Updated Student Cell Phone Procedures for 2025-2026

Forest Hills School District is updating its student cell phone policies and procedures for the 2025-2026 school year based on a new legislative requirement in the State of Ohio. The letter copied below provides additional details and was shared with all families and staff members on Monday, August 11, 2025.

We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding student cell phone use during the school day. Based on new requirements in the Ohio biennial operating budget, all public school districts in the state of Ohio must now prohibit student phone use during the instructional day unless the device is required as part of the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan to support learning or monitor a documented health condition.

This new legal requirement is consistent with the cell phone policy that has been in place in our elementary schools and at Nagel Middle School for the past several years. While we want all families to be aware of the state law and to receive a friendly reminder about cell phone and smart device restrictions, the change simply brings our policy at Anderson and Turpin High Schools in alignment with younger grade levels.

As a result, students will not be permitted to use their phones during class time, in hallways between classes, or during lunch periods. All phones must be stored in students’ backpacks or lockers throughout the school day. If other technology is connected to a cell phone (earbuds, smartwatches, etc.) and is being used to access cell phone functions, that device is also not permitted under these new requirements. You can find more detailed information about specific rules and consequences at the high school level here.

We understand that technology plays a significant role in our daily lives, but this policy is designed to minimize distractions, improve student engagement, and support a more focused learning environment for all.

In today’s connected world, we also appreciate how this change in policy may raise questions about your ability to communicate with your student(s) while they are at school. First and foremost, parents and guardians can always call the school office if they need to get an urgent message to their child during the school day. Our staff will ensure that students receive important information in a timely and respectful manner. Likewise, if a student needs to reach a parent or guardian during the school day, they will be able to use a phone in the office. We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and we remain committed to supporting strong communication between home and school, even as we work to create a more focused and distraction-free learning environment.

• As a friendly reminder, the phone numbers for all of our school main offices are:
  
  • Anderson: (513) 232-2772
  • Turpin: (513) 232-7770
  • Nagel: (513) 474-5407
  • Ayer: (513) 474-3811
  • Maddux: (513) 231-0780
  • Mercer: (513) 232-7000
  • Sherwood: (513) 231-7565
  • Summit: (513) 474-2270
  • Wilson: (513) 231-3240

We appreciate your support and partnership in helping reinforce these expectations with your child. If you have questions about how this policy may apply to your child’s individual education or health plan, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school.

Sincerely,
Larry Hook
Superintendent