Message from Superintendent G. Elgin Card
January 10, 2025
Dear Princeton Families and Community Members,
While we were excited to start the new semester, the weather had other plans. I understand school delays and closures significantly impact our families, and I want to assure you that we never make decisions lightly. Our determination process is comprehensive and based on multiple factors, with student and staff safety always at the forefront.
When assessing whether to close or delay school, some things we consider include:
Current temperatures and wind chill factors
Weather predictions throughout the school day
Road and driving conditions throughout the district
Several staff members, including Mr. Fricke, Director of Operations, and myself, drive through the district to assess the road, parking lot, and safety conditions.
Impact of possible delays vs. normal start times vs. early release times
Overall safety for students who walk or wait for buses
School delays and closing decisions are never perfect, but they are always made with the best information available at the time and with our students' well-being as the paramount concern.
It's important to understand that keeping schools open, when safe to do so, serves many crucial purposes. Learning is done best in the classrooms. Many of our students rely on school breakfast and lunch programs for nutrition, and some find their classrooms provide warmth they may lack at home. Through the Princeton Closet, we provide winter clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves, to students in need.
I recognize that some families may sometimes disagree with inclement weather decisions, and I want to be clear: you always have the right to make the choice you feel is best for your child. As parents, you know your situation best.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our school community. Your trust and cooperation help us maintain a safe and effective learning environment for all our students.
Have a great weekend. Stay safe. Go Buckeyes!
As Always...Go Vikes!! #AAGV
G. Elgin Card
Superintendent
State Report Card
September 15, 2023
On Thursday, September 14, the 2023 Ohio School Report Cards were released. This report tells us how our schools are doing by using a rating system of 1 to 5 stars, in half-star increments, with one star representing the lowest performance and five the highest, in different areas that the state measures, including early literacy and attendance.
Princeton City Schools is very proud of the growth and accomplishments of our schools. Based on the expected projections, overall, the District earned 4 stars on the rating scale, which means it exceeds state standards.
2023 Princeton City School District Report Card:
Overall - 4 Stars, Exceeds State Standards
Academic Achievement - 3 Stars, Meets State Standards
Progress - 5 Stars, Significant Evidence that the District Exceeded Student Growth Expectations by a Larger Magnitude
Gap Closing - 5 Stars, Significantly Exceeds State Standards in Closing Education Gaps
Early Literacy (K-3) - 2 Stars, Needs Support to Meet State Standards
Graduation Rates - 3 Stars, Meets State Standards
The 2023 report cards comprise five important parts, each getting its own star rating. The data shows the progress of districts and individual schools in raising achievement, closing the achievement gap, and preparing students for the future. Princeton’s Achievement component rating moved from 2 stars to 3 stars, which meets state standards.
For the second consecutive year, Princeton earned 5 stars in the areas of Gap Closing and Progress, which significantly exceeds state expectations.
The Graduation Rate component measures the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate and the five-year adjusted cohort graduation rate for 2022. While the District earned 3 stars in 2023, up from 2 stars in 2022, the weighted graduation rate was 90%. The Class of 2023 graduation rate was higher, which will be reflected in the 2024 Report Card.
There will not be a star ranking for the College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness component until the 2024-2025 school year. With Princeton’s strong Work Ethic Certification program, business partnerships, workforce programs, and Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps classes, high marks are expected.
Remember, these report cards are not the only way to judge a school. You can also talk to other parents, neighbors, students, and graduates to get the full picture. Checking out the school's website, visiting the school and meeting the teachers, and attending events like the annual State of the Schools Address, Festival of Arts, and monthly building Second Cups of Coffee meetings can provide a more comprehensive idea of how Princeton is “Empowering each student for college, career, and life success” every day.
If you would like to know more about what these stars mean, there's a guide called the "Guide to the 2023 Ohio School Report Cards'' that includes an overview and explanation of the key components of the report cards.
To see the ratings and data for Princeton City Schools, visit https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/district/overview/044677.