CELL PHONE POLICY - New Law in Effect in 2026
Dear Princeton High School and Innovation Center Families,
Be Present. Be Engaged. Be Phone Free.
As we prepare for another exciting school year, our focus remains on creating an engaging, supportive environment where every student can succeed. Research and experience show that limiting cell phone use during the school day helps students stay focused, build stronger connections, and fully engage in learning.
To support this goal—and to comply with new state law—Ohio now requires each school district, community school, and STEM school to adopt a policy prohibiting student cell phone use during the instructional day. While we recognize that this is a change from our high school requirements of previous years, our schools are required to comply with state guidance. Princeton students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 had already been following this law as a procedure last year.
On August 11, 2025, the State of Ohio defined the instructional day as including:
All classroom learning time
Transitions between classes
Recess and meal periods
Field trips and other supervised school activities
We will share our specific implementation plan, including expectations, storage options, and family supports, with our students and families as we discuss Expectations and Student Rules and Policy over the next few weeks. Our goal is to work together to ensure that this transition is smooth and that students understand the “why” behind the policy—fostering habits that benefit them both in and out of school.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us create an environment that prioritizes focus, relationships, and academic success.
If you have questions, please contact your grade-level principals. Thank you for your continued support of our students and community.
Sincerely,
Mr. James Stallings & Mr. Mike Anderson
Principal, Princeton High School & Princeton Innovation Center
The Princeton Board of Education approved a revised Cell Phone Policy (5136) on March 31, 2025. Revisions based on the updated law will be presented at the August 25, 2025, board meeting and voted upon after the second reading of the policy.
Here is what our families and students need to know about Personal Communication Devices (PCD) in Princeton City Schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year:
General Information:
Personal Communication Devices (PCD) include cell phones, smartwatches, personal tablets, and any internet-connected device.
Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.
Greatest preference is to leave devices at home to prevent loss, damage, or the temptation of using them.
Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.
Students are allowed to have their PCD in their possession while on school property. However, students are not allowed to use their PCD during the instructional day, which is class time and in-school events.
When the use of personal devices is prohibited, they must be powered off completely (not just placed in vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.
The “instructional day” is time spent in the classroom with a teacher, including study halls, meal times, and class transition times while students move in the hallways.
In the event of a school emergency, students may be able to use their cell phones if allowed by their teacher or administrator, as long as it does not interfere with emergency management.
Students will not be allowed to use their cell phones if they forget to charge their Chromebook or do not have one with them at school. Schools will be equipped with a limited supply of loaner devices.
General Allowances
Students may only use a Personal Communication Device (PCD):
In the event of a school emergency, students may be able to use their cell phones if allowed by their teacher or administrator, as long as it does not interfere with emergency management.
Document IEP purposes
Monitoring health concerns, with a written statement from a physician
Privacy & Safety
Cell phones may never be used in locker rooms, restrooms, or any area where privacy is expected.
Students are prohibited from recording or transmitting audio, video, or images of others without consent.
Covert recording devices (including live-listening technology) are not allowed without written approval from the Superintendent.
Bullying & Misuse
Using a cell phone to bully, harass, or violate the Student Code of Conduct is strictly prohibited.
Violation of the Updated PCD Policy
Should students violate the new policy, discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. This includes:
Verbal Warning
Parent Communication
Disciplinary action, which may include any of the following measures:
Issue a verbal warning and require the student to store the PCD in accordance with this policy.
Confiscate the PCD and store it securely in a staff-controlled locker, bin, or drawer for the duration of the class or period.
Confiscate the student’s PCD and store it in the facility’s central office for the remainder of the school-related event or school day.
Confiscate the student’s PCD in the facility's central office to be picked up by the student’s parent or guardian.
Schedule a conference with the student’s parent or guardian to discuss the student’s PCD use.
Loss of privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
In-school suspension.
Out-of-school suspension.
Expulsion.
We appreciate your partnership as we implement this updated policy, in alignment with Ohio law. Building administrators have met with the students to discuss these changes. The new policy takes effect January 1st, so we encourage families to review the changes together and talk with your student about what to expect.
Clear communication will help ensure a smooth start to the year for everyone. We appreciate your partnership in this matter and are excited for the start of the new school year.
As Always…Go Vikes!
G. Elgin Card
Superintendent