Policies & procedures
District policies
To support our mission of providing an exceptional education to all students, we have created policies designed to help your student have the best possible education experience.
- Student Code of Conduct & Handbook (PDF)
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) (PDF)
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)-Spanish (PDF)
- Parent Involvement
Visit the Policies page on the district website for additional polices and related information.
LCHS policies & procedures
- Attendance
- Dance dress code and expectations
- Deliveries
- Emergency response protocol chart
- Electronic device policy
- Expectations of students at LCHS
- Leaving Campus
- Lunch
- Online Student Services requests
- Personal communication devices (including cell phones)
- Student dress code
- Student ID
- Tardy policy
Attendance
Email the Attendance Office: LCHS-Attendance_OFC@garlandisd.net
- Absence notes
- Doctor's notes
- VOE form request
- Any questions about attendance
Dance dress code and expectations
Dress code and behavior expectations for LCHS dances (Homecoming, Prom)
There are dance clubs out in the community designed for teen dancing or students can organize their own dance parties, where the school does not have, and certainly does not want to have, any jurisdiction. What styles of dress and behavior occur there will partially be determined by any informed parent’s decision to allow their student to attend or not. But for a school dance, where we have the authority and the responsibility to maintain standards that we feel are consistent with our district and our community, we will impose and enforce the following expectations.
If the attire is questionable, students are encouraged to show their evening wear to the administrators beforehand to determine if it is appropriate for the dance.
Girls: Girls will wear semi-formal, formal gowns, or outfits with pants. Strapless and spaghetti straps will be permitted.
Boys: Boys are encouraged to wear a suit or sports coat, but at a minimum they are expected to wear semi-formal wear, such as slacks, nice shoes, and a nice shirt (ties are encouraged, but not required).
The following will not be permitted:
- No extremely low cut dresses (front or back) - Front of dress must not fall below bra line.
- Two piece formal gowns or pants and top, are only allowed if 2 inches or less of midriff is showing.
- No see-through gowns
- No shorts
- No jeans
- No torn clothing
- No facial piercings
**Again, if the attire is questionable, students are encouraged to show their evening wear to the administrators beforehand to determine if it is appropriate for the dance.
A date or guest of an LCHS student attending a school dance must be at least a high school aged student and a Guest Permission Form must be completed and on-file in the LCHS Main Office.
Consequences
Students will not be permitted into the dance or will be escorted out of the dance. No money will be refunded.
If a LCHS student’s date is not a LCHS student (from another school), it is the responsibility of the LCHS student to inform his or her date that the required dress code and behavior codes will apply to the date as well.
Suggestive dancing and public displays of affection
Styles of dancing that the administration /chaperones determine to be inappropriate for a school dance setting will not be permitted. The style of dancing referred to includes dancing in a manner that strongly suggests sexual activity.
Public displays of affection will not be acceptable. The behavior referred to includes kissing or other displays of intimacy inappropriate for a school dance setting.
As parents, we know that you entrust us to provide the best environment for your student not only during the day but at evening activities as well. Monitoring activities such as dance, public display of affection and attire will allow us to accomplish this endeavor. We will notify you by phone if your student is not being admitted to the dance because of attire or being asked to leave because of inappropriate dancing or conduct.
Deliveries
Flowers, balloons, gift baskets and/or food deliveries for students will NOT be accepted on campus. Examples:
- Food/drink can not be dropped off for students by family members or restaurant staff.
- No third party food/drink deliveries (Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub)
- Students can not leave campus to purchase meals. We are a closed campus and any food/drinks will be taken up.
Emergency response protocol chart
Electronic device policy
While we recognize the need for having cell phones as a valuable communication tool, the use of a cell phone for non-instructional use causes distractions that interfere with teaching time and students’ ability to learn. In addition, the wearing of earbuds and headphones in the hallways and classrooms poses a safety issue especially during emergency situations. Cell phones in a student's possession in instructional areas will be forfeited to building administrators. If the cell phone or other electronic device is confiscated by the campus/school district, the following retrieval procedures will be applied:
- 1st Occurrence - Parent or student may pick up the device in the front vestibule free of charge 2:52 pm-3:05 pm.
- 2nd Occurrence - A parent or student may pick up the device after paying a $15 cash fee in the front vestibule. Students may only pick up the device between 2:52 pm-3:05 pm.
- 3rd Occurrence - The third time a cell phone is taken up, it can be retrieved by the parent or guardian after a meeting with parent or guardian, student and administrator.
- Any further occurrences, the device may be held for the remainder of the current grading period.
Students are responsible for their own cell phones and electronic devices. The school is not responsible for investigating stolen or misplaced items.
Expectations of students at LCHS
- Students will be at school, on time to class and ready to learn.
- Students will have all required books, materials and supplies when they enter the classroom.
- Students will be respectful of the teachers, adults (or guests) and of other students in the school.
- Students will respect school property and the property of other students.
- Students will follow the rules and the dress/grooming code set by the school.
- Students will contribute to a positive school and classroom environment where learning can take place and all students can be successful.
