Tiger Update
Information about Pickerington High School Central 11/22/25
Message from Mr. Parker
Tiger Nation! 🐅
Quarter 2: Thanksgiving Break Week ⚓
Anchored in Thankfulness
Tiger Nation, we’ve sailed through the first half of Quarter 2, and we’ve made it to Thanksgiving Break! Congratulations to everyone for staying the course, working hard, and showing incredible dedication in classrooms, on the fields, and across all areas of Tiger Nation.
Time to Recharge
As we pause for the break, take time to relax, enjoy moments with family, friends, and loved ones, and recharge your energy. A rested crew is a strong crew, ready to tackle the final three-week stretch until Holiday Break with focus and determination.
Full Speed Ahead
When we return, let’s continue to sail together, staying united, focused, and committed to helping every Tiger Reach Your Full Potential (RYFP).
Sail on, Tiger Nation! 💨
As Always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Mr. Parker
Important Dates (Welcome November!)
November 24th-28th: No School. Thanksgiving Break
December 6th: Breakfast with Santa
December 10th - 5pm: Band Concert
December 11th - 7pm: Choir Concert
December 17th - 6pm - 8pm: PLSD Night of Engagement (at Event Center @ Violet Woods)
December 19th: Last Day of the 2nd Grading Period
December 22nd - January 2nd: No School. Holiday Break
Keep up to date:
The Senior Corner of the newsletter contains all of the important information for our students in the Class of 2026. Be sure to check it out every week to make sure you don't miss the fun.
PHSC Administrators and Important Message from School Counselors
Administrators: Roshawn Parker, Principal
HB410 / Attendance - Carly Wells, Lead Assistant Principal
A-Gi - Michael Yinger, Assistant Principal
Gl-Or - Lazaro Fuentes, Assistant Principal
Os-Z - Joseph Cooper, Assistant Principal
PHSC School Counselor Weekly Update: 11/17/2025
How to see your School Counselor:
Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting
EFCTS Application:
Thursday, PHSC took over 300+ Sophomores to visit Eastland-Fairfield Career Center. Sophomores chose 2 programs to visit during this trip. It was a great opportunity for our students to see the amazing opportunities available to them at Eastland-Fairfield Career Center. If your student is interested in attending one of these programs during their Junior and Senior years, they can apply on Dec. 4th. We will send this information out once we have it.
OST Fall Testing:
Those students who need to take one or more OSTs have been notified via email of the tests they need to take. We start testing on Dec. 2 and running through Dec. 19th.
OST Testing Dates
Testing room locations will be posted in the lobby closer to the testing dates if you are required to test.
Students scheduled for more than one test on the same day will take one test at another time.
December 2, 2025: English Language Arts 2
December 4, 2024: Algebra and Geometry
December 9, 2024: Biology, American History, and Government
Senior Meetings
The counselors met with seniors to discuss important Senior year activities, including but not limited to:
-The college application process
-Searching for scholarships and grants
-Post-high school planning options
-How to use SchooLinks effectively
-And much more
If your Senior missed this meeting, you can view the presentation below:
PHSC Senior Meeting Presentation
Important Information about deadlines: It is important to be aware of your application deadlines. PHSC requires no less than 10 school days to fulfill all transcript, scholarship, and letters of recommendation requests for college materials.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is open!!!.
Prior to October 1, students/parents can set up their FAFSA ID. The FSA ID is required for completing the FAFSA. Students/Parents, make sure to meet the FAFSA deadlines. The deadlines are different for each college/university.
Ex. (Students are strongly encouraged to verify information on college websites, as the dates listed below are subject to change)
Bowling Green State University's FAFSA deadline is February 15, 2026.
The University of Cincinnati FAFSA deadline is February 1, 2026.
FAFSA Application Quick Guide provided by SchooLinks.
College Credit Plus
PHSC CCP Liaison-Jennifer Dashner (jennifer_dashner@pld.us). Please reach out with any questions.
MTC: The last day to drop with a W is December 1, 2025. This is for full-term classes this semester.
Marion Technical College Spring 2026 Offerings. Please email Cal Morris morrisc@mtc.com from your MTC email account and CC: Mrs. Dashner to add courses. The last day to register is December 12, 2025 for online sections for MTC Spring Semester.
