🎓 All middle and high school teachers in Roane County Schools kicked off the new school year with an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience across Oak Ridge!
Teachers toured key sites and connected with leaders from ORNL, Y-12, TVA Clinch River, ORETTC, the K-25 History Center, UCOR, Orano, and TrisoX. They explored nuclear technology, careers, and the growing opportunities shaping our region’s future.
We’re especially excited about the new nuclear-focused programs at Roane State Community College! 🚀
Roane County is proud to help prepare students for the Nuclear Renaissance happening right here in our backyard. 🔬⚛️
📣 Roane County Schools - July Board Meeting Highlights
⚾️ RMS Baseball
Congratulations to Rockwood Middle School Baseball on a phenomenal season, undefeated in district play with no games lost! What an accomplishment! 💥
🎾 RCHS Student Spotlight
A big shoutout to Ellie Layne, who competed in the TSSAA State Tennis Semifinals! Ellie is also active in multiple sports and participates in dual enrollment. She is a true example of student excellence. 🎓🎉
A big thank you to our Roane County Youth Leadership members for attending the meeting and representing the future of our community.
📚✨ Meet the Teacher Nights are Coming Up! ✨📚
Meet the Teacher night and/or Open House are great opportunities to connect with teachers and get ready for a successful year. 🏫🎒
📌 For high school students and families, please visit your school’s Facebook page or website for details about back-to-school events and schedules.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back!
Meet the Teacher night and/or Open House are great opportunities to connect with teachers and get ready for a successful year. 🏫🎒
📌 For high school students and families, please visit your school’s Facebook page or website for details about back-to-school events and schedules.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back!
🛍️ TAX-FREE WEEKEND REMINDER! 🛍️
Take advantage of Tennessee’s Tax-Free Holiday this weekend! It's the perfect time to stock up on school supplies and back-to-school clothes , without the sales tax.
📚 Don’t forget to check your child’s school supply list on your school’s Facebook page or website.
👕 Before you shop for clothes, be sure to review the Roane County Schools dress code to make sure everything fits our guidelines.
Let’s get ready for a great school year!
Take advantage of Tennessee’s Tax-Free Holiday this weekend! It's the perfect time to stock up on school supplies and back-to-school clothes , without the sales tax.
📚 Don’t forget to check your child’s school supply list on your school’s Facebook page or website.
👕 Before you shop for clothes, be sure to review the Roane County Schools dress code to make sure everything fits our guidelines.
Let’s get ready for a great school year!
📢 Now Enrolling!
Head Start Programs
👶 Early Head Start
For children ages 0–3 and expectant mothers
🎓 Head Start Pre-School
For children ages 3–4
📅 Pre-K
Must be 4 years old by August 15th
📍 Give your child a strong start with high-quality early learning!
✅ Developmental support
✅ Nutritious meals
✅ Family resources
📞 Call the numbers listed below!
Head Start Programs
👶 Early Head Start
For children ages 0–3 and expectant mothers
🎓 Head Start Pre-School
For children ages 3–4
📅 Pre-K
Must be 4 years old by August 15th
📍 Give your child a strong start with high-quality early learning!
✅ Developmental support
✅ Nutritious meals
✅ Family resources
📞 Call the numbers listed below!
📱 Updated Cellphone Policy for Roane County Schools 📱
In response to the new state law and to support a focused, respectful learning environment, Roane County Schools has adopted a new School Board Policy on Personal Communication Devices for the 2025 school year.
🔹 Middle & High School Students’ personal devices (phones, smartwatches, eyeglasses and rings that have the capability to connect to the internet, etc.) must be turned off and stored in backpacks or personal bags during the school day. In case of an emergency, school officials may grant permission for students to use their phones.
🔹 K-5 Students, In-School Suspension, and Alternative Program Students are not permitted to possess personal devices at school.
🔹 Students with medical needs requiring phone access may apply for an exemption through a physician-approved Healthcare Plan.
🔹 On school buses, students in grades 6–12 may use devices in silent mode only.
❌ Unauthorized use or improper storage will result in the device being confiscated and released only to a parent or guardian. Repeated violations will lead to progressive discipline, including suspension.
🚫 The inappropriate use of technology (including texting during class, using a cellphone camera, unauthorized recording, or sharing inappropriate content) is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Here are 5 key reasons why this change is needed:
‼️Be current with the state law on cell phone use in schools
✅ Fewer distractions = better academic focus
🧠 Improved mental health and reduced social pressure
👥 More face-to-face interaction and stronger peer connections
🛡️ Increased privacy and safety during school hours
We appreciate your support as we work to maintain safe, distraction-free schools for all students.
#RoaneCountySchools #FocusOnLearning #PolicyUpdate
In response to the new state law and to support a focused, respectful learning environment, Roane County Schools has adopted a new School Board Policy on Personal Communication Devices for the 2025 school year.
