• Students may be excused for absences resulting from personal illness, illness or death in the family, quarantine, or any other unusual cause acceptable to the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. (Educ. Code 21.035)
• Excessive absences for your student may result in loss of credit and truancy being filed.
• To report student absences, a parent/guardian should send a note with the student when he/she returns to  the front office. Please contact the attendance clerk to make sure all student absentee note(s) have been turned into the front office by your child at (972)494-8391.
• A student has 3 days from the last missed day to turn in the absence note. After that time, the absence will be coded as unexcused.
• Medical and dental appointments are not counted as an absence if the student returns to school the same day as the appointment with a written note from the doctor. Students should alternate class periods in order that the same class is not missed repeatedly.

• Use the StopFinder app for real-time tracking
• Or check Skyward Family Access under “Online Forms”

Need to update your email or address? Contact the front office at 972-494-8391

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are honored that you have chosen Garland ISD and look forward to partnering with you to ensure a successful year for your child.

We would like to inform you about a new state law, House Bill 1481, and its implementation across our district. Enacted during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, this law prohibits students from using personal digital communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and personal tablets, during the school day.

Garland ISD already had a strong policy prohibiting cell phone use during class; however, this new law goes further by prohibiting all personal device use for the entire school day, not just during instructional time. This means students will no longer be able to use devices during passing periods, lunch, or other non-instructional times while on campus.

The intent behind this legislation is to promote student well-being and create a more focused learning environment. Research cited by lawmakers shows that excessive device use can contribute to shorter attention spans, higher anxiety, and decreased social interaction. By reducing distractions, we can help students stay engaged in learning, connect more with their peers, and benefit from improved academic and social outcomes.

What counts as a personal communication device?

• Cell phones (smartphones, flip phones)
• Laptops, Tablets, iPads, Smartwatches, Smartglasses
• Earbuds, headphones, radios, or any device capable of calling, texting, recording, or accessing the internet

School-issued devices are not considered personal communication devices and will continue to be provided for instructional purposes. As part of this change, students may no longer bring their own laptops, tablets, or other personal devices to school. All students will use their district-issued device for classroom learning to ensure equity, safety, and compliance with the law.

What does this mean for students in GISD?

With your support at home, GISD will comply with this new law to minimize distractions and help students stay focused during instructional time, while also promoting positive mental health. When your child returns to school on Monday, August 11th, use of personal communication devices will be prohibited during the school day on all GISD campuses. This means that students will either need to leave all their communication devices at home or keep them securely stored in their backpacks, powered off, during the school day.

With this change, it is important for parents and students to note the following:

• Violation of this new law, or related district policy and regulations, shall be subject to device confiscation and consequences according to the GISD Student Code of Conduct.
• If a confiscated device is not picked up within 90 days after it is made available, Garland ISD is authorized to dispose of the device in accordance with state law, after providing the required written notice.
• As with prior years, students are responsible for their own personal property. Any device brought to school is done so at the student’s own risk. Garland ISD is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones/devices.

Please take a moment in the coming days to talk with your child about this important new law. We understand that this change may be challenging for many students, but the law was designed with their best interests in mind to help them stay focused, reduce distractions, and support their overall well-being.

As a district, we are committed to complying with the law while fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive. To do this successfully, we need your partnership. Your encouragement at home plays a vital role in helping students build healthy habits around device use.

Encourage your child to “DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT”, with learning, with peers, and with the present moment. As always, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another school year that is truly UNMATCHED.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HB 1481?

House Bill 1481 is a new Texas law that requires school districts to prohibit the use of personal communication devices, such as cell phones, smartwatches, and similar technology, during the school day. Garland ISD’s policy aligns with this law to promote a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

What counts as the “school day”?

The school day begins when students enter the campus building and ends when students leave the building for the day. During the time when students are on campus, all personal devices must be powered off, stored out of sight (e.g., in backpacks), and not used under any circumstances unless an exception applies.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Use of personal communication devices may be permitted under the following circumstances:

• Required by a student’s IEP or 504 Plan
• Directed by a licensed physician
• Necessary for verified health or safety reasons

Can students use devices during lunch, passing periods, or restroom breaks?

No. The law applies to the entire school day, including lunch, passing periods, and restroom breaks. Devices must remain powered off and securely stored at all times while on campus during the school day.

Can students use their devices during after-school activities or extracurricular events?

Yes. Students may use their devices once the school day has ended, including for extracurricular activities, transportation arrangements, or other after-school purposes.

Can students use their devices during a school field trip?

Students are not permitted to use personal devices during the school day. Devices must be powered off and out of sight.

How can I contact my child during school hours?

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call the school’s front office. We will ensure your message is delivered promptly. In urgent situations, we will make every effort to notify your child as quickly as possible. To help minimize disruptions, we kindly ask that you communicate any appointments or changes in plans with your child before the school day begins. If an emergency or unexpected situation arises, the front office will coordinate with your child directly.