The Accuplacer will be given on Thursday, November 20. Students who need to take the Accuplacer have received an email from Mrs. Dashner.
CSCC: Columbus State Community College Spring 2026 Course Offerings. Please complete the CCP Registration form and email it to Mrs. Dashner for the spring semester. The last day to register is December 19, 2025 by 2:30PM for CSCC Spring Semester.
If you are taking courses through another college partner, please review their registration procedures on their respective websites.
SchooLinks Parent Accounts:
Dear Guardians,
PLSD uses SchooLinks, a college and career readiness platform. All of the SchooLinks features are designed with students in mind to help them become career, college, and life-ready. As a guardian, you will have the opportunity to join your student in their career and college exploration process and have conversations with them about their future. You will have access to SchooLinks through your own account.
SchooLinks allows you to:
- View the results of your student’s career interest, strength, and mindset assessments to learn more about their interests and what careers might be right for them
- See what colleges and careers your student has favorited and set as goals
- Check your personalized dashboard for upcoming events, as well as important reminders and to-dos for your student
- Complete your own research on colleges, careers, and more to help you have informed conversations with your student
- Compare college costs and explore expected financial aid, scholarships, and out-of-pocket expenses
SchooLinks is a tool that gives you access to the bigger picture of your students’ future. Please review the information below to log in to your SchooLinks account.
PHSC ACT for Juniors Information
Students in AP Classes - this DOES NOT apply to Pre-AP courses
Please check out our PHSC AP Google Site for any information regarding AP exams and logistics. This site will be updated and sent out rather than an email or document. The ordering deadline is passed. If you wish to order a late exam or cancel an existing order please reach out to Ms. Hoffman (ashlee_hoffman@plsd.us); there will be a $40 late order/cancellation fee.
Fairfield County Workforce Development Center
Career Navigator Update 11/14/25
Career Center Students:
Mr. Peirano and Ms. Hoffman are the counselors who work with Eastland and Fairfield Career Centers, respectively. We will make in-person visits to each career center on a regular basis to keep you connected with Central events and happenings. We will also send weekly homeschool updates via your EFCTS email and Remind101 texts. Please use the information below to join our Remind texts as a parent or student:
Eastland: Text @phscecc to 81010
Fairfield: Text @phscfcc to 81010
Satellite: Text @phscsat to 81010
Please join the School Counselor’s Google Classrooms:
The Counseling office will be keeping you informed of important information regarding your future plans and events, and deadlines that the School Counselors work with. If you have not already done so, please join our Google Classroom to stay informed:
Class of 2026 rugnepm
Class of 2027 6plgntd
Class of 2028 437pgrk
Class of 2029 75rgh2hy
Fairfield County Workforce Development Career Navigator Update 11/14/25
Future Focus Career Speakers
Future Focus Career presented information about careers in Construction Management. . Did you know that Columbus is forecasted to be the size of Chicago by 2035?That was just one of the tidbits we learned today about construction management jobs in Columbus! Today's speakers were from Accenture Project Management and they are busy! This company needs inspectors, managers, and schedulers! You can work your way up from a construction related field or get a degree in Construction Management to do this career.
The next Future Focus speaker will be on next Friday, 11/21 and with be a representative from the Ohio Nurses Association. Come learn about nursing as a profession during 3rd period at Central and 5th period at North and PA.
Juniors and Seniors have the opportunity to work with Mrs. Brunner on the following activities:
Career Skills Workshops: Students will have the chance to attend workshops on resume writing and interview techniques to help them develop essential skills for entering the workforce.
Mock Interviews & Career Fairs: Mrs. Brunner will organize opportunities for students to practice interview skills and participate in career fairs throughout the school year.
OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal: She will also provide support for students working towards earning the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal, a valuable credential for employment.
Career Assessments: Mrs. Brunner will offer career inventories and assessments to help students identify their strengths and align them with potential career paths.
Future Focus Career Speaker Series: Held on most Fridays,, this series will bring in professionals from various industries to speak with students (schedule below).
