By GARETT VALCOURT
In response to recent legislation signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ponce de Leon High School is implementing new protocols regarding student cell phone use and reinforcing district-wide dress code expectations as the 2025–2026 school year begins.
The new state law prohibits the use of cell phones during the school day for elementary and middle school students, while placing stricter limitations on high school usage. In accordance with this law, Ponce de Leon High School will require students in grades 6 through 8 to store their phones and electronic devices in designated cell phone lockers throughout the school day. Each student will receive a personal, secure locker, positioned within view of school security cameras.
“These lockers are being provided not to punish students, but to comply with the law in a way that is also considerate of student needs,” said PDLHS Principal Anissa Locke. “We know many students rely on their devices after school and on the bus ride home. This solution keeps us in compliance while allowing for responsible access outside instructional hours.”
For high school students in grades 9 through 12, cell phones and devices must be turned off or set to silent and kept out of sight during class time. Use of devices during instructional periods will only be permitted under the explicit permission and supervision of the classroom teacher.
In addition to the technology policy updates, the school is also reinforcing existing dress code regulations outlined by the Holmes District Schools Code of Conduct. Principal Locke noted that many of these policies are not new, but will be enforced more consistently this year.
“There’s a misconception that school administrators make up these rules,” Locke said. “In reality, the dress code comes directly from district policy. Unfortunately, some areas of the policy were heavily disregarded last year, and that’s something we intend to correct starting day one.”
The dress code prohibits attire such as leggings or pajamas worn as pants, clothing that is overly tight or baggy, and garments that expose the midriff, cleavage, or undergarments. Additional guidelines include:
- Skirts, dresses, shorts, and skorts must be fingertip or mid-thigh length, whichever is longer.
- Sagging pants and clothing with offensive language or suggestive imagery are not allowed.
- Tops must be full coverage, capable of being tucked in, and at least shoulder-width in design.
- Clothing with open holes that expose skin, especially in jeans or pants, is prohibited.
- Tattoos or body art depicting lewd, gang-related, or offensive content must be covered.
- Any personal appearance that distracts from instruction or poses a health hazard is not acceptable.
Dress code violations will be handled with a three-step protocol:
- A phone call home for appropriate attire.
- An opportunity to change into school-provided clothing from the “clothes closet.”
- In-school suspension (ISS) for refusal to comply.
“As always, we are open to conversation,” said Locke. “Parents or guardians who wish to further discuss these updates are welcome to schedule a time to meet.”
PDLHS encourages all families to review the Holmes District Schools Code of Conduct in preparation for the upcoming year.
CAROL KENT SMITH 
Staff Report 