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PCHS Updates

Friday, April 4, 2025

PCHS UpdatesFriday, April 4, 2025

A Note from the PCHS Admin Team

PCHS Community,


Next week (and the week after for Juniors) marks our annual state testing time. Please read the specifics below to ensure you and your student(s) know what to do next Wednesday and Thursday. If your student is taking a test, testing will begin promptly at 7:30am on their testing day, so it is best for them to arrive to school no later than 7:15am to find their testing room assignment on an easel in the Commons and report to it by 7:25am. Support your kiddo in getting a good night's sleep the night before their test(s) and a big, healthy breakfast on the morning of! These things matter for ensuring our learners are set up for success.


SENIORS! While you do not need to come to school on next week's testing days (Weds/Thurs), Thursday is considered a Virtual School Day for you, and you MUST complete the Senior Exit Survey Mrs. McBride emails you that morning. This is how we will take your attendance for this virtual day. Not completing this survey will result in an absence! The data from this survey helps us to prepare for Senior Awards Night, other end of the year events, to learn from your feedback, and to celebrate your accomplishments and plans!


Have a great weekend, Pirates.

Mrs. McBride & Mr. McMurray

April 2025 State Testing - Resources & Information April 2025 State Testing - Resources & Information

Testing Dates & Logistics

  • April 9: SAT & PSAT 9 (No School for 10th & 12th Graders)
  • April 10: PSAT 10 & WorkKeys (No School for 9th Graders; Virtual Day for 12th - Senior Exit Survey Completion = attendance)
  • April 16: MSTEP (11th Grade only, regular school day for everyone else)


On April 9 and 10, once testing is complete, students may eat lunch in the Commons and leave for the day. If no transportation, a student can work on classwork in the Commons after lunch until busses arrive at 2:30pm.


What to Bring on Testing Day(s)


  • FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOK & CHARGER (except for the WorkKeys for 11th graders on 4/10)
  • Water bottle
  • Snack (for during breaks)
  • Sharpened pencil
  • *Calculators: The SAT and PSAT have one embedded in it, but if you prefer your own, you can bring it. The ACT WorkKeys for 11th graders on 4/10: all math problems can be solved without one, but you may bring one if you choose.
  • ***Students MUST be prepared to turn in their cell phone at the start of testing if they bring it with them. Absolutely NO phones can be in the testing environment INCLUDING use during breaks per Michigan Merit Exam rules.


Student Guides to Support Standardized Test Preparation

  • SAT Student Guide
  • PSAT 10 Student Guide
  • PSAT 8/9 Student Guide

2025-2026 Dual Enrollment Deadline 2025-2026 Dual Enrollment Deadline

Does your student intend to take college courses next year by dual enrolling in a local community college or university while still at PCHS? View the Dual Enrollment presentation for additional information.


May 1: Dual Enrollment application process MUST be completed for fall 2025 enrollment


Dual Enrollment influences a school's staffing and master schedule. This deadlines ensure we have a clear picture of our course offering and staffing needs with enough time to schedule and staff accordingly for the coming school year.


All relevant forms can be found in the Counseling Office!

Help Us Make the Senior All Night Party AWESOME! Help Us Make the Senior All Night Party AWESOME!

Senior All Night Party | Amazon Gift List

Senior All Night Party | Amazon Gift List

review 0 stars review 0 and a half stars review 1 stars review 1 and a half stars review 2 stars review 2 and a half stars review 3 stars review 3 and a half stars review 4 stars review 4 and a half stars review 5 stars review 5 and a half stars

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This Week's Positivity Project Focus This Week's Positivity Project Focus

This week's Positivity Project focus is LOVE OF LEARNING. Check out the P2 weekly family letter on love of learning which includes tools to practice and encourage this character trait at home.

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PCHS PTO Happenings PCHS PTO Happenings

Mints For M-STEP and SAT/PSAT

Mints For M-STEP and SAT/PSAT

Please help us provide mints and gum (mint-flavored only please) for the students during their upcoming M-STEP and SAT/PSAT tests. Please send them in to the office by Tuesday, April 8. Thank you!

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On deck:


  • Mints and gum donation drive for state testing. Sign up above, and have your student drop the mints and/or gum off to the PCHS Main Office. These serve as great treats during breaks on testing days. THANK YOU!
  • Preparing for May 5-9 Teacher Appreciation Week activities! So far, we're looking forward to providing our staff a coffee truck on Friday, gift card drawings across the week (or month depending on contributions!), and possibly a catered lunch early in the week.


Review the March PTO meeting minutes here, and consider joining us for the next meeting on Tuesday, April 15 at 6pm in the Pirate Union.

PCHS Student & Staff Member of the Week PCHS Student & Staff Member of the Week

We recognize a student and staff member each week, nominated by the school community based on how fellow Pirates are exemplifying Positivity Project traits and identified by our Leadership & Link Crew class. Our Student of the Week is also recognized as a part of the Livingston Daily's spotlight, published digitally on Fridays and in print on Sundays.

