schools
Post-cellphone ban, Wylie ISD students turn to old technology to document senior year
By Allie Spillyards at NBC DFW
· June 16, 2026
· 3 min read
One year after Texas restricted cellphone use in schools, one North Texas district is finding success by looking backward. At Wylie ISD's administration building on Tuesday, tables were covered with photos that looked as if they had come straight from the 1990s. The images showed classroom moments,
Key takeaway They were taken by members of Wylie ISD's Class of 2026 using disposable cameras as part of a district project launched after the state's cellphone restrictions took effect.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The success of Wylie ISD's Student Camera Project has implications for other districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Fort Worth ISD, as they navigate the state's cellphone restrictions. By embracing disposable cameras, Wylie ISD has shown that creativity and resourcefulness can help students adapt to new rules. This approach may be particularly relevant in Fort Worth, where the Fort Worth ISD serves a diverse student population with varying levels of access to technology. As Fort Worth students and administrators look for ways to document their school experiences, they may draw inspiration from Wylie ISD's project, which has demonstrated that old technology can still capture meaningful moments. The project's focus on student-led documentation also highlights the importance of student voice and perspective in shaping the educational experience, a consideration that will be important for Fort Worth ISD and other local districts as they move forward.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? One year after Texas restricted cellphone use in schools, one North Texas district is finding success by looking backward. At Wylie ISD's administration building on Tuesday, tables were covered with photos that looked as if they had come straight from the 1990s. The images showed classroom moments,
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allie Spillyards at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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