

eNews
January 24, 2025

January 31, 2025 - In this Issue:
Difference Makers Spotlight
- Senior Music Soloists
- "Viking Voices: The People of Princeton"
- Valentines for Veterans
Board of Education News
Princeton Listening Sessions
Alumni News
- Princeton Education Foundation Gala
- Distinguished Alumni Nominations
- Save the Dates for Homecoming 2025
- Alumni Success
- Young Alumni Surveys
Enrollment
- Open Enrollment
- Intra-District Enrollment
- PreK and Kindergarten Open House
Business Partners Breakfast
School News
Music News
Athletic News
Information and Reminders
- Calendar Dates for February 2025
- Early Release Times for February 13th -- ALL SCHOOLS HAVE CHANGE IN SCHEDULE
Difference Makers Spotlight: Princeton Music Students
The Princeton Senior Solo Recital performers (standing left to right): Christian Carl Rivera, Wesley Anglin, Jayson Thompson, Diana Guzman-Reyes, Zach Burns, Jaylin Powell, Mitchell Kessler, and Jazmine Lorenzo.
Viking Voices: The People of Princeton”– New Episode!
Watch the latest episode of “Viking Voices: The People of Princeton,” our student-driven television show that highlights the incredible people and achievements in our Viking community!
Hosted by Superintendent Mr. G. Elgin Card and student co-host Mitchell Kessler, this episode features:
Ms. Lindsay Holliday – Arts Department Chair, sharing highlights from the Festival of the Arts and celebrating our Scholastic Key winners!
Caleb McCullom, Fatima Rizo, Isaiah Dudley & Jenny Rodriguez – DECA State Qualifiers showcasing their business and leadership skills!
Mr. John Wilhelm & Caleeah Carter – Recognizing Caleeah as a Heroes of Character Award recipient and getting updates about Class of 2025 events from Principal Wilhelm.
Mrs. Chrissy Grabel, PHS Counselor – Key updates on scheduling, FAFSA, scholarships, and more to help students plan for success!
Watch here: https://youtu.be/0pek9luTrDY?si=_B59Mz1SdSqwcdJ4
Staff Appreciation & Difference Makers
Please share your appreciation or a brief positive experience that you have had with any Princeton staff member, teacher, or community volunteer who you feel makes a difference. Help us recognize their extra efforts by filling out this brief survey! Thanks!
Valentine's for Veterans: Spread Love, Honor Service
Stewart Elementary invites staff, students, and families to honor current and former military service members by creating Valentine's Day cards. Drop off signed cards to Mrs. Hahn, who will distribute them to Ohio bases and VA hospitals. Cards are due February 6th in any school office and will be sent to Stewart Elementary by February 7th. Help spread love and gratitude to those who have served our country!
Princeton Listening Sessions - Share Your Ideas
Listening Sessions & Community Feedback
Please mark your calendars and attend a Listening Session with Princeton City School's Superintendent, G. Elgin Card, and Treasurer, Chris Poetter. These sessions will allow Princeton to listen to stakeholders' perspectives and ideas about the school district. We invite all community members to join these sessions and provide feedback on shaping the director of our schools. Your input will guide us as we explore potential changes for the future.
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM in the school buildings (*except Innovation Center )
February 3 - Princeton Administration Center - 3900 Cottingham Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45241
February 4 - Springdale - 350 W Kemper Rd, Springdale, OH 45246
February 6 - Glendale - 930 Congress Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45246
February 11 - Evendale - 3940 Glendale Milford Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241
February 13 - Innovation Center 3:00-4:00 PM* (note time change) - Princeton Administration Center, 3900 Cottingham Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45241
February 13 - Princeton Community Middle School - 200 Viking Way, Cincinnati, OH 45246
February 19 - Heritage Hill - 11961 Chesterdale Rd, Springdale, OH 45246
February 20 - Make up/Snow Day
Listening Sessions Outside of School Buildings (Times may vary - please check closely)
Tuesday, February 25 - Woodlawn Recreation Center - 10050 Woodlawn Blvd. 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, February 27 - Sharonville Recreation Center's Meeting Room on the lower level - 10990 Thornview Drive, 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 12 - Springdale Parks & Recreation Center - 11999 Lawnview Avenue, Springdale, 6:00-7:00 PM
Does Princeton have your most current contact information?
