Stafford Elementary 2025-2026 Meet the Teacher Night will be Monday, August 4th from 5pm-6:15pm. Please enter through cafeteria doors and exit by front office.
Students MUST COMPLETE ONLINE REGISTRATION FIRST, before they will be able to meet their teacher. Please Complete Online Registration before coming to Meet the Teacher. Online Registration Opens on Wednesday July 23rd at 8:00am.
Students MUST COMPLETE ONLINE REGISTRATION FIRST, before they will be able to meet their teacher. Please Complete Online Registration before coming to Meet the Teacher. Online Registration Opens on Wednesday July 23rd at 8:00am.
Italy Independent School District
Office of the Superintendent
Rachel Kistner
Principal J. Lance Bray, Sharon Graves
Stafford Elementary Italy Junior High-High School
New Texas Cell Phone Law
This summer Governor Abbott, with the support of our legislators, signed into law House Bill 1481 that takes effect with the 2025-2026 school year. It brings important changes to how students can use cell phones or any communication device during the school day. As a result, it will also create significant changes for how parents will communicate with their child during the school day.
What the Law Says
House Bill (HB) 1481 requires local school boards to adopt and implement a written policy prohibiting students from using cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic device capable of communication while on school property during the school day, unless the device was provided to a student by the school district, and requires the policy to include disciplinary measures which will include confiscation of the device.
The law allows the required policy to either:
● prohibit a student from bringing such a device on school property or
● to designate a method for the storage of the device while the student is on school property during the school day
It allows the required policy to include provision for disposing of a confiscated device after having provided the student’s parent 90 days written notice of the school’s intent to dispose of the device
It requires the policy to allow use of a device as necessary to implement an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a student with a documented need based on a directive from a physician, or as necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or the district’s or school’s safety protocols.
Why?
In summary, this law was passed to help students stay focused, reduce distractions in the classroom and improve academic outcomes across Texas. Research continues to show that limiting phone use during school hours supports better attention, deeper learning and healthier social interactions
So What Does This Mean In Italy ISD?
We are currently reviewing and updating our campus policies to align to this new law. While full details will be shared closer to the start of school , we want to give families an early heads-up. This gives everyone time to prepare for a more structured and distraction-free school environment,
Stafford
As of today, Stafford Elementary will likely require any students with devices to keep them in their backpacks during the school day.
Italy Junior High-High School
For the junior high/high school, after reaching out to some students for feedback on this mandate, we will likely be requiring students to store their devices in a locked container for the school day and . Students will be able to take their phones for extra curricular activities that are off campus, and any student needing their device for medical reasons will be allowed to maintain possession of their phone with proper medical documentation and guidelines for use.
For both campuses, students that refuse to turn in their phone or are caught using their phone during the school day will face consequences that could include taking the phone for an extended period of time and ISS. We do not want to turn this compliance piece into a battle, we just want to comply with the law.
Parents/Guardians
As parents/guardians, communications to your student will go back to how we communicated before cell phones. If there is important information your child needs to have during the school day you will call the school office and the message will be delivered to them.
We do not have all the answers, and we invite you to give us feedback. We just recognize that this is now a state law that we will have to work together to comply with.
But I Don’t Agree With the Law?
There are many laws you may not agree with but that does not exempt you from following them. This law, like most others in the state of Texas, was signed into law by our elected legislators and governor. As we shared with students, the lesson for all of us is understanding and executing our right to vote. Voting is where we are able to make the biggest differences in things we support or things we do not support.
Thank you again for your support and partnership with your students’ education. We look forward to creating the best learning environment possible for our students and helping them succeed one focused day at a time. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Office of the Superintendent
Rachel Kistner
Principal J. Lance Bray, Sharon Graves
Stafford Elementary Italy Junior High-High School
New Texas Cell Phone Law
This summer Governor Abbott, with the support of our legislators, signed into law House Bill 1481 that takes effect with the 2025-2026 school year. It brings important changes to how students can use cell phones or any communication device during the school day. As a result, it will also create significant changes for how parents will communicate with their child during the school day.
What the Law Says
House Bill (HB) 1481 requires local school boards to adopt and implement a written policy prohibiting students from using cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic device capable of communication while on school property during the school day, unless the device was provided to a student by the school district, and requires the policy to include disciplinary measures which will include confiscation of the device.
