PCHS Updates
August 28, 2026
1st Semester Schedule Change Window Now Closed
The window for first-semester schedule changes has now closed. This allows us to begin Week 2 with finalized class rosters, giving teachers and students the consistency they need to settle into routines, build relationships, and get the semester off to a strong start.
NWEA Assessment: Purpose, Value, & Schedule
PCS students take the NWEA Reading and Math assessments three times each year, 6th–12th grade. NWEA is a formative assessment that measures student achievement and growth, providing baseline data, identifying strengths and learning gaps, and informing instruction so teachers can support student needs, set goals, and celebrate progress.
We use this data actively at PCHS. NWEA results help us identify skills to target as a staff, inform our interventionists' work with students by helping us prioritize support for those with the greatest needs, and celebrate student growth and achievement publicly. We aim for at least 80% of our students to achieve their growth goals and/or the 60th percentile or higher by the end of each school year, as research in Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) suggests this is what a strong, universal core instructional model should achieve.
Students will take Round 1 of the NWEA assessment with their Seminar/3rd Hour teacher next Tuesday, September 1 (Reading) and the following Thursday, September 10 (Math). Thank you for encouraging your student(s) to do their best so our staff has an accurate picture of their strengths and where they can grow, so we can provide the right support to students who need it most, and so our students can show themselves what they’re capable of!
Below is the bell schedule on NWEA assessment days.
PCHS Open House - Wednesday, September 2
Join us next Wednesday for our annual Open House! This is an open, drop-in format. Teachers will be present in their classrooms, or greeting you just outside of it, to introduce themselves and provide some insight into the class experience.
There are two optional learning opportunities right before Open House begins:
6:00-6:30 in the Pirate Union
- Reproductive Health Information Session - This is for the parents/guardians of students in Health class.
- Financial Aid Info Session - For our Class of 2027
Donate to or Volunteer to Chaperone Homecoming!
We'd love contributions to this year's Homecoming, in the form of snacks, water, cups, or your time! Check out the sign-up genius below, and thanks for considering.
Weather-permitting, Homecoming takes place outside at Pirate Stadium (under the sails) from 8-10pm on Saturday, September 19. If weather does not cooperate, it will be moved into the PCHS Commons and Gym.
Cinderella’s Closet Returns to Help Local Students Shine at Homecoming
High school students can find stylish formalwear for just $25
Homecoming season is right around the corner, and LACASA is once again opening the doors to Cinderella’s Closet, a pop-up boutique where local high school students can find stylish, gently loved formalwear at prices families can afford.
From September 2-3, (and September 17–19, as a back-up!), students can shop $25 gowns, dresses, and suits, along with deeply discounted shoes and accessories to complete their Homecoming look. Every purchase also supports LACASA’s vital services for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence.
More than a shopping event, Cinderella’s Closet creates a welcoming and uplifting experience where students are surrounded by encouraging messages, guidance for making healthy choices, and supportive adults who want every student to feel confident and celebrated.
“In a time when families continue to feel the strain of rising costs, Cinderella’s Closet helps ensure that Homecoming can be a special experience without becoming a financial burden,” said LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt. “Every student deserves the opportunity to feel confident and celebrated. When students shop at Cinderella’s Closet, they’re not only finding something they love to wear - they’re also helping support hope and healing for children and families in our community.”
Donations are still needed to help stock Cinderella’s Closet. LACASA is especially in need of short dresses suitable for Homecoming, as well as other gently loved formalwear, shoes, and accessories. Community members can drop off donations at LACASA Collection’s Donation Station Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or contact Snedicor’s Green Earth Cleaners for pickup and cleaning services. Donated formalwear is given a second life, helping make Homecoming more affordable for local students while reducing textile waste.
Cinderella’s Closet is open to high school students only, and a valid student ID is required. A limited number of formalwear scholarships are available; students may inquire with staff or volunteers on site.