What if my child needs to call about forgotten items or appointments?

Students are not permitted to use personal devices during the school day. If they need to contact you about a forgotten item or appointment, they may request to use the phone in the front office. To help reduce the need for mid-day communication, we encourage families to review schedules and appointment plans before the start of the school day.

What happens in an emergency?

The safety of our students is our top priority. In an emergency, the district uses official communication systems to notify parents and contact emergency services. To maintain order and ensure everyone's safety, it’s critical that all students and staff follow established emergency protocols. Students may use their personal devices only when a staff member or first responder confirms it is safe to do so. If a student uses a device to call for help during a genuine emergency, staff will evaluate the situation with understanding and compassion.

Who is responsible for lost or damaged devices?

The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, including those confiscated due to policy violations. Each campus will have a process and designated area for storing devices if needed; however, we strongly encourage families to have students keep their devices at home or ensure they are turned off and securely stored in backpacks. This helps students follow the law and minimizes the risk of devices being lost, damaged, or confiscated.

Can students take phones to the restroom “just in case”?

No. To ensure full compliance with the law and protect student privacy, phones must be stored and powered off for the entire school day, including during restroom breaks.

What if my child uses their phone to manage anxiety?

We understand that some students may feel a sense of comfort or connection through their devices. However, research shows that excessive phone and social media use can actually contribute to increased anxiety, reduced attention spans, and disrupted sleep patterns in youth. The new law prohibits personal device use during the school day to help students stay focused and engaged in learning. Our goal is to create a safe, structured environment that supports student well-being, and we are committed to helping students manage anxiety through healthy, research-based strategies.

What happens if my student forgets their device is in their pocket?

If the device remains off and out of sight, there is no issue. However, if the device becomes visible, makes noise, or is accessed in any way, it will be treated as a violation of the policy and the device will be confiscated.

What happens if a phone rings or vibrates in a backpack during class?

Even if unintentional, any disruption caused by a device, such as ringing or vibrating, may result in the device being confiscated and treated as a policy violation. To prevent disruptions, all personal devices should be completely powered off, silenced, and stored out of sight for the entire school day. Students are expected to arrive at school with their devices turned off and secured in their backpacks.

Can students still bring a personal laptop or iPad instead of a district-issued Chromebook?

No. Under the new law, only district-issued devices are permitted for use during the school day. Students may not bring personal laptops, iPads, or other devices to use in class. Garland ISD Chromebooks are equipped with everything students need to access their instructional materials and be successful in their learning.

Why is the state requiring schools to implement this cell phone policy? Is there research or evidence showing why it is necessary?

Yes. Research, including studies from Educational Psychology and the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that reducing phone use during the school day can improve test scores, decrease incidents of cyberbullying, and support healthy brain development. Garland ISD is committed to supporting your child’s academic success and well-being. Below, we’ve included key research findings on cell phone use and the benefits of limiting personal device usage during school hours:

• Facts on Cell Phone, Social Media, & Device Use
• Benefits of a Phone Free Policy
• The Case for Phone Free Schools
• My School Banned Phones for the Year. Here's What Happened

Progressive discipline steps

1. Verbal or non-verbal redirection
2. Private student/teacher conference
3. Buddy room. Written reflection and reflective conference upon return
4. Contact home with a phone call, email, or Parent Square
5. Classroom incident documented in Review 360 and phone call
6. Office referral in Review 360

Serious infractions may result in an automatic administrator referral.

Please view our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support presentation to learn about our discipline policies and practices.

Students of Bussey Middle School must be in compliance with the Garland ISD while within the building and at any school events.

Standardized dress is made up of clothing that meets a particular description but is not a specific brand of clothing. Any brand is acceptable as long as no logos or brand names are visible.  School issued ID badges must be visible at all times.

Bussey standardized dress

• SHIRTS–red, white, or navy polo-style knit shirts with collars and buttons (three or less). Shirts may be long or short sleeves. All shirts must be of appropriate size and fit. Additionally the following colors have been added for each grade level. 

• PANTS/SLACKS/TROUSERS – navy, or khaki traditional style (no cargo pants or black bottoms), Pants must be worn at the waist level at all times (no sagging). All pants, slacks and trousers must be of appropriate size and fit. 

• SKIRTS/SHORTS/CAPRI PANTS – navy, or khaki, knee-length or longer, finished hemline, same style as pants.  

• SWEATSHIRTS OR SWEATERS – These may be worn as a uniform with the same color scheme as the shirt.  No pouch or hoods may be worn on sweatshirts.

• NO TORN CLOTHING ALLOWED.  This includes jeans worn on spirit dress days or modified dress days.

• COATS and JACKETS- These may be worn to school but must be unzipped or unbutton showing uniform shirt and ID badge.