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Grady Rea

Grady exemplifies a true love of learning, consistently engaging in class with enthusiasm and serving as a positive role model for his peers. He eagerly participates, applying past and current knowledge to new situations with confidence. Beyond the classroom, Grady is a dedicated three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and lacrosse while balancing a rigorous academic schedule. His leadership extends beyond sports, as he serves as both class council vice president and student government vice president, demonstrating his commitment to his school community. Brave, kind, and hardworking, Grady is a well-rounded leader who inspires those around him.
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Ms. Poppy Elliott

Poppy is the heart of our main office, a true leader who takes initiative to ensure everything runs smoothly. She embodies kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, always supporting students in need with warmth and care. Her optimism shines through as she encourages others, offering guidance on future careers and even thoughtful gestures like a fidget ring to support focus. With her humor, perseverance, and teamwork, Poppy is the glue that holds our school together. She goes above and beyond every day, and many of us couldn’t do our jobs without her unwavering support.

What We Did in Seminar This Week What We Did in Seminar This Week

On Fridays, students spend an hour in what we call Seminar. The purpose of Seminar is to ensure every student has at least one go-to adult mentor at PCHS focused on their well-being, academic success, and connection to a healthy school climate.

🎓 SENIOR CLASS CORNER! 🎓 🎓 SENIOR CLASS CORNER! 🎓

Senior Exams & Last Day of School Schedule

  • 5/14: 5th & 6th Hour Exams (regular schedule for all students)
  • 5/15: 3rd & 4th Hour Exams (regular schedule for 9th-11th, seniors leave after 4th/lunch)
  • 5/16: 1st & 2nd Hour Exams (adjusted bell schedule w/ no Seminar, seniors pick up cap & gown in Commons after 2nd hour, and head out!)

Order Your Senior Yard Signs!

Pick up a form in the Main Office or order online.

Updated event calendar

24-25 PCHS Senior Event Calendar

24-25 PCHS Senior Event Calendar

PCHS 24-25 Senior Event Calendar Save the Dates! Event Date Time Location No School for Seniors - SAT & PSAT Testing BUT MUST COMPLETE SENIOR EXIT SURVEY FOR 4/10 ATTENDANCE 4/9 & 4/10 Complete Senior Exit Survey by Noon on 4/10 Google Form Sent by Counseling Office / Admin on 4...

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Agenda from 3/8/25 Senior Meeting

Annual PCHS Senior Meeting - March

Annual PCHS Senior Meeting - March

PCHS Senior Meeting Friday, March 7, 2025 During Seminar Senior Event Calendar - Mrs. McBride College Advising - Ms. Farina (cfarina@pinckneypirates.org) Everyone attending a college or university should fill out a 25-26 FAFSA Community college now costs about half as much as before for Livi...

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Interested in helping to coordinate or contributing to the Senior All Nighter?

Contact Tennille Sharp at tsharp@pinckneypirates.org to get connected with the planning committee or message the "2025 PCHS Senior All Nighter" Facebook page! This annual event is an entirely parent-planned event with guidance provided by PCHS. Thank you for considering joining the fun!


Consider purchasing and donating something off of the Senior All-Nighter Amazon Wishlist!! -- https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2PLVBTDBIHY2O

What does "deferred" or "waitlisted" mean?

For those college-bound students anxiously awaiting the BIG news...see the link below for information about what it means to be "Deferred" or "Waitlisted" by your university of choice in the event this is the news you receive in the coming weeks.

Why did I get wait-listed or deferred?

Why did I get wait-listed or deferred?

Being wait-listed or deferred from colleges puts you in admissions purgatory. Not being accepted and not being rejected can be frustrating and confusing. Let's first try to understand why you're there. Every year, colleges and universities have a group of students who are qualified to gain admission, yet these institutions are unsure if they have space available to enroll these students.

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ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN NOW!

Many Seniors have not yet ordered their cap & gown for graduation. This is a requirement for graduation. To order one, go to Jostens.com. You and your student should be receiving reminder emails from our Josten's rep, Janice Traub, which includes additional information. If you have questions, please reach out to Poppy Elliott in our Main Office. Thanks!

National Honor Society Tutoring Program National Honor Society Tutoring Program

Members of the PCHS National Honor Society are available to provide tutoring support for interested Pirates. If your student is interested in tutoring, please fill out the form below.

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Attendance, Earning Credits, & Mr. Mac's Academy Attendance, Earning Credits, & Mr. Mac's Academy

At PCHS, if a student exceeds 10 absences in a semester in a course, they must make up the time missed in order to earn the credit for that course on their transcript - a must for graduation from high school! It is very important to be at school consistently to be successful academically. Please pay close attention to your student's attendance detail in MiStar and proactively support them to stay within that 10 absence maximum per semester. If a student has a hold on their credit due to absences, it will read as an "H" on their transcript.


Mr. McMurray, our Assistant Principal, offers "Mr. Mac's Academy" on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30pm. This is a consistent opportunity to make-up hours due to excessive absences. To attend Mr. Mac's Academy, a student must sign up in advance at the front desk of the Main Office with Mrs. Lasure.

PCHS Weekly Bell Schedule PCHS Weekly Bell Schedule

Important Dates Important Dates

  • April 9: SAT & PSAT 9 (No School for 10th & 12th Graders)
  • April 10: PSAT 10 & WorkKeys (No School for 9th; Virtual Day for 12th - Senior Exit Survey