This year’s Homecoming pop-up boutique will be located at Kensington Valley Outlets, in a storefront just down from LACASA Collection, next to the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet. As an added bonus, shoppers will receive a 25% off coupon for shoes and accessories at LACASA Collection to complete their look.
Volunteers are still needed to help set up, staff, and take down the boutique. Those interested can email Volunteering@lacasacenter.org.
PSAT/NMSQT Registration for 10th & 11th Graders
Parents/guardians of 10th- and 11th-grade students received an email today from Heather Kruckenberg, PCHS Testing Coordinator, with information about the optional PSAT/NMSQT, which will be offered at PCHS on Tuesday, October 13, at 7:30 a.m. The test costs $30, and students interested in participating must register by noon on Friday, September 11; payment is due by October 2.
What We Did in Seminar Today
Ask your student about their new email signature. :)
Class of 2029 T-Shirt Order
Order by September 3! Hard copies of the form are also in the PCHS Main Office.
PCHS PTO Happenings
26-27 School Year PTO Welcome Letter
Want to Donate to Supports the PTO's Efforts? Venmo @PCHSPTO
Next Meeting: The PCHS PTO meets every third Tuesday at 6pm in the Pirate Union. Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 15. Join us! Reach out to Mrs. McBride with interest, or just show up!
Previous Meeting Minutes: 8/18/26
Upcoming Activities:
- Senior Parking Spot Painting Collaboration w/ Student Government
26-27 PTO Board:
- President: Amanda Winningham
- VP: Mandie Morgan
- Secretary: Bill Wearne
- Treasurer: Nicole Watson
- Event Coordinator: Michelle Neuman
1st NHS Blood Drive of the Year!
PCHS Weekly Bell Schedule
Important Dates
- August 31: NHS & Red Cross Blood Drive (8:30am-1:15pm)
- September 2: PCHS Open House (6:00-6:30 - Optional Reproductive Health & Financial Aid Presentations, 6:30-8:00 Open House)
- September 4-7: No School - Labor Day Weekend
- September 18: Homecoming Parade & Football Game
- September 19: Homecoming Dance
- September 21: NHS Induction
- September 25: Progress Report 1 of 6
- October 5-9: Pinck Week
- October 6: Picture Retake Day
- October 7: Powderpuff Football Game
- October 13: NMSQT Test (optional, pre-reg required)
- October 27: Band-O-Rama
- October 29: Orchestra & Choir Concert
- October 30: Progress Report 2 of 6
- November 3: No School - Election Day
- November 5-6: Half Days & Parent-Teacher Conferences
- November 13, 14, 20, 21, & 22: Noises Off - Act 2 Fall Play
- November 19: NHS & Red Cross Blood Drive
- November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break
- December 1: Choir Holiday Concert
- December 3: Orchestra Concert
- December 4: Progress Report 3 of 6
- December 8: Holiday Extravaganza Concert
- December 14: Academic Awards Night
- December 16-18: Semester 1 Exams
- December 18: Half Day
- December 19-January 3: Winter Break
- January 18: No School - MLK Jr. Day
- January 22: Winterfest Basketball Games
- January 23: Winterfest Dance
- February 5: Progress Report 4 of 6
- February 12-15: Mid-Winter Break
- February 20: PCS Music Spaghetti Dinner
- February 23: 8th Grade Parent Presentation
- February 25: FAFSA / Financial Aid Night & Course Exploration Night
- March 12: Progress Report 5 of 6
- March 12, 13, 19, 20, & 21: Grease - Act 2 Spring Musical
- March 19: Prospective Student Shadow Day
- March 20: Livingston County Parent Summit
- March 26-April 4: Spring Break
- April 14: SAT & PSAT 9 (No School for 10th and 12th)
- April 15: PSAT 10 & 11th WIN Work Readiness (No School for 9th, Virtual Day for 12th)
- April 20: 11th MSTEP Social Studies (during school)
- April 27: 11th MSTEP Science (during school)
- April 28: Senior Scholar Dinner
- April 30: Class of 2027 Decision Day (during lunch)
- April 30: Progress Report 6 of 6
- May 1: Prom
- May 3-14: AP Testing
- May 4: Choir Concert
- May 6: Orchestra Concert
- May 12-14: Senior Exams
- May 12: Band Concert
- May 14: Seniors' Last Day of School
- May 26: Senior Awards Night
- May 27: Senior Graduation Rehearsal, Clap-Out, & BBQ
- May 31: No School - Memorial Day
- June 2-4: Semester 2 Exams
- June 2: PCHS Graduation @ 7pm Pirate Stadium (Rain Date: June 3 @ 7pm, Plan C: June 3 @ 7pm, PCHS Gym)
- June 4: Last Day of School - Half Day
Class of 2027 Event Calendar
Please review the end of the school year dates and plan accordingly! With the last week of school coinciding with Memorial Weekend, the traditional timing of some of our Senior events, including graduation, have been adjusted. We are excited to try an evening graduation ceremony! But we also want to be sure you have ample time to prepare and schedule accordingly, especially with this year's commencement falling on a week night.
