Media release from Rome, GA City Schools:
Students across Rome City Schools spent Friday, April 3, putting pen to paper in a way that connected past and present, taking part in districtwide signing ceremonies that marked the culmination of a year spent learning to write in cursive.
The effort reflects a broader focus within Rome City Schools to ensure that every student graduates from Rome High School prepared for college or work and prepared for life. Along the way, educators identified a simple but important gap. Many students could not sign their names in cursive or read cursive writing, a skill that was once considered routine.
Teachers across all elementary schools and at Rome Middle School have made cursive instruction a priority this year, guiding students through the process of forming letters, developing muscle memory, and ultimately creating their own signatures. The signing ceremonies gave students a chance to apply that learning in a meaningful setting as they signed their names in front of classmates and teachers.
The work aligns with expectations from the Georgia Department of Education, which has emphasized cursive writing through its John Hancock recognition. Elm Street Elementary was recognized as a John Hancock School last year after meeting participation benchmarks, a distinction that highlights the school’s commitment to teaching and maintaining the skill.
Laura Walley, Director of Federal Programs and Professional Learning, said the recognition is appreciated, but the impact on students matters more.
“Writing in cursive is kind of a lost art, and we were realizing that students weren’t able to sign their name or read in cursive. We felt that learning this should remain a priority and would not only help our students now, but also when they graduate,” she said. “It was amazing to see how excited our students were during the signing ceremonies today. Their teachers have done a great job preparing them for this.”
The John Hancock recognition program reinforces those goals by setting a high bar for participation. Schools must show that at least 90 percent of eligible students can demonstrate cursive writing proficiency, and they must continue building on that foundation as students move from one grade level to the next.
The signing ceremonies served as both a celebration and a milestone. For students, it marked an important moment by signing their name in cursive on a special certificate. For Rome City Schools, it celebrates another step in building skills in students that extend beyond the classroom and into everyday life.
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