Rome City Schools will pilot the implementation of its “Disengage to Engage” No Cell Phone Initiative. This new procedure will create a distraction-free learning environment to help students focus better on learning, engage more meaningfully with their peers and teachers, and empower students to be fully present during instruction, thereby increasing their engagement and achievement.
Starting on August 1, all Pre-K through eighth-grade students attending Rome City Schools will be required to turn their cellphones in to their homeroom teacher at the beginning of the instructional day. Students will report back to their homeroom teacher at the end of the instructional day to collect their device(s).
This initiative aligns with the recently enacted Georgia House Bill 340, also known as the Distraction-Free Education Act. This new bill will mandate that personal mobile devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar electronic devices, be silenced and collected, without student access, from the first bell to the last. This bill will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The Distraction-Free Education Act defines access broadly to include viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise using a device for purposes such as communication, internet access, gaming, recording, or listening to music.
Here are key details regarding the implementation of this procedure:
Specific Rules for Device Storage: Students' cell phones will be stored securely in designated storage boxes throughout the instructional day. These storage solutions will ensure the safety of devices while minimizing access and distraction.
Procedures for Communication: In the event of an emergency, parents will be contacted directly by the school using the emergency contact information on file. School phone lines will remain open for official communication. We ask parents to call the school if they have a message to pass along to their child. Students will be able to communicate with parents through the front office phones with permission from their teacher.
Details Regarding Exceptions for Students with Documented Medical Needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or Section 504 Accommodations: Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or a medical plan that explicitly mandates the use of a personal electronic device for medical or educational purposes will be permitted to access their device as necessary to fulfill the requirements of their respective program or plan. These accommodations will be reviewed and managed on an individual basis to ensure student well-being and compliance with their specific plans.
We are committed to making this transition as smooth, fair, and supportive as possible for all students and families. We will take the first full week of school to teach these procedures and allow time for students and teachers to make the necessary adjustments. Our staff is available to explain the new procedure and answer any questions you may have. We encourage parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with these details.
Rome City Schools extends its sincere gratitude to our parents and community for partnering with us to support safer, more distraction-free, and ultimately more effective learning environments for our children.
Together, we can help our students “Disengage to Engage” to reach their full academic potential!