Cell Phone Policy - Off and Away All Day
Romig is a cellphone-free zone. All students are issued an ASD-managed Chromebook. These devices are monitored by ASD for student safety. Electronic Communication Devices (ECD) include, but are not limited to, cell phones, music players, laptops, tablets, cameras, headphones, AirPods, smart watches, earbuds and all other such media. The Romig technology policy is that students’ phones and devices will remain off and away and off thier person from 9:30 am – 4 pm. Headphones, earbuds, AirPods, etc. are never allowed at school. Items will be confiscated when seen, or heard, either in class or other school venues such as the hall. The student will check in the missing item(s) to the office and may pick the item(s) up at the end of the school day. Students with repeated infractions will work with the administration for a plan for support. Phones and Devices may never be used in a locker room or bathroom as this is a significant privacy violation. If parents/guardians need to contact students, they may call the front office at 742-5200 to send a message to the student. Romig Middle School is not responsible for the loss or theft of any such devices. Please do not share your locker information with anyone.
Our team is committed to providing a school culture that is focused on educating our students, and it is clear that cell phones/devices are an ever-present distraction from that goal. Linked below are some of the articles and research that have persuaded our team. Please review and discuss with your student. Research shows that even having a phone in a backpack, purse, or pocket limits potential learning and leads to distractions. Please support our team as we strive to provide the very best academic and social experience for your students.
Remember, OFF & AWAY during the school day!
Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One's Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity
Even After Shootings, Experts Warn Against Cell Phones in Schools
Celllphone Distraction in the Classroom Can Lead to Lower Grades, Rutgers Study Finds
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Social Media is a Major Cause of the Mental Illness Epidemic in Teen Girls
Get Phones Out of Schools Now
Frequently Asked Questions
1. “What if I need to get in contact with my child during the school day?”
While it is certainly convenient and reassuring to text your student during the day, the cost of having immediate access is not worth the interruptions during the school day. If you must contact your child during their educational day please call the front office and we will gladly send them a message in between classes.
2. “What if there is a safety issue such as an Active Shooter situation or natural disaster, isn’t my child safer with a cell phone?”
No. Safety experts across the country report that during such a situation, it is crucial for students to pay full attention to the present adult and not be distracted by texting friends or family. Notifications sounding and breaking the silence and concentration during such an event places a student at more risk, not less.
3. What if my student needs to contact me?
There are phones in the classroom for emergencies and phones in the office.
4. What if my student needs a phone for a school project?
School-issued Chromebooks are capable of meeting the technology needs of students, and unlike their phones, they are monitored by our gaggle system for inappropriate content, signs of harassment, or self-harm.