Current Families:
We want every child who walks through our doors to feel safe, secure, and ready to learn. Your child's well-being is at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to maintaining an environment where all students thrive and are empowered for college, career, and life success.
To help us keep your children safe and you informed, please take a moment to double-check that we have your current contact information on file. It is important that we can reach you or your designated emergency contacts. If you haven't been receiving our ALL CALLS updates, emails, or text messages about the inclement weather updates and other important announcements, just give your school office a quick call to update your information.
Together, we can ensure that our school remains a warm, welcoming, and secure place for every student in our Princeton family. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our children safe!
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
The Princeton High School Distinguished Alumni have made a unique contribution in one of the following six categories: Arts/Humanities, Business/Industry, Community Service, Education, Public Service, Special Recognition. A person should have received recognition on one or more of the following levels: International, National, Regional, and/or Local. This recognition is a celebration of what the person has accomplished over time. Only graduates of Princeton High School are eligible for this award. This award can be given posthumously in the event the nominee has deceased.
DISTINGUISHED EMERITUS AWARD
The Distinguished Emeritus award is reserved for former staff and administrator of the District that have made a profound impact in the lives of our Vikings. Traits exhibited by these outstanding staff & administrators reflect their character and morals as educators as well as a genuine compassion for their students as human beings. This award can be given posthumously in the event the nominee has deceased.
FRIEND OF PRINCETON
The Friend of Princeton award is reserved for community and/or business partners that have gone above & beyond in their loyalty to and support of the Princeton City Schools. This is our way to helping the District thank our incredible community for their unwavering and continued support.
NOMINATION FORM
A person who wishes to nominate a Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Emeritus or Friend of Princeton shall complete and submit the nomination form, by CLICKING HERE. In the event the applicant is deceased or unable to complete the application, a family member or representative may complete the application form.
Princeton Education Foundation Gala
Princeton Education Foundation Gala - March 15, 2025
An evening of elegance presented by the Princeton Education Foundation. The Gala will be held on March 15, 2025 at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Sharonville. Join your fellow Princeton alumni, parents, staff, and community members for the biggest fundraiser for the Princeton Education Foundation. Dinner, entertainment, silent auction and more, to directly benefit the students of Princeton. Semi-formal attire requested, cash bar.
Date: March 15, 2025 5:30pm - 10pm
Location: Delta Hotel By Marriott, 11400 Chester Road Cincinnati, OH 45241
Tickets can be purchased at:
Homecoming 2025
Save the Dates:
Homecoming 2025 events are scheduled for October 1-5th. The Princeton Homecoming Parade will be held on Wednesday, October 1st; the Home Varsity Football Game and Hall of Fame Recognition is on October 3rd (vs. Hamilton); and the Hall of Fame Banquet is on October 4th.
Class of 1975 - A Capella and VCE choir members we want to gather voices together to do something for our class reunion dinner on 10/4. If you are interested either comment here, or send me a message. You can also email PHSOhio1975@gmail.com. We will decide as a choir what we would like to do, but whatever it is we need to live up to what Mrs. Meier would have expected from us.
Alumni Success
The Communications Department is looking for alumni who are willing to share their success stories in a short video that we will be filming in February 2025. If you are interested, please fill out this form:
Young Alumni
If you have graduated in the past five years from Princeton High School, the Innovation Center, or The Great Oaks, please click on your class survey and answer a brief questionnaire. Thank you!
School Enrollment 2025-2026: Important Dates
January 6, 2025 - February 28, 2025 - Intra-District Enrollment application period
January 6, 2025 - May 23, 2025 - Open Enrollment application period for the 25-26 school year
- Transportation for students accepted for Open Enrollment or Intra-District Enrollment will not be provided or guaranteed in the 2025-2026 school year, regardless of whether they previously received transportation services from Princeton City School District.
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Registration for 2025-2026
February 26, 2025 - Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten OPEN HOUSE Night is held in each Princeton elementary school from 6:00-7:00 PM. Come meet the principals and teachers. We'll review Kindergarten preparedness, sample half and full-day Kindergarten schedules, and share registration information.
March 3, 2025 - Pre-Kindergarten (see chart below) and Kindergarten Registration (online or in-person) begins.
Registration for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten begins on March 3, 2025, based on the table below. Each elementary building has been assigned a date for families residing in that attendance area to register.
Please make sure to bring all required documents on your assigned day.
