Messages from Superintendent G. Elgin Card
February 8, 2025
Dear Princeton Families, Staff, and Community Members,
Princeton City Schools is committed to our mission of “Empowering each student for college, career, and life success.”
On February 7, 2025, a group displayed Nazi symbols on the I-75 overpass in the Evendale and Lincoln Heights area. This hateful display has no place in our community. We recognize the impact this event has on our students, staff, and families.
Princeton City Schools takes immense pride in being one of the most diverse districts in Ohio. We want to reaffirm, unequivocally, that all children are welcome here.
It is natural to feel worried, angry, or even helpless in moments like these. Our students, staff, and families may experience a range of emotions—fear, stress, or anxiety. Please know that you are not alone. If your child needs support, we encourage you to reach out to our school-based mental health professionals or their principal for guidance.
Now, more than ever, we must stand together. This is the time to be allies, uplift one another, and demonstrate the values of respect, inclusion, and unity that define our district.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff at Lincoln Heights Elementary, including our administrators, students, and bus drivers, for their teamwork and commitment to ensuring everyone arrived home safely.
While the world around us continues to change, one thing remains constant—our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where every student can learn and thrive.
We are Princeton Proud! If you have ideas and want to be part of the solution to improve our community, continue to attend our Community “Listening Sessions.” Your voice matters.
As Always…Go Vikes!
G. Elgin Card
Superintendent
January 28, 2025
Changes in Federal Immigration Policy
Dear Princeton Families, Staff, and Community Members,
Princeton City Schools is committed to our mission of “Empowering each student for college, career, and life success.”
On January 21, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security reversed previous guidance that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from conducting immigration enforcement activities in sensitive locations such as schools and places of worship. We recognize that this change may cause concern for some members of our school community.
We want to emphasize that all children, regardless of immigration status, are welcome in Princeton City Schools. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Plyler v. Doe (457 U.S. 202, 1982) guarantees that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
As a district, we do not collect or maintain information about the immigration status of any student or their family members.
If your child is experiencing fear, stress, or anxiety related to this federal policy change, please reach out to the school-based mental health professionals or principal at your school for support.
To help us respond effectively and support all students, it is essential that all families keep their contact information up to date in FinalForms, including emergency contacts. Each student should have at least two emergency contacts, who can be family members or other trusted adults designated by the parent or guardian. You can update your emergency contacts in FinalForms or by speaking to the secretary at your school.
While the legal and enforcement landscape is fluid and changing, what has not changed is our commitment as a district to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all students.
As Always…Go Vikes!
G. Elgin Card
Superintendent
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