🔹 Middle & High School Students’ personal devices (phones, smartwatches, eyeglasses and rings that have the capability to connect to the internet, etc.) must be turned off and stored in backpacks or personal bags during the school day. In case of an emergency, school officials may grant permission for students to use their phones.
🔹 K-5 Students, In-School Suspension, and Alternative Program Students are not permitted to possess personal devices at school.
🔹 Students with medical needs requiring phone access may apply for an exemption through a physician-approved Healthcare Plan.
🔹 On school buses, students in grades 6–12 may use devices in silent mode only.
❌ Unauthorized use or improper storage will result in the device being confiscated and released only to a parent or guardian. Repeated violations will lead to progressive discipline, including suspension.
🚫 The inappropriate use of technology (including texting during class, using a cellphone camera, unauthorized recording, or sharing inappropriate content) is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Here are 5 key reasons why this change is needed:
‼️Be current with the state law on cell phone use in schools
✅ Fewer distractions = better academic focus
🧠 Improved mental health and reduced social pressure
👥 More face-to-face interaction and stronger peer connections
🛡️ Increased privacy and safety during school hours
We appreciate your support as we work to maintain safe, distraction-free schools for all students.
#RoaneCountySchools #FocusOnLearning #PolicyUpdate
**Notice**
📱 Research on Kids and Phone Addiction
Recent studies consistently show that phone addiction in children and teens is a growing mental health issue, affecting emotional well-being, sleep, relationships, and academic performance.
🔍 Key Findings:
Half of kids aged 9–13 already show signs of addictive phone or social media behavior, not just high usage but compulsive habits like needing to check constantly or feeling anxious without a device.
- Addictive phone behaviors are linked to a 2–3× higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, more so than the total number of hours spent on devices.
- Heavy phone users report more sleep problems, irritability, loneliness, and trouble focusing in school.
- Brain studies show early, excessive screen use affects areas of the brain tied to impulse control and emotional regulation.
🛑 What Experts Recommend:
* Focus less on daily screen limits and more on recognizing compulsive behaviors like: checking without reason, distress when separated, or neglecting real-world activities.
* Encourage offline activities like journaling, reading ,sports, exercise, and face-to-face friendships.
* Limit device use during meals, family time, bedtime, and school hours.
Recent studies consistently show that phone addiction in children and teens is a growing mental health issue, affecting emotional well-being, sleep, relationships, and academic performance.
🔍 Key Findings:
Half of kids aged 9–13 already show signs of addictive phone or social media behavior, not just high usage but compulsive habits like needing to check constantly or feeling anxious without a device.
- Addictive phone behaviors are linked to a 2–3× higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, more so than the total number of hours spent on devices.
- Heavy phone users report more sleep problems, irritability, loneliness, and trouble focusing in school.
- Brain studies show early, excessive screen use affects areas of the brain tied to impulse control and emotional regulation.
🛑 What Experts Recommend:
* Focus less on daily screen limits and more on recognizing compulsive behaviors like: checking without reason, distress when separated, or neglecting real-world activities.
* Encourage offline activities like journaling, reading ,sports, exercise, and face-to-face friendships.
* Limit device use during meals, family time, bedtime, and school hours.
**Notice**
📱 Less Screen Time, More Real-Life Growth! 🌱
Reducing phone time creates space for:
🎨 Creativity | 🤝 Connection | 📚 Learning | 🧠 Problem-solving
🧠 Did You Know? Less screen time can lead to:
✔️ Better memory
✔️ Improved focus
✔️ Lower anxiety
✔️ Stronger relationships
Tip: Try a tech-free hour each day or swap evening screen time for a book!
Reducing phone time creates space for:
🎨 Creativity | 🤝 Connection | 📚 Learning | 🧠 Problem-solving
🧠 Did You Know? Less screen time can lead to:
✔️ Better memory
✔️ Improved focus
✔️ Lower anxiety
✔️ Stronger relationships
Tip: Try a tech-free hour each day or swap evening screen time for a book!
🎆 Happy 4th of July from Roane County Schools! 🎆
Today, we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave. As we gather with family and friends, let’s take a moment to honor those who have fought for our freedoms and to be thankful for the community we share here in Roane County.
Wishing our students, families, and staff a safe and joyful Independence Day filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration! 🎇❤️💙
Today, we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave. As we gather with family and friends, let’s take a moment to honor those who have fought for our freedoms and to be thankful for the community we share here in Roane County.
Wishing our students, families, and staff a safe and joyful Independence Day filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration! 🎇❤️💙
📱💡 A Simple Screen-Time Reset Can Make a Big Difference
A study in Denmark found that when kids (ages 6–17) cut back to just 3 hours of recreational screen time per week for two weeks, and used basic phones instead, they showed:
✅ Fewer social struggles with peers
✅ More kindness, empathy, and cooperation
✅ Stronger friendships in just 14 days!