Pre-Kindergarten registrations must be completed IN PERSON at the Princeton Central Registration and Welcome Center (3900 Cottingham Drive, 45241) on the following dates:
March 3, 2025 - Evendale Elementary School and Sharonville Elementary School
March 4, 2025 - Lincoln Heights Elementary School and Stewart Elementary School
March 5, 2025 - Glendale Elementary School and Springdale Elementary School
March 6, 2025 - Heritage Hill Elementary School and Woodlawn Elementary School
*If your child has been identified with a disability, or you suspect your child may have a disability, please contact the Special Education Department at 513-864-1035.
You are invited!
We are delighted to invite you to the Princeton City School District’s upcoming Business and Community Partners Breakfast on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Our students are eager to meet you!
Your role in our Work Ethic Certification program is pivotal. This event provides a unique opportunity to engage with Superintendent G. Elgin Card, as well as students and staff from Princeton High School and the Innovation Center. Together, we can explore workforce opportunities and enhance your business's contribution to Princeton’s mission of “Empowering each student for college, career, and life success.”
The breakfast will be held at Viking Village, 150 Viking Way, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Please enter through the main doors, situated between Princeton High School and Princeton Community Middle School.
Please RSVP by CLICKING HERE by Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to confirm your attendance.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Princeton Viking Village (Between PHS and PCMS), 150 Viking Way, Cincinnati, OH 45246
If you have any questions, please contact Tonya Key at tkey@vikingmail.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
School News
Pre-K Highlights: Story Time Adventures!
Mrs. Cahill's youngest learners dove into winter storytelling this week with an interactive reading of Jan Brett's "The Mitten." Students eagerly brought the tale to life using story props, practicing new vocabulary as they retold key moments from the beloved winter tale. Their enthusiasm and growing language skills shone through as they took turns sharing different parts of the story with their classmates.
Welcome Back to Glendale, Mrs. Schuler!
We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Schuler is back with us in 3rd grade! Last November, her family welcomed a handsome little boy, and our students were overjoyed to see her return on Monday.
Glendale Listening Session on Thursday, February 6th from 6-7 PM
💬 Make Your Voice Heard! We want to hear from parents, staff, community members, alumni, business partners, students --all stakeholders-- help us improve and tackle the challenges facing our schools and the district.
Attend a Listening Session with Superintendent G. Elgin Card and Administration at Glendale Elementary School, 930 Congress Avenue, on February 6th from 6:00-7:00 PM.
🎯 Let’s collaborate on the future of our schools. See you there!
We have campus open houses happening soon on all four campuses! Learn more! #DiscoverYourGreatness
Click here to learn more about Scarlet Oaks
Click here to learn more about the Greak Oaks Career Campuses
Heritage Hill's Family Game Night - Big Edition
🟡🟠🟢🔵🦛Heritage Hill's Hungry, Hungry Hippos Staff Edition! 🦛🟡🟠🟢🔵
Team 🦛🟡YELLOW🟡🦛wins, but it was a close race! Everyone had so much fun, and the students were so excited to watch the staff compete in a fun game in preparation for our BIG EDITION Game Night! Thanks to everyone who came out to play!
We ❤️ the Innovation Center: Medical Field Skills
In the Innovation Center during science classes, students explored the fascinating world of cells! They had the opportunity to examine their own cheek cells and plant cells under a microscope, gaining a deeper understanding of cell structure and function. In addition to learning about these microscopic building blocks of life, students also developed valuable microscopy skills—an essential tool used in many careers within the medical and scientific fields. It was an exciting hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and reinforced the importance of careful observation in scientific discovery!
Read more news from the Princeton Innovation Center by clicking here
🌟Shine Bright in 2025!
We extend our congratulations to our Lincoln Heights Elementary School VIKING VIPs for the month of January 2025! Way to Shine Bright!
Congratulations to Mr. Talley’s 8th-grade class for winning the Do Now Challenge at Princeton Community Middle School! 🎉 Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning have truly paid off. Keep up the great work, and continue striving for excellence. Way to go Vikes!
📣 PCMS Yearbook Orders Are Open!
Don't miss your chance to capture the memories of the year! Order your PCMS Yearbook by April 1, 2025 at ybpay.com. Use Code: 1066992 to place your order today.
Princeton High School News
Advanced Studies and College Credit Plus (CCP) Information
If you missed the 2025-2026 Information Session presented on January 16th and your student is interested in taking Advanced Studies, College Credit Plus, or International Baccalaureate classes, please watch this video and complete the Parent Checklist.
