Everman High School Phone-Free Policy Begins August 11, 2026
As we prepare to open the 2026–2027 school year, I want to share important information about a change that will affect every student on our campus. Beginning on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Everman High School will be a phone-free campus for the entire instructional day.

WHY THIS CHANGE IS HAPPENING

This change is required by state law. The specific law is House Bill 1481, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature during its 2025 Regular Session. HB 1481 amends Section 37.082 of the Texas Education Code and requires every Texas public school district and open-enrollment charter school to adopt a written policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices on school property during the school day.

Families who wish to read the law for themselves may do so at no cost:

• The bill text and legislative history: search "HB 1481" for the 89th Regular Session at capitol.texas.gov
• The statute itself: Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Section 37.082, at statutes.capitol.texas.gov

The law gives school districts two options for handling personal electronic devices during the school day:

1. Prohibit students from bringing electronic devices onto campus at all, or
2. Require that electronic devices be stored in a designated location for the duration of the school day.

Everman ISD and Everman High School have selected the second option. We want our students to be able to bring their devices to and from school safely, and we believe this approach gives families that peace of mind while protecting the learning environment.

WHAT THIS MEANS AT EVERMAN HIGH SCHOOL

The designated storage location at Everman High School is the student's clear backpack.

• All electronic devices must be powered OFF and placed inside the student's clear backpack BEFORE entering the building each morning.
• Devices must remain powered off and inside the clear backpack for the entire school day.
• Because the law requires a designated storage location, a student must have a clear backpack in order to bring an electronic device to campus. Without a clear backpack, there is no approved place to store the device.

WHAT COUNTS AS AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Section 37.082 of the Texas Education Code defines a personal communication device broadly. At Everman High School, this includes:

• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• Earbuds and headphones
• Smart glasses
• Any other personal electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication

District-issued instructional devices are excluded when used for academic purposes.

IF A DEVICE IS NOT STORED PROPERLY

If a student enters the building with a device that is powered on or is not stored in a clear backpack, the student will be asked to turn the device in for the remainder of the day.

• First offense: The student may pick up the device from the campus at the end of the school day.
• Second offense: A parent or guardian will be required to come to the campus to pick up the device at the end of that school day.

Thank you for your continued support of Everman High School. I look forward to an outstanding year with our Bulldogs.

Focused. Connected. Prepared.

One Goal… One Purpose… Student Success!