Leaving Campus
Lakeview Centennial High School is a closed campus. Students may only leave campus with an appropriate office pass. Teacher passes are not acceptable. Students found returning to campus after leaving without permission (including leaving to get food/drink off campus) are subject to disciplinary consequences, including loss of privileges (such as parking permit), personal search and vehicle search by an administrator and SRO.
If students become ill at school, notification to parents and release from school must come from the clinic for the absence to be excused. If a student must leave school during the day, other than through the clinic, they must sign out at the front vestibule. The only excused reason will be for court or doctor/dentist appointments. Proper documentation must be turned in to the attendance office upon return.
Lunch
Students must wear an ID and may only use their own account. Students are to remain seated, as well as remain in the cafeteria during their designated lunch periods. Students, with the permission of their lunch period teacher, may obtain a lunch pass and will be permitted to eat lunch in their teacher's classroom. Students must remain on campus per GISD policy. LCHS is a closed campus.
Online Student Services requests
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:
Marlene Argueta
972-240-3740
msarguet@garlandisd.net
Personal communication devices (including cell phones)
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.
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?
- What counts as the "school day"?
- Are there any exceptions?
- Can students use devices during lunch, passing periods, or restroom breaks?
- Can students use their devices during after-school activities or extracurricular events?
- Can students use their devices during a school field trip?
- How can I contact my child during school hours?
- What if my child needs to call about forgotten items or appointments?
- What happens in an emergency?
- Who is responsible for lost or damaged devices?
- Can students take phones to the restroom “just in case”?
- What if my child uses their phone to manage anxiety?
- What happens if my student forgets their device is in their pocket?
- What happens if a phone rings or vibrates in a backpack during class?
- Can students still bring a personal laptop or iPad instead of a district-issued Chromebook?
- Why is the state requiring schools to implement this cell phone policy? Is there research or evidence showing why it is necessary?
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?
Can students use devices during lunch, passing periods, or restroom breaks?
Can students use their devices during after-school activities or extracurricular events?
Can students use their devices during a school field trip?
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”?
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?
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.
Student dress code
Students must be in compliance with the Dress and Grooming Code set by GISD the moment they enter the building.
Sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, coats or any other outer garment cannot be used to cover inappropriate attire. In other words, if a student is asked to remove outer wear the student must still be in compliant with the Dress Code Policy.
Tops
Bottoms
- All bottoms MUST come below the fingertips when shoulders are relaxed.
- No rips or tears above the fingertips unless leggings are worn underneath.
- Under garments should NOT be visible.
- No see-through pants, including but not limited to mesh/sheer/lace above the fingertips.
- If leggings/yoga pants/tights are worn, shirt hem should come below the fingertips.
- NO SHORTS should be worn.
Shoes
Hats/Head Coverings/Accessories
Hair/Jewelry/Piercings
- Students may not wear hair curlers, rollers, hair picks, combs or brushes in their hair.
- Hair, including facial hair, must be clean, groomed and by the nature of the style does not intend to create a distraction.
- Jewelry items that cause 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.).
- Large objects worn as jewelry, including ropes, cords, spiked bracelets, chains or any accessories that could be used as weapons are NOT allowed.
General
- No nighttime/bedtime attire or items, such as pajama tops, robes, pillows, blankets and house shoes.
- 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 or graphics will not be permitted. Any disruptive or distracting mode of clothing or appearance that adversely impacts the educational process is not acceptable.
Student ID
- All students must have a current school ID and it must be out and visible at all times. This means that a student cannot have it in their backpack, pocket, purse, wallet, etc.
- Students without (forgot, lost, etc) an ID are required to purchase a new ID for $5.00.
- Student IDs must also be worn at all after-school activities including athletic events and at school-sponsored events, etc…
Need a replacement LCHS Student ID?
Student IDs may be purchased during the following times with the Campus Accounting Clerk in the main office or front vestibule:
- Before school from 7–7:30 am in front vestibule/front office
- 9:06–9:21 am (only for late arrival seniors) in the front office
- During lunches from 11:15 am–1:03 pm in the front office
- Price is $5.00 for a replacement ID (comes with a lanyard). Students must have the $5.00 to get a new ID or it will be added to their Skyward Fees account.
Tardy policy
The first step to being successful is showing up. Students cannot expect to be successful showing up to school and classes late or not showing up and/or not attending classes at all. Therefore, the expectation is that all students be in school on time, each day, every class period. Not attending school/classes results in absences which lead to failing grades, loss of credit and truancy.
The procedures below will be followed in regards to being late to classes:
- Students not in each class when the tardy bell rings will need to report to one of three tardy kiosks (located in the commons).
- Students will receive a tardy kiosk ticket which will allow them into class.
- After 20 minutes past the start of each class students are considered absent and will need to report to the attendance office for a pass. They will receive an absence if they are 20 or more minutes late to class.
- If students have a tardy kiosk pass and do not report to class within the 20 minute period, they will be counted absent.
- Students with severe tardy/attendance violations will be contacted by an administrator for an in-person meeting to discuss options and consequences if needed.
Learn more about school attendance on the GISD website.