For more information visit: https://www.princetonschools.net/o/phs/page/college-credit-plus-ccp
The following items are required for 1st time AND returning College Credit Plus students:
Video Presentation 2025
Complete the exit survey at the end of the video to confirm your participation in the presentation by February 14, 2025
Turn in the Parent Permission Slip by April 1, 2025
Please review the: College Credit Plus Parent Checklist
Princeton High School DECA brings home awards! Finalists head to State Competition in Columbus!
Congratulations to the following students who received awards at the DECA competition on Jan. 28.
Gavin Castator (senior) - 5th place, Accounting Applications
Jennifer Barerra Mendoza (senior) - 4th place, Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Caleb McCullom (junior) - 1st place, Entrepreneurship
Nate Canady (junior) - 4th place, Hotel and Lodging Management
Isaiah Dudley (senior) - 4th place, Marketing Communications
Giovanna Portillo Carmenate (freshman) - 2nd place, Principles of Hospitality
Kyla Hoskins (sophomore) - 2nd place, Financial Consulting
Fatima Rizo (senior) and Janki Patel (junior) - 2nd place, Marketing Communications Team
These students qualify to attend the Ohio DECA competition in Columbus in March. Thank you to Great Oaks for providing busing and funding for our students to be able to participate in the DECA Marketing Club and Competitions. DECA is also fundraising to pay for their trips - see flyer below for their Skyline Benefit Night!
Skyline Chili Benefit Night for PHS DECA Marketing Club
20% of all sales being donated to PHS DECA on February 6th, all day, at the 12000 Lebanon Road location.
Sharonville: Counting Down to 100 Days of Learning, Fun, and Snacks!
The excitement was growing as we counted down to 100 days of learning at Sharonville - and we made it!! Each day brings new knowledge, fun activities, so we needed snacks to celebrate our journey.
Springdale Listening Session - Tuesday, February 4th from 6-7 PM
💬 Make Your Voice Heard! We want to hear from parents, staff, community members, alumni, business partners, students --all stakeholders-- help us improve and tackle the challenges facing our schools and the district.
Attend a Listening Session with Superintendent G. Elgin Card and Administration at Springdale Elementary School, 350 W. Kemper Road, from 6:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4th.
100 Days Smarter!
Springdale students are 100 days smarter! Students celebrated with activities full of fun such as reading poetry, writing, math, playing games, and homemade projects. Learning together was so much fun as we celebrated 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ days of school!
Princeton Listening Session & Community Feedback
On January 14th, Princeton administrators will be at Stewart Elementary School from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. We want to listen to you and hear your thoughts on the upcoming levy, financial concerns, and the strategic plan. Help us shape the future!
Viking Ticket Winners
Congratulations to our Viking Ticket Winners at Stewart Elementary School! These students are great at seeking to understand, before being understood!
Woodlawn Elementary PFO Fundraiser at Chipolte
Join us Woodlawn Elementary Chipotle Fundraiser on February 12th from 4-8 at 10613 Springfield Pike from 4-8 PM. 25% of sales get donated to the Woodlawn PFO. Online orders for pickup should use CODE FE6QBF6! Thanks for supporting your community and our students! Go Vikes!
Music News
February 3 - Music Boosters Meeting
Join the Princeton Music Boosters Today!
For more Music News, visit:
For more Music News, visit:
Mari Gerton is the 024-2025 LaRosa’s MVP for Week 23!
Mari Gerton enters her senior season coming off an impressive junior campaign when she led the GMC in scoring, averaging 21.6 points a game, plus she averaged 4.1 rebounds a game and was third in the GMC in both 3.1 assists and 2.9 steals per game. She also shot 75.4% from the free-throw line. Mari earned numerous honors, including being named GMC Player of the Year, first-team all-city (Enquirer), and District 16 Player of the Year. She also was a finalist for Cincinnati Player of the Year Award by the Cincinnati High School Sports Awards. Her numerous double-digit scoring games included scoring 31 points vs. Middletown, 29 points vs. Colerain, and 28 points against both Oak Hills and Mount Notre Dame.