Career Readiness Resources: Students can access job postings and career resources through the Career Readiness Google Classrooms. Use the following codes to join:
Central fcbhtwi
North wsjrdt2
Pickerington Academy ef3f6vzWhat is the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal? The OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal is a high school diploma credential in Ohio that signifies a student has demonstrated proficiency in key professional and soft skills, such as work ethic, collaboration, and critical thinking, along with having mentors validate these skills in real-world environments. This seal provides evidence to colleges and employers that the graduate possesses the personal strengths and practical experience needed for success in their future careers. Any student who has a job or who is a regular volunteer, should complete this seal. This seal can also be used as one of the seals needed for graduation. Students should complete this form and turn it into their school counselor.
Volunteers Needed!
**Any parent or community member, who would like to volunteer as a career speaker or Mock Interviewer, or would like to participate in a Career Fair for Seniors (at the Workforce Center) or a Summer Jobs Fair for 15-18 year olds (at PLSD), during the spring , should contact Julie Brunner at jbrunner@fairfieldesc.org.
See Important Message from our PTSO
Please join our PTSO!! See attached information on how to join.
Join Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP) and Make a Difference!
Unlock the power of positivity and become a source of inspiration for Pickerington Schools by joining the Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP)!
Are you passionate about creating a supportive and uplifting educational environment? Do you believe in the power of positive relationships to shape student success? As a PoPP volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in guiding our junior high and high school students toward better decisions while fostering a culture of encouragement and growth.
Your presence and support will help students build confidence, make positive choices, and navigate life’s challenges. By working together, we can spread positivity throughout Pickerington Schools, strengthening our community with kindness, resilience, and connection.
NCAA Initial Eligibility Information
Student-athletes continuing their athletic career at the collegiate level need to ensure they are taking the correct high school courses and meeting NCAA initial eligibility requirements. Please do not wait to ensure you are meeting the requirements.
NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes 2025-2026
Find PHSC’s (or other high schools attended) Approved High School Courses
NCAA Initial Eligibility for College-Bound Student-Athletes Presentation
If you have questions, please contact
PHSC Contact: Jennifer Dashner (jennifer_dashner@plsd.us)
Celebrating Our Scholars!
We are thrilled to celebrate Keanu Valdez for being awarded the prestigious DAR Award (Daughters of the American Revolution)! This honor recognizes your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Your achievements make us proud, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish in the future! #TigerUp #TigersTIE #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Congratulations to Our PHSC Theatre Team!
Congratulations to our incredible marching band for providing the unwavering support and top-tier sounds that became the soundtrack to a phenomenal season. Your talent, energy, and dedication elevate every game and make Tiger Nation roar even louder! 🎶🐅 #TigerUp #TigersTIE #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Shout out to Tiger Football!
What an incredible season for our Tigers! Finishing as Regional Finals runner-ups is a huge accomplishment and one that reflects the hard work, dedication, and heart each of you brought to the field every single day. While it may not have been the result we were hoping for, the resilience, teamwork, and determination you displayed throughout the season are nothing short of inspiring.
Thank you for giving your all, for supporting each other through every challenge, and for representing Pickerington with Trust, Integrity, and Empathy. You’ve not only made your coaches, families, and school proud, you’ve shown what it truly means to be a Tiger.
This season may have ended, but the memories, lessons, and bonds you’ve created will last a lifetime. Congratulations on an extraordinary season! 🐅🏈#TigerUp #TigersTIE #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Congratulations to Rocco Williams
Shout-out to our very own Rocco Williams for being named Dispatch Athlete of the Week last week! Your hard work and dedication continue to make us proud.
Check out the article here:
Stay in the Game Attendance Initiative!
We are proud to partner with The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, in collaboration with the Columbus Crew, to launch a new initiative to improve student attendance: "Stay in the Game! Keep Learning Every Day!"
September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we understand the importance of daily attendance for our students' academic and social-emotional growth. Missing a day of school here and there may not seem like much, but absences add up quickly:
● Missing just two days a month adds up to 20 days a year.
● That's 30 hours of math and 60 hours of reading and writing missed over the school year.
● These absences can add up to more than one full year of missed school by graduation!
During September, schools will host activities to encourage attendance:
Cellphones / PCDs Information (see updated PCD info from our Superintendent above)
As your Principal, like many of you, I have been following the news and updates over the past several months regarding personal communication devices and their effect on student engagement and overall well-being. As you may know, Senate Bill 158 (SB 158) is currently being considered in Ohio, which proposes a near-complete ban on cell phone use in schools. However, House Bill 250 (HB 250) is the current law, under which we have operated this past year.
