The Day Amarillo ISD Took My Son’s Phone: What Parents Need to Know

When it comes to a teenager and their phone, it's like taking away their breath when you take away their phone.  I swear that it's somehow attached to them physically.  Right before school started this year Amarillo ISD said they were going to start enforcing the cell phone policy.

Read More: Insider Reveals AISD's New Cell Phone Policy |

The school has the parents and students sign the cell phone policy during enrollment. I know the rules and he knows the rules.

The policy states that students cannot have their phones out during school hours. That means all hours, in the hallways, and at lunch. Once they leave campus they can turn their phones back on. If they get caught with their phones, then their phones are confiscated, taken to the office, and placed in a safe.  Ask me how I know this.

My teenager got his cell phone taken away.

I thought my teenager was following the rules, with his phone in his backpack and turned off. Oh boy, I was wrong.

Get our free mobile app

My phone rings and it's the school number, which I find odd, but answer it because it's the school.  It's my son.

• MY SON: Mom, I got my phone taken away.  Can you call this person and give your permission for me to pick my phone up after school?
• ME: You got your phone taken away? (said in that ticked-off mom tone)  You better have $15 on you because I'm not paying for you to get it back.  (see I remembered the policy)
• MY SON: They said its the first offense Mom, so no money is involved.  (well isn't he lucky)

He gives me the number to call, and as I'm hanging up, that number is calling me.

• SCHOOL: Hello, this is Mrs. (the person in charge of the phones), and your son had his phone taken away in class.  You'll need to come to the school and pick it up. 
• ME: I have to come to the school and pick it up.  
• SCHOOL: Yes, ma'am we only release it to the parent. 

So, I drove myself to his school and proceeded to get his phone back.  I told her I would talk to my teenager about using the phone at school or that he would no longer have a phone.

She gave his phone back to me, however, I don't think they thought my "I'm here to get a phone out of jail" comment was funny.  It was either that or to continue to be mad that my kid got his phone taken away.

So, parents please know that they are enforcing the cell phone policy and if the phone gets confiscated be prepared to drive up to the school to get it back.