Laredo Independent School District staff on Oct. 8 reminded parents and students about the district's standardized dress code and announced that a recently passed state law prohibits students from using personal communication devices during school hours.

The district message said school hours are defined "as the time between the first bell to the last bell" and that "personal communication devices includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and other electronic devices." The announcement instructed that students may keep devices with them but they "must be turned off at all times during the school day," and that devices may be used again once the school day ends.

District communications framed the dress code as a tool to "help develop a more nurturing learning environment and to help improve student safety" and directed questions to school administration. The public announcement did not name the new state law by statute number or provide implementing guidance for enforcement at individual campuses.

Why it matters: The stated restriction on personal communication devices affects everyday student routines and discipline at district campuses and will require local administrators, teachers and families to follow and enforce the new statewide requirement. The district's dress code reminder reiterates existing expectations intended to support school safety and learning.

What the district did not specify: The announcement did not list the statute citation, detailed enforcement procedures, disciplinary consequences, or how exceptions (if any) will be handled. Those details were "not specified" in the public record of this meeting.