New State Law on Cell Phone Usage

July 10, 2025

Dear Avon Lake City Schools Families,

Hope your summer is awesome, and that you’re relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, and recharging. I write to share an important update below that resulted from passage of the State’s Budget on June 30th which the Governor signed into law recently regarding cell phone usage for the upcoming school year.

According to newly adopted Ohio law, cell phone usage will be prohibited for students during the instructional day, which is defined as the first bell of the school day until the final bell, effective January 1st, 2026, prior to which each school district will be required to adopt policies that affirm and enforce this cell phone ban. The stated purpose for banning cell phones is aimed at improving academic focus, minimizing distractions in the classroom, and improving student well-being. Exceptions will be granted under limited circumstances, including students who require cell phones or electronic devices to monitor health conditions, if the student has a written statement from a physician. Public schools will also be required in their emergency management plan to include a protocol for student use of cell phones during an active threat or emergency. Ultimately, the Avon Lake City Schools will seek to clearly communicate our intentions and policies regarding the enforcement of the State’s new ban on cell phone usage effective January 1st, 2026.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Avon Lake High School students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses marked their highest level of scores, surpassing last year’s record. Additionally, 100% of participating ALHS students earned a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the following tests: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Calculus BC (AB subscore), Computer Science A, Drawing, Music Theory, Music Aural Subscore, Physics 1, and Seminar.

Avon Lake High School students also notched our highest mean score in the last 5 years on the following tests (as far back as AP trends provide): Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language and Composition, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Psychology, Research, Seminar, US Government, and US History. Great job to our students and our staff for their determination and hard work to prepare and excel to the highest levels on our AP tests last year! Congratulations all!

Please keep enjoying your summer. Remember that the first day of school for students in grades 1st through 12th is Tuesday, August 19th. Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten students will return on Thursday, August 21st.

Stay safe, enjoy the warm temperatures, and keep relaxing!

Sincerely,

Joelle M. Magyar

Superintendent of Schools

August 19 - First Day of School (1-12)

August 21 - First Day of School (PreK/Kindergarten)
September 1 - Labor Day (No School)

To view the complete district calendar, click here.

Just in case you missed a newsletter from your child's school, or have multiple children in our district at different buildings, we have links below from each building principal for your convenience with the most recent information sent to families. A link to our quarterly District Facility Focus newsletter is also below.

Avon Lake High School

Learwood Middle School

Troy Intermediate School

Eastview Elementary School

Redwood Elementary School

Westview Elementary School

LEAPS Preschool

Facility Focus