Media release from Rome, GA City Schools:
In light of recent events, Rome City Schools has seen an increase in social media threats that can disrupt the safety and security of our schools. We urge parents to closely monitor their children’s social media activity to ensure these threats do not continue to circulate. Students are reminded that misuse of social media, including the posting of threats, will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including law enforcement involvement. It is vital that everyone in our community remains vigilant and works together to maintain a safe environment for all.
Rome City Schools remains committed to safeguarding the school environment from disruptive behaviors that interfere with our core mission of ensuring all students graduate from Rome High School prepared for college or work. Within the four pillars found in our Strategic Growth Process, Safety and Operations is a key focus that drives our school district. As we move forward in the 2024-2025 school year, our focus remains on providing a safe learning environment for students and a secure working environment for staff.
We encourage all stakeholders to stay vigilant and exhibit appropriate behavior. Families and communities play a crucial role in supporting efforts to keep our schools safe through our Keep Schools Safe Initiative. The items we have continually implemented in our Keep Schools Safe Initiative are non negotiable for our school system. We will continue to expand this initiative to ensure we are at the forefront of safety.
By working together, we can ensure that our students receive the successful future they deserve and should expect from Rome City Schools.
As part of our comprehensive safety initiative, Rome City Schools is taking the following actions:
- Evolv Weapons Detection Devices: Evolv scanners are in place at the middle and high school levels with handheld wand scanners available as needed for elementary schools.
- Random Safety Searches: The district will continue random searches at various Rome City Schools locations to ensure the safety of all students when information is reported.
- Campus Perimeter Patrols: Law enforcement agencies will regularly patrol the perimeters of all Rome City Schools campuses to ensure a secure and monitored environment.
- See Something, Say Something: The district continues to encourage the use of the See Something, Say Something Initiative where students and staff can anonymously report any safety concerns. To submit a tip to the Rome City Schools Office of Safety and Operations, please contact (safetyconcern@rcs.rome.ga.us). All tips are confidential. Additionally, if you or someone you know is in crisis, Rome City Schools offers a variety of free and confidential resources.
- State-Mandated Emergency Drills: Regular fire and lockdown drills will continue to ensure students and staff are well-prepared in case of an emergency.
- School Administration Managers: Rome City Schools has added School Administration Managers at every elementary school to improve school safety and operations.
- Buzz-In System and Additional Cameras: Rome City Schools has enhanced security by installing a buzz-in entry system and adding additional cameras across the district at every school.
- BTAM Training: Rome City Schools administration has undergone Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) training to better identify and address potential threats to student and staff safety.
- Chromebook Monitoring Filters: Rome City Schools has implemented advanced monitoring filters on Chromebooks to ensure safe and appropriate online activity for students.
- Additional School Resource Officers at High School: Rome City Schools has added another School Resource Officer (SRO) to the high school to further support safety measures on campus. Rome High School has two SROs and Rome Middle School has one SRO. Both Rome Middle and Rome High also have campus safety monitors patrolling the school.
- Stop the Prop Initiative and Window Safety Film: Rome City Schools has implemented the Stop the Prop initiative by placing stickers on all exterior doors. We are also reminding staff and students not to prop doors open, ensuring buildings remain secure at all times. Along with that, window tint safety film was put on all exterior doors to help deter possible intruders.
- Continuous Safety Enhancements: Rome City Schools continues to enhance safety procedures to ensure the safety of our students and staff across all campuses. Safety and security are always evolving, and we look to stay ahead by keeping up with safety enhancements for our district.
As a reminder, parents/guardians are encouraged to stay connected with the district’s official platforms for updates on safety procedures and protocols. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and by working alongside local law enforcement agencies, we can ensure that Rome City Schools continues to provide a safe and secure environment for all