Tip: Try a “screen-free evening” once or twice a week—play a board game, go for a walk, or cook together. Small changes can lead to big social growth!
📚 Source: PsyPost – Screen Time & Social Skills
#LessScreenMoreLife #StudentWellbeing
A study in Denmark found that when kids (ages 6–17) cut back to just 3 hours of recreational screen time per week for two weeks, and used basic phones instead, they showed:
✅ Fewer social struggles with peers
✅ More kindness, empathy, and cooperation
✅ Stronger friendships in just 14 days!
Tip: Try a “screen-free evening” once or twice a week—play a board game, go for a walk, or cook together. Small changes can lead to big social growth!
📚 Source: PsyPost – Screen Time & Social Skills
#LessScreenMoreLife #StudentWellbeing
Congratulations to our graduates!
Four Roane County Schools graduates completed the East Tennessee Apprenticeship Readiness Program, taking an exciting first step toward successful careers in the trades. We are so proud of these students and look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll make in our community!
👏 Cloa Copeland – Midway High School
👏 Lukas Taylor – Harriman High School
👏 Addison Haggard – Harriman High School
👏 Dominic Jones – Oliver Springs Academy
Your future is bright, and Roane County is cheering you on! 🌟
#RoaneCountySchools #ApprenticeshipReadiness #CareerReady #ProudOfOurGrads
Our great teachers never stop learning! Today, some of our Roane County educators participated in professional development on small group instruction, finding new ways to connect, support, and challenge their students.
Ridge View Elementary students had a bright time during RCS Summer Learning this week! A guest from the National Museum of Science and Energy stopped by to teach us all about solar energy. Our rising 2nd graders put that knowledge to good use by making their own solar s’mores! What a fun (and tasty) way to learn about renewable energy! #RCSSummerLearning #STEM
Summer Learning fun at Dyllis Springs Elementary!
Our students had some special visitors this week! The Roane County Animal Shelter stopped by to share about the important work they do in our community, and brought along some furry friends!
We also welcomed Brad Daugherty and Byron Franklin from TWRA who taught students about local wildlife, conservation, and outdoor safety.
Thank you to all our community partners for making Summer Learning memorable for our students!
#RoaneCountySchools #RCSProud #SummerLearning2025 #CommunityPartners
Roane County Schools is committed to school safety!
This week, our dedicated School Resource Officers along with Assistant Director of Schools & Safety Coordinator Tony Clower are attending the Tennessee School Resource Officer (TNSRO) State Conference.
They’re taking part in valuable training and collaborating with safety professionals from across the state to continue strengthening safety measures for our schools.
Thank you to our SROs and leadership team for your commitment to keeping our students and staff safe!
#RoaneCountySchools #SchoolSafety
🚨 Exciting News for Roane County Schools! 🚨
We’re proud to announce that Roane County Schools is a recipient of the High School, Education, and Apprenticeship Program Leading to Transformative Healthcare Careers (HEALTH) grant through THEC!
This four-year initiative will build a powerful pipeline for students in rural communities, from high school to graduate school, leading to high-demand careers in the healthcare field.
Thanks to this grant, Roane County Schools will partner with UT Knoxville, Roane State, and Covenant/Roane Medical Center to support career pathways through dual enrollment, work-based learning, paid internships, and mentorships. Students will also have the opportunity to pursue UTK’s planned medical sciences degree and may even receive guaranteed interview consideration for UTHSC’s College of Medicine.
💡 Year One (2025-26) will focus on planning, with big opportunities ahead.
💬 "By working together, we will demonstrate and deliver a model for rural healthcare education that serves all Tennesseans," said Deborah Crawford, UT’s Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development.
We are excited to play a role in shaping the future of healthcare in Tennessee and beyond!
#RoaneCountySchools #HEALTHGrant #FutureHealthcareLeaders #WorkBasedLearning #RuralEducation #CollegeAndCareerReady
Exciting News from Roane County Schools!
We’re proud to announce that Rockwood High School has been selected as one of the 2024-25 Tennessee Educator Survey Grant Recipients!
The Tennessee Educator Survey (TES) is a vital tool used across the state to amplify educator voices and shape decisions that support teaching and learning. This year, over half of Tennessee educators participated between February 24 and April 14, 2025.
Thanks to the incredible commitment of Rockwood High’s staff, with a participation rate of over 90%, the school has been awarded a $5,000 Staff Appreciation Grant!
We are grateful to our educators for taking the time to share their insights and for the amazing work they do every single day for our students.
#RoaneCountySchools #TES2025
**IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT SUMMER MEALS **
1. These meals are for ALL kids 18 years and younger. You do not have to sign up. It is not based on need. Any child 18 years and younger can take advantage of this opportunity.
2. If your child is attending summer school, you cannot pick up the meals on Wednesdays. We will be sending home a weekend meal bags for your child.
3. Last year our numbers increased significantly. We have increased our starting numbers based on our average numbers from last year.