Mari enters her senior season coming off an impressive junior campaign when she led the GMC in scoring, averaging 21.6 points a game, plus she averaged 4.1 rebounds a game and was third in the GMC in both 3.1 assists and 2.9 steals per game. She also shot 75.4% from the free-throw line. Mari earned numerous honors, including being named GMC Player of the Year, first-team all-city (Enquirer) and District 16 Player of the Year. She also was a finalist for Cincinnati Player of the Year Award by the Cincinnati High School Sports Awards. Her numerous double-digit scoring games included scoring 31 points vs. Middletown, 29 points vs. Colerain and 28 points against both Oak Hills and Mount Notre Dame.
Mari started strong this season, with 36 points in the season opener vs. Western Reserve and went on to have double-digit scoring games vs. Sycamore (29 points), Middletown (24 points), George Rogers Clark (22 points) and Mason (21points).
A strong academic student (International Baccalaureate Program) who is very active in community services, Mari will continue her great play on the basketball court next year at Florida State University. Mari also played softball for the Lady Vikings and she also plays for the Legends U club basketball team.
Her favorite athlete is Ja Morant, favorite entertainer is Rod Wave, favorite book is "The Hate You Give", favorite movie is "Moana" and most-like-to-meet is Kobe Bryant.
“Mari Gerton, a Florida State women’s basketball commit, is an intrinsically motivated student-athlete. Mari is in our International Baccalaureate program at Princeton High School. She is also a 3-level scorer who has an unbelievable ability to score at a high level. Definitely fun to watch, and a crowd favorite.” – Dee Davis, Varsity Basketball Coach
Celebrate with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati's World Down Syndrome Race, taking place on March 23rd.
We are inviting Princeton’s Boys and Girls Cross Country and anyone else who would like to participate in this event. We are offering a special rate of $15 per participant, which includes race registration and a long-sleeve performance t-shirt.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to:
- Stay active and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Support the local Down syndrome community and raise awareness about inclusion and acceptance.
- Experience the joy of community involvement and make a positive impact.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
We hope to see Princeton at the race!
While our race is on March 23rd, World Down Syndrome Day is held on March 21 (3/21) of each year to signify the third copy of the 21st chromosome present in people with Down syndrome. This is a day to create awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
Important Information & Reminders
February 2025
February 3 - Princeton Administration Center - 3900 Cottingham Dr, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 3 - Music Boosters Meeting Join the Princeton Music Boosters Today!
https://princetonmusicboosters.boosterhub.com/teams/5025February 5-March 12 - Learning and Leading Together, Heritage Hill Elementary This is a continuation of the Family Engagement and Education Program, Learning and Leading Together. We will meet at Heritage Hill every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 PM.
February 4 - Listening Session at Springdale - 350 W Kemper Rd, Springdale, OH 45246, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 6 - Listening Session at Glendale - 930 Congress Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45246, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 7 - Second Cup of Coffee, Heritage Hill Elementary School, 9:15 AM
February 11 - Listening Session at Evendale - 3940 Glendale Milford Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 13 - ALL STUDENTS have an Early Release:
Preschool Attendance - Canceled both AM and PM - No School
Students at the Innovation Center will work remotely
PHS Early Release - 10:45 a.m.
PCMS Early Release- 11:35 a.m.
Elementary Early Release - 12:25 p.m.
February 13 - Conferences for PCMS, Innovation Center, and PHS
February 13 - Listening Session at Innovation Center 3:00-4:00 PM* (note time change) - Princeton Administration Center, 3900 Cottingham Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45241
February 13 - Listening Session at Princeton Community Middle School - 200 Viking Way, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 14-17 - No school for students
February 14 - Professional Development Day for all staff
February 17 - President's Day - All District Offices and Schools are Closed
February 19 - Listening Session at Heritage Hill - 11961 Chesterdale Rd, Springdale, OH 45246, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 20 - Elementary Conferences
February 20 - Listening Session Makeup/Snow Day
February 25 - Listening Session at Woodlawn Recreation Center - 10050 Woodlawn Blvd. 6:00-7:00 PM
February 26, 2025 - Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten OPEN HOUSE Night, in each elementary school, 6:00-7:00 PM
February 27 - Elementary Conferences
February 27 - Listening Session at Sharonville Recreation Center's Meeting Room on the lower level - 10990 Thornview Drive, 6:00-7:00 PM
Contact Information
Princeton City Schools
Website: www.princetonschools.net
Phone: (513) 864-1000
LinkedIn: Princeton City Schools
Facebook: facebook.com/pcsdvikings
Instagram: @pcsdvikings