• SHOES AND SOCKS – Footwear includes socks with tennis shoes, loafers, dress shoes or other closed toe and heel shoes, shoes must enclose the entire foot; tennis shoes will be necessary for PE class. No sandals, house shoes/slippers, flip-flops or boots of any kind will be worn at school.

• BELTS - Belts are required for pants, shorts, or skirts that have belt loops.  Belts must be worn around their waist at all times.  No large belt buckles will be allowed. No writing on the belt.

Garland ISD grooming policy

The GISD Student Dress Code is intended to:  (1) teach students grooming and hygiene; (2) create and maintain a respectful and positive learning environment; (3) prevent the disruption, interference with, or detraction from the educational environment and school activities; and (4) minimize health and safety hazards.  

Note:  This dress code provides guidance regarding common situations but cannot cover every style of dress and specific situations that may arise. The District reserves the right to prohibit any clothing or grooming style that the administration determines to be reasonably expected to pose a health or safety hazard or to cause disruption of, distraction from, or interference with general school operations. In addition, certain classes, courses or extracurricular programs may have additional requirements or guidelines for students participating in those programs. 

Please ensure that students comply with the following: 

• Garments must allow for participation in all regular school activities while maintaining dignity and modesty.  

• Apparel that advertises or depicts alcohol, drugs, nudity, tobacco products, any other substance prohibited under FNCF(Legal), violent or criminal themes, gang membership, obscene language  and/or obscene graphics, will not be permitted. Any disruptive or distracting mode of clothing or appearance that adversely impacts the educational process is not acceptable. 

• Extremes in modes of dress, such as see through clothing, exposed midriffs, or clothing normally considered as undergarments are not acceptable. 

• All articles of clothing must be worn as they are designed to be worn. 

• Undergarments should not be visible. 

• Shorts of modest length, loose fitting, and hemmed may be worn by students.

•  Dresses and skirts should be of modest length and fit. 

• Extremely sloppy, badly torn, or inappropriately torn/slit/ripped clothing is prohibited. 

• Shoes must be worn. Taps, metal plates, cleats, or wheels on shoes will not be permitted.  

• Students may not wear house shoes, pajamas tops or bottoms, boxers, or other sleepwear as outerwear. 

• Hair, including facial hair, must be clean, groomed, and by the nature of the style does not intend to create a distraction. 

• Inappropriate hair designs/insignias are prohibited. 

• Hair color that is disruptive or distracting to the school environment is prohibited. Hair must either be a natural color or naturally tinted or colored in a blended and balanced manner. 

• Hair must be kept out of the eyes and must not be a distraction. 

• Students may not wear hair curlers, rollers, hair picks, combs, or brushes in their hair. 

• Hats, caps, bandanas, sweat bands, hoods, visors, or other nonreligious head coverings should not be worn in the school building. 

• Earrings are limited to the ears for all students. Earrings include clip earrings, pierced earrings or studs, or any item used as a post in a pierced ear. 

• Facial and body piercing of any kind is prohibited. 

• Jewelry that causes a distraction or that could be dangerous to the student or other  individuals are prohibited (i.e. spiked/studded jewelry, chokers, dog collars, necklaces  made out of safety pins or chain links, etc.) 

• All inappropriate or distractive tattoos must be covered at all times while in the school  building or at school-related activities, or school-sponsored events. Non-distracting  tattoos may also be required to be covered (campus administrator discretion). 

• Sponsors of extracurricular activities may set individual dress and appearance standards  with the approval of campus administration.

• All students must have their student ID visible at all times.

• Outside food and drop offs are not allowed per the GISD face to face handbook.
• Students may not have any Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc. delivered for them.
• Deliveries to students are not permitted per the GISD face to face handbook. This includes flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, etc. 

• Proof of residence (electric, water, or gas bill)
• Immunization records
• Birth certificate or affidavit showing proof of age
• Report cards or any record from previous school
• Social Security Card (if available)

Do you need to enroll your child, request a transfer, withdraw or request a transcript? It's easy to start common processes at home. Visit the Online Student Services page to get started. 

If you have additional questions, please contact the campus data clerk:

Ms. Tapia

972-494-8391

The safety of our Bussey Owlets is of the upmost importance to our faculty and staff. The following ID policy will improve student safety and security on campus, allowing staff member and students to identify each person they come into contact with while in the building.

• Students will be issued an ID badge.
• Students must wear their ID badge around their neck on a lanyard EVERY DAY.
• Replacement ID will cost $5 each occurence.

Visitors are not allowed on campus per GISD face to face handbook. If you would like a face to face meeting, please schedule an appointment. Please make sure you have a valid ID to show before entering the building. When arriving ring the front door bell and our office staff will be happy to assist you.  We do ask for your patience while the office staff ensures student safety by following district policies and procedures.