GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WCTV) - Summer is officially over across South Georgia because school is back in session for Grady County Schools (GCS) and other South Georgia schools on Monday.

GCS welcomed students back Friday with lots of smiles, a few sleepy eyes and tight hugs around mom and dad. As students head back to class, school leaders are rolling out new rules with the district’s cell phone ban that now expands beyond K-8.

District leaders say the texts, TikTok and scrolling will have to stay on pause throughout the school day.

Michael Best, Chief Operations Officer, said under district policy last year only elementary school students and eighth graders had to comply, but now high schoolers will comply with the recently passed state law. The law does not take effect for high schools until the 2027 school year, but Cairo High School is starting now.

GCS Superintendent Jordan Williams said students are not to have their cell phones during the school day, which includes lunch periods and transitions.

As of right now, Grady County does not have phone pouches, but Williams says he is asking parents and staff to help remind students about this policy to keep phones off and out of sight.

“Each school has a progressive discipline measure with that; it’s not like if they are caught the very first time we send them home. It’s about the re-education, like I’ve challenged the staff; we’ve got to be consistent,” Williams said.

Williams said that if a parent needs to get in touch with their kid’s school, staff will be the point of contact and in the case of an emergency, school faculty are all equipped with Centegix badges to alert authorities.

But beyond the new policy, there’s a lot of excitement about the first day of school.

Mother Michelle Treon said she’s prepared. “Ready for another great school year,” Treon said.

An estimated 4,000 students in Grady County are bringing new opportunities, familiar faces and a fresh start for the year ahead.

Mother Shanequa Mitchell said she felt a lot of mixed emotions as she dropped her baby girl off for her first day in third grade.

“Excited, scary and all the emotions,” Mitchell said. “She’s excited going to school for the first day and she’s ready to see all her friends. It was quick coming back, but she’s ready, we’re ready, gotta get it done regardless.”

From sparkly pink shoes and new backpacks to fabulous first day poses for mom, many students said they’re ready.

“I feel great cause I miss all my friends,” a student said. While parents are hoping for a year of success and growth.

“Social skills, just the normal reading, math, make friends, and just grow; every teacher since we’ve been here has been a blessing,” Treon said.

When students were asked how they’re feeling, most said it was rough waking up, but they were excited. The GCS Superintendent left students with a special message.

“We are here for you; we are on your team. This takes a partnership between the school system and the families out there to really kick our kids from all the way to peek to cross that stage”

Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the full story. This article will also be updated this evening with all the details.

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