August, 2025
Dear TPS High School Families:
As we embark on a new school year, we are filled with excitement and a renewed commitment to provide every student a way to lead and live a purpose-driven life.
Together, let's embrace a growth mindset, owning our actions and seizing every opportunity to learn and improve. Here's to a successful, inspiring, and purpose-driven school year!
First Day of School (If your student attends one of our magnet high schools, please check with the school to confirm the first day of classes, as they sometimes follow a different schedule)
● Monday, August 25: First Day of School for freshmen
● Tuesday, August 26: First Day of School for sophomores
● Wednesday, August 27: First Day of School for juniors and seniors
● High school open houses will be held during the first two weeks of school
● For a complete school calendar, please click here: 2025-2026 Calendar
New Cell Phone Policy
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Toledo Public Schools will become a cell phone-free school district. This means students will not have access to their cell phones or other personal electronic devices during the school day.
This change is in direct response to Ohio House Bill 250, which requires all school districts in the state to adopt official policies governing cell phone use during school hours. This legislation was driven by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s concern that cell phones are a significant source of distraction in classrooms and negatively impact student learning and focus. To ensure consistent implementation across the district, the following will occur:
● Comprehensive high schools and magnet schools will utilize Yondr pouches. Students will be required to secure their phones in a personal cell phone pouch that will be locked upon arrival and unlocked when they leave.
We understand this is a significant change, but we are confident it will help create a more focused and engaging learning environment for all students. Additional details will be shared prior to the first day of school and more information can
be found on a special Cell Phone page at www.tps.org. We appreciate your support as we take this important step to prioritize academic success and student well-being.
Backpacks and Book Bags
● High school students are not permitted to carry backpacks, book bags or similar items during the school day
● Students can bring book bags and backpacks into school buildings, but they MUST be placed in and left in a locker until the end of the day
● This policy is a national best practice to increase the safety of both students and staff members
Student Dress Code
No changes have been made to the student dress code for the 2025-2026 school year. A copy of the current dress code is available on the district’s website - www.tps.org - under the Resources heading under the Students & Parents tab. If your student attends one of our magnet high schools, please confirm the dress code with the school, as they sometimes have different requirements.
Vaccines Must Be Up-to-Date - Required Immunizations
Please plan now for your child’s vaccinations – seniors need a meningitis vaccine.
The school-based health centers in all six comprehensive high schools provide immunizations and physicals
(kindergarten, preschool, sports, and work). Please call the location nearest to you and make an appointment:
○ Bowsher Health Center: 419-812-2809
○ Start Health Center: 419-812-2393
○ Rogers Health Center: 419-442-7702
○ Scott Health Center: 419- 442-7701
○ Waite Health Center: 567-204-3056
○ Woodward Health Center: 567-343-6890
In addition, Shots for Tots N Teens is an option for vaccinations and physicals. Please call 419-213-2013 for an appointment or visit this website for more information: https://lucascountyhealth.com/child-immunizations/
Please note: A new medication authorization form is needed each school year for students who need medication during the school day. All medication, including asthma inhalers, needs to be in the box they were dispensed in by the pharmacy or doctor's office.
Food Service for High School
● All TPS high school students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2025-2026 school year
● Breakfast will be served daily in the school cafeterias; please check with your child’s school for details
● Toledo Public Schools utilizes Nutrislice, a cloud-based service that provides nutritional information about breakfast and lunch menus listed on the TPS website. Nutrislice also offers a smartphone app you can download from the iPhone and Android stores. This app allows you to keep track of menus right from your phone, including
important nutritional information.
Bus Transportation
● TPS students who live more than one mile from their school are eligible for free bus transportation
● Please contact your student’s school with any questions about transportation, including pick-up and drop-off times and locations
● Bus schedules for the 2025-2026 school year will be posted on the TPS website
● If a student with a disability has mobility concerns or special health needs, transportation is provided in accordance with the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). If you are moving and your child is receiving special transportation services, please contact your School Assistance Center as soon as possible to maintain
uninterrupted service; parents will receive bus stop information through the district’s mass notification system
Treasurer’s Office
Toledo Public Schools accepts credit card payments for high school fees, fines, and other school-related items, including yearbooks and spirit wear; you can find a link to the online payment option on the homepage of each high school at www.tps.org.
Parent Notification System
Toledo Public Schools uses the Communicate tool from SchoolMessenger as our parent mass notification system. This robust system allows schools or the district to share important updates and reminders to families via a phone call, email
or text message; you can choose how you want to receive notifications. Please update your contact information or confirm its accuracy with your student’s school.
Safety and Security
One of the district’s core commitments is the safety and security of our students and staff members. Toledo Public Schools has established several policies and procedures to keep students and staff safe while keeping everyone informed.
Daily Weapon Checks
All comprehensive TPS high schools hold daily weapon checks. Students are instructed to place their personal belongings in a bin that is scanned for contraband and other questionable items. They are then asked to walk through a metal detector to determine if they have inappropriate items in their pockets, etc.
Lockdowns
Occasionally, it might be necessary to place a school on lockdown due to a situation or incident that could impact the safety of students and staff members. Lockdowns are categorized by level and limit access to a school. The district’s
Department of Public Safety and law enforcement closely monitor the situation and notify the school when a lockdown is
lifted. Here are the levels:
Level 1: The school secures perimeter doors and restricts visitor access
● Classes continue with little to no interruption
● No notification is made to families as the issue doesn’t impact the school day
Level 2: Students remain in their classrooms until the lockdown is lifted
● Staff members patrol halls to ensure students and teachers are secure
● Families are notified and updates are provided, including possible changes to dismissal
Level 3: There is a significant threat to the safety of students and staff members
● Everyone shelters in place and awaits instructions from law enforcement
● Families are notified as new information about the situation is confirmed
● Updates could include reunification centers, when and where to pick up students, etc.
Social Media – Inappropriate Comments and Threats
District officials want to help students understand the consequences of improper social media use. Parents and guardians, we encourage you to talk to your child about the dangers and ramifications of videotaping and then posting or reposting
student altercations and other inappropriate material, such as threats, rumors, or fight footage. Students need to stop and think before posting or sharing something on social media that could be considered inappropriate.
Please review the district’s high school electronic device guidelines. We appreciate those students who come forward to alert us about inappropriate internet use. Each tip is thoroughly investigated and students who are found to be misusing
social media will face disciplinary action and possible criminal charges, depending on the post and their involvement.
Toledo Public Schools will not tolerate any threats or inappropriate comments made against a student, staff member, or a particular school. District officials will investigate and take appropriate action against those involved.
A reminder: If students see or hear something, they should say something to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or other trusted adult at school. Students should never hesitate to turn to their school administrators for guidance and support or to learn about resources.
Home Access Center (Formerly Parent Portal)
Parent Portal is an online information system designed to help parents and guardians monitor information about their students' academic progress, including student grades, attendance, report cards, and comments from teachers. You can access the system as a user by visiting https://parentportal.tps.org/HomeAccess/Account/LogOn.
If you need information on how to set up an account, please check out this link:
https://toledops.ss11.sharpschool.com/students_parents/parent_portal.
Additional back-to-school forms will be distributed at your school’s open house or during the first week of classes. Please complete and return them to the school.
In closing, let me say again thank you for being TPS Proud and for entrusting your child’s education to Toledo Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Romules Durant – CEO/Superintendent