The law allows the required policy to either:
● prohibit a student from bringing such a device on school property or
● to designate a method for the storage of the device while the student is on school property during the school day
It allows the required policy to include provision for disposing of a confiscated device after having provided the student’s parent 90 days written notice of the school’s intent to dispose of the device
It requires the policy to allow use of a device as necessary to implement an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a student with a documented need based on a directive from a physician, or as necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or the district’s or school’s safety protocols.
Why?
In summary, this law was passed to help students stay focused, reduce distractions in the classroom and improve academic outcomes across Texas. Research continues to show that limiting phone use during school hours supports better attention, deeper learning and healthier social interactions
So What Does This Mean In Italy ISD?
We are currently reviewing and updating our campus policies to align to this new law. While full details will be shared closer to the start of school , we want to give families an early heads-up. This gives everyone time to prepare for a more structured and distraction-free school environment,
Stafford
As of today, Stafford Elementary will likely require any students with devices to keep them in their backpacks during the school day.
Italy Junior High-High School
For the junior high/high school, after reaching out to some students for feedback on this mandate, we will likely be requiring students to store their devices in a locked container for the school day and . Students will be able to take their phones for extra curricular activities that are off campus, and any student needing their device for medical reasons will be allowed to maintain possession of their phone with proper medical documentation and guidelines for use.
For both campuses, students that refuse to turn in their phone or are caught using their phone during the school day will face consequences that could include taking the phone for an extended period of time and ISS. We do not want to turn this compliance piece into a battle, we just want to comply with the law.
Parents/Guardians
As parents/guardians, communications to your student will go back to how we communicated before cell phones. If there is important information your child needs to have during the school day you will call the school office and the message will be delivered to them.
We do not have all the answers, and we invite you to give us feedback. We just recognize that this is now a state law that we will have to work together to comply with.
But I Don’t Agree With the Law?
There are many laws you may not agree with but that does not exempt you from following them. This law, like most others in the state of Texas, was signed into law by our elected legislators and governor. As we shared with students, the lesson for all of us is understanding and executing our right to vote. Voting is where we are able to make the biggest differences in things we support or things we do not support.
Thank you again for your support and partnership with your students’ education. We look forward to creating the best learning environment possible for our students and helping them succeed one focused day at a time. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Please see Notification about Federal Grans Community Information and Input Opportunities
https://5il.co/3hytf
Italy ISD
Student Health Advisory Council
PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHAC MEETING: May 15, 2025 4:45 p.m. HS Old Cafeteria
SHAC Meeting Agenda for May 15, 2025
1. Call to order
2. Explanation of Virtual Recording
3. Introduction of attendees
4. Approve 5/13/2024 meeting minutes
5. Future Meeting Dates: TBA
6. Hearing/Vision/Scoliosis/Acanthosis - Hopgood Report
7. Aim for Success - Hopgood Report
8. Drug Testing - Hopgood Report
9. Fitnessgram testing updates - PE Teachers Report
10. Public commentary
At Italy ISD, safety is always top priority for our students, staff and community.
As an added protection, Italy ISD has partnered with Perry Weather to begin using a lightning and temperature monitoring system located at the Italy ISD football stadium. It will also monitor our baseball and softball fields.
The system will automatically notify Italy ISD, Italy High School administration and Stafford Elementary administration of impending weather risks within 10 miles of our community.
For a lightning strike detected within 10 miles of the stadium, the district and surrounding community will hear a siren, followed by a verbal message to move inside of a building.
During outdoor Italy ISD events, practices and competitions, the system will automatically begin a 30 minute countdown. If no other lightning is detected within 10 miles in those 30 minutes, we will hear a message that the event may now continue. For community members it means lightning is not detected within 10 miles of Italy.
For Italy ISD events occurring in excessive high temperatures, a siren will sound followed by a message for athletes to leave the competition field. The system will only be active during certain times of each day, and only when students, staff or community members are present for a regular school day or a school event.
This system is not an outdoor warning siren for a tornadic event.
Italy ISD wants you to be aware of the new alarms and what they mean as we continue to find ways to keep each other safe.
