Superintendent Fisher Shares Additional Perspective on Roselle's New School Policies

Roselle Public Schools is preparing to implement two new initiatives for students in grades 5 through 12 beginning with the 2026-2027 school year: a clear book bag requirement and a Phone-Free, Bell-to-Bell policy. The initiatives will apply to Leonard V. Moore Middle School, Grace Wilday Junior High School, and Abraham Clark High School. The policies represent a comprehensive approach to school safety and student engagement designed to take effect when students return to school this fall.

Union County Life covers Roselle Public Schools and educational news affecting all 21 Union County municipalities.

Superintendent Dr. Nathan Fisher explained the rationale behind both initiatives. According to Fisher, "the greatest benefit of these initiatives is it creates the conditions for students to learn at their highest level. When students enter a school that is safe, orderly, and free from unnecessary distractions, they are better positioned to engage in instruction, collaborate with their peers, and build meaningful relationships with their teachers."

The clear book bag requirement is designed to strengthen school safety. According to the district, clear bags improve the efficiency of school entry procedures while providing an additional layer of security screening. The specific requirement and approved bag styles will be shared with families before school begins, ensuring clarity on what students should bring.

The Phone-Free, Bell-to-Bell policy addresses the role of personal technology in classrooms. The initiative allows students to be fully present during instructional time by reducing distractions. According to the district, the policy is expected to increase student engagement in class, encourage face-to-face interaction with peers and teachers, and support student mental wellness by reducing screen dependency during the school day.

Fisher emphasized that Roselle's approach was the result of careful planning and research rather than adopting a trend without evidence. The district reviewed current research on student engagement, school safety, and the impact of personal technology on learning outcomes. The decision also considered New Jersey's new Bell-to-Bell law (P.L. 2025, c.195), which provides a framework for school districts addressing technology use during instructional time. The district examined its own school climate data in making these decisions.

The clear bag initiative is not entirely new to Roselle. The district successfully implemented clear bags at Grace Wilday Junior High School during the 2025-2026 school year, which informed the decision to expand the initiative district-wide for the 2026-2027 school year. The data and feedback from that implementation helped shape the approach now being applied across all three affected schools.

Roselle Public Schools will share additional information with families, including guidance on approved clear book bag styles and detailed procedures for the Phone-Free, Bell-to-Bell initiative, before the start of the school year. Families who have questions about the policies or implementation are encouraged to contact their school.

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FAQ

Q: Is Roselle implementing a phone ban in schools?
A: Yes. Roselle Public Schools is implementing a Phone-Free, Bell-to-Bell policy for grades 5-12 beginning the 2026-2027 school year at Leonard V. Moore Middle School, Grace Wilday Junior High School, and Abraham Clark High School.

Q: What is the Phone-Free, Bell-to-Bell policy?
A: The policy requires students to be phone-free during the entire school day from bell-to-bell, meaning from when students enter until they leave. The goal is to reduce distractions, increase classroom engagement, encourage face-to-face interaction, and support student mental wellness.

Q: Why is Roselle implementing a clear book bag requirement?
A: The clear book bag requirement is designed to strengthen school safety by improving entry efficiency and providing an additional layer of security screening for student belongings.

Q: Which grades and schools are affected?
A: The policies apply to students in grades 5-12 at Leonard V. Moore Middle School, Grace Wilday Junior High School, and Abraham Clark High School.

Q: When do these policies start?
A: Both policies begin with the 2026-2027 school year, starting approximately in August/September 2026.

Q: Has Roselle already tried the clear bag policy?
A: Yes. Grace Wilday Junior High School implemented clear bags during the 2025-2026 school year. The successful implementation informed the decision to expand district-wide.

Q: What research supports these policies?
A: Superintendent Dr. Nathan Fisher noted the district reviewed research on student engagement, school safety, and the impact of personal technology on learning. The district also examined its own school climate data.

Q: How is this related to New Jersey law?
A: Roselle considered New Jersey's Bell-to-Bell Law (P.L. 2025, c.195), which provides a framework for school districts addressing technology use during instructional time.

Q: What will I need to know before school starts?
A: Roselle will share additional information before school begins, including specific guidance on approved clear book bag styles and detailed procedures for the Phone-Free, Bell-to-Bell policy.