Pirate Athletics & Community Ed
Get your tickets to any and all games here!
https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10053
Follow along for all athletic tryouts, registration, schedules, and updates at:
Looking for Pirate Athletics gear?
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/michigan/pinckney/pinckney-high-school
Looking for Pinckney Community Education programs?
Make sure you're ready to cheer on our Pirates in ways that honor our shared spectator expectations across the SEC!
Counselors' College & Career Corner
Counseling Office: (810) 225.5603
Counseling Website: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/o/pchs (Select the Counseling drop-down menu.)
Counseling Secretary
Mrs. Leah Barkoff
810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610
School Counselors
Ms. Amy Robinson MA, LLPC, SCL
School Counselor (Last Names: A-Le)
arobinson@pinckneypirates.org
Ms. Nicole Braun MA, SCL
School Counselor (Last Names: Lf-Z)
nbraun@pinckneypirates.org
PCHS Mental Health Specialists
Ms. Lynn Watkins, MA, LPC, SCL, NCC
Social/Emotional Mental Health Specialist
lwatkins@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.5607
Learn more about Ms. Watkins and 31n mental health services provided through LESA here.
Mrs. Sandra Parker
Social Worker Project SUCCESS Counselor, Youth-Led Prevention Facilitator, and Community Outreach Coordinator
sparker@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.6534
PCHS on Social Media
Follow us on:
- Instagram at @pinckneyhighschool
- Facebook at Pinckney Community High School.
Managerial Reminders
- Full-Day Schedule: 7:30am-2:30pm
- Half-Day Schedule: 7:30am-10:55am
- Friday Early Release Schedule: 7:30am-1:09pm
- Building Hours: 7:00am-3:00pm (Need to pick up your child's cell phone? Must arrive by 3pm!)
- PCHS is a closed campus. Only those approved to leave the building (i.e. for CTE, Dual Enrollment, Co-Op) may exit the building during school hours, and only through the South entrance. This is in service of ensuring all students are safely where they should be!
- If running late to school, students need to park in the Main Entrance lot (South side) in order to sign in at the Main Office. The North doors will be locked after 7:45am.
- Students are required to have a parking pass if parking in the PCHS lot during the school day. Make sure you've paid for your pass in the Main Office!
- PCS 26-27 Secondary Student Handbook
- PCS Transportation Code of Conduct
- Have a tech issue? Submit a helpdesk ticket at: helpdesk.pinckneypirates.org
Attendance Hotline: 810-225-5510 / hs-attendance@pinckneypirates.org
Pinckney Community High School
Email: jmcbride@pinckneypirates.org
Website: www.pinckneypirates.org
Location: 10255 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney, MI, USA
Phone: 8102255500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinckneyhigh
Twitter: @PinckneyHigh