📣 ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES!
WE NEED SUPPORT FOR ITALY ISD YEARBOOK!
The Italy ISD Yearbook Staff is inviting our local business community to purchase ad space in the 2024–2025 yearbook!
Advertising plays a vital role in helping us produce a high-quality yearbook while keeping the cost affordable for students. Your support directly impacts our success!
📐 Ad Sizes & Pricing:
• Full Page (8.5” x 11”) – $300
• Half Page (8.5” x 5.5”) – $160
• Quarter Page (4.25” x 5.5”) – $80
• Eighth Page (4.25” x 2.75”) – $40
💬 Ready to place an ad?
Please email Mr. Jeremiah Glover, Yearbook Advisor, at jglover@italyisd.org or call 972-483-7411, extension 1307. Include your name and a good contact number. One of our students will reach out to assist you with the design and answer any questions.
Thank you for supporting our students and helping us preserve this year’s memories!
YEARBOOK SENIOR RECOGNITION ADS ARE NOW FOR SALE
$130.00 Full Page
$80.00 1/2 Page
$40.00 1/4 Page
$20.00 1/8 Page
ORDER BY 03/31/2025
Dear Parent or Student,
Yearbook Recognition Ads are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and celebrate milestones. In addition, revenues from Recognition Ads help our school create a better yearbook. To purchase your ad online, follow the instructions listed below. Jostens is responsible for our school's yearbook ad sales. Please do not contact or send materials to the school. Please also consider our school's ad content guidelines below during the creation of your ad online. All orders must be placed by 03/31/2025
https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/yearbook-ads
Congratulations to our very own Jaslyn Acosta! Well done and we are proud of you! You represented Italy ISD phenomenally!
Italy ISD Athletic Banquet Information:
Please see the approved 2025-2026 School Calendar. https://5il.co/36lqi
Please read Flier on Sexual Health Program with Italy ISD.
https://5il.co/364r0
Italy ISD Spring Safety Week Italy ISD will host Spring Safety Week January 13-16, 2025. Throughout the week, administration will lead campuses through different safety drills. The Safety of our students and staff is a top priority.
Please see link for flier for purchasing Athlete Banners for your student Athletes in different sports.
https://5il.co/32pp1
See Veterans flier for Vet Celebration
HS Registration Information
Stafford Elementary Registration Flier information
The Dates where wrong on the previous flier and have been updated.
Pre-k and First-time in school Kindergarten Registration begins today!!!
HS REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Italy ISD STAFFORD ELEMENTARY PRE-K OR FIRST TIME IN KINDERGARTEN INFO
ITALY ISD
New & Returning Student Registration Begins July 23, 2024
ITALY ISD
New & Returning Student Registration Begins July 23, 2024
1. Personal Information
a. Please make sure you carefully read each field as you fill out information and answer exactly what it is asking
b. Ex: Num: 300 Street Direction: S. College Apt: 123A
2. ID/Driver’s License and Proof of Residency
a. Your ID/DL MUST match the address on your proof of residency document. For returning students, if it doesn’t, you will not be allowed to complete registration. New students have 30 days. Changes? www.dps.texas.gov
3. Proof of Residency Examples
a. Utility bill (electric, water, etc... NO phone, TV, internet)
b. Renter’s agreement or lease
c. Builder’s contract
d. Purchase contract
4. Socio-Economic Form
a. PLEASE complete this form so that our schools can continue to receive federal and state funding (i.e., Title I and State Compensatory Education), which directly impacts our campuses and students.
5. Register from home
a. Returning students can complete everything at home.
b. New students can complete the “New Student” section
c. from home, then the campus secretary will provide
d. directions.
Stafford Elementary 972-483-6342
Italy JH/HS 972-483-7411
If you are a parent of a returning student and infomation like your email, phone number, or address have changed PLEASE DO NOT UPDATE THIS INFORMATION WITHIN REGISTRATION! When you are logged into your parent portal for registration, before you begin Registration, Click on Student Data Maintenance and update your information as needed. Then the Campus Secretary will push your data to the SIS and you can begin Registration. Remember, to get logged into your Parent Portal you need to use the email that was used last year and matches what we have in Ascender Student Information System.