (grades 5-6 will return the pouch to the appropriate location on campus prior to their departure)
4. Once off-campus, students are permitted to utilize their personal electronic communication devices.

Consequences 

If a student’s personal electronic communication device is visible at all during the day (a student is found using device that is not securely in a Yondr pouch, etc.) the following consequences will be enforced:

1st Offense

• The phone will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the remainder of the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• A warning will be issued to both the student and the parent or guardian about further consequences for failing to comply with the personal electronic communication device policy. 
• Students must complete a behavior contract to confirm their understanding and future adherence to the policy.
• Only the parent or guardian is permitted to pick up the confiscated device.  Students are not allowed to retrieve their own devices. 
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the cell phone violation action code

2nd Offense

• The phone will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the remainder of the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• Only the parent or guardian will be allowed to pick up the confiscated device; students are not permitted to retrieve their own devices. 
• The student will be assigned one day of in-school suspension (ISS).
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the cell phone violation action code.

3rd Offense

• The devices will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the remainder of the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• Only the parent or guardian will be allowed to pick up the confiscated device; students are not permitted to retrieve their own devices. 
• The student will be assigned 3 days of in-school suspension (ISS)
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the cell phone violation action code.

4th Offense & Beyond

• The devices will be stored in the assistant principal’s office for the remainder of the day, and the parent or guardian will be notified.
• Only the parent or guardian will be allowed to pick up the confiscated device; students are not permitted to retrieve their own devices. 
• An in-person meeting will be scheduled with the parent or guardian.
• The offense will be recorded in Skyward, using the cell phone violation action code.
• The 4th offense and beyond will be considered insubordination for refusing to comply with school rules and guidelines related to personal electronic communication device use.  This will be treated as a serious offense up to and including placement in the Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP) for habitual offenders.

Lost or Damaged Pouches

If a student loses or damages a pouch, they will be responsible for the $30.00 replacement fee and subject to consequences allowed in the CISD Student Code of Conduct.

Learn More

We know this is a big change, and we’re here to support families every step of the way. This policy reflects our belief that students can—and will—rise to high expectations when given the chance.

Visit the resources linked below to learn more about Yondr, watch a pouch demo, or read our full Q&A.

Together, we’re building stronger schools—one focused day at a time.