(Click the image to see the classroom phone caddies)
Our plan for cell phones last year was for students to power them down and put them away. When students were able to consistently adhere to this plan, our educators observed a profound increase in positive student engagement, academic performance, and improved behavior at school. Unfortunately, maintaining this consistency proved challenging. As long as the devices were on their person, students were tempted to interact with their phones. The incessant notifications students receive were too powerful of a pull to ignore. Shortly into the school year, this led to teachers constantly addressing the issue with students, administration confiscating phones, and, most detrimentally, students missing out on valuable instructional time and becoming agitated due to the overwhelming urge to interact with their devices. Our teachers who sustained student engagement and growth successfully moved to the approach of having students turn in their phones at the start of class, engaging in the lesson throughout class, and collecting their phone at the end of class.
After a year of trial and error, we have decided to move to a practice of students powering down and placing their personal communication devices (cell phones) in classroom-provided phone caddies during each class period. This includes classrooms, restrooms, and study halls. If your student brings their phone to school, procedurally, they will put their phone in the teacher's phone caddy upon entering the room. This shift will be an adjustment for our students as they are used to keeping their device on them in the classroom.
During transition times and during lunch, students will have the opportunity to earn the use of their phones; however, the classroom space will be a "no-phone-zone". The purpose of this approach is to enhance the academic and social experience for ALL of our students and staff. School districts and high schools that have moved to this approach have reported higher student engagement, improved academic performance, and an improved learning environment with fewer behavioral incidents.
Upon entering class, if students are found with their phone out and do not place their phone in the caddy, it will be confiscated immediately by an administrator (unless there are documented medical reasons on file with the school nurse or administration). Upon entering the classroom and throughout the class period, if student's phones are not out and not visible, they are in compliance. This practice will take effect at the start of the school year. On the first occasion students will be able to retrieve their phone at the end of the day. On the second offense a parent will need to pick up the phone. If there is a 3rd offense a meeting will be held with the family to discuss how we will move forward.
We know and understand that this will require a strong partnership with our families. We ask for your support in discussing this adjustment with your students before the school year begins, helping them understand the reasons behind this change and supporting the school in its implementation.
Thank you in advance for your support with this important initiative!
As Always,
TigersT.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Initiative Updates for the 2025-26 School Year: Electronic Hall Pass Procedure
Maximizing Learning Time Together!
As your Principal, I am writing to clarify a crucial change regarding personal communication devices (cell phones) for the upcoming school year, driven by our experience with student engagement and well-being. Last year's trial demonstrated that while our students thrive when phones are put away, having the devices physically present led to overwhelming distraction, consistent compliance issues, and detrimental loss of instructional time. Therefore, to enhance the academic and social experience for all students, we are implementing a new protocol: students are required to power down their phones and place them in classroom-provided phone caddies upon entering all classrooms, restrooms, and study halls—creating a clear "no-phone-zone."
Students may earn the privilege of using their phones during transition times and lunch. If a student is found with a phone out and not in the caddy, it will be immediately confiscated by an administrator (unless medical documentation is on file), leading to escalating consequences. We know this requires a strong partnership, and we ask for your support in discussing this adjustment with your student to ensure a successful, focused school year.
Introducing Our New Electronic Hall Pass System
To help us manage and monitor hallway activity during learning periods, we're transitioning to an Electronic Hall Pass system. This new system will let us track who's in the hallway and how often. While most students use passes responsibly, this will help us identify and address any patterns of overuse, ensuring our hallways remain clear for safety and focus.
Parents, you'll be able to see when your student is out on a pass directly through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please make sure your portal access is up-to-date so you can easily track this with us!
Our main goal is to significantly limit non-essential time out of the classroom and truly protect this valuable instructional time. Of course, we'll always accommodate students with documented medical needs requiring more frequent access. Our overall approach will be to encourage students to "stay in class" as much as possible, focusing on their learning.
We truly believe that by reducing disruptions and keeping students focused in the classroom (especially with our new cell phone procedure!), we'll see increased engagement, better communication, and ultimately boosted student achievement for everyone.
Thank you so much for your partnership and support in this important effort!
As Always,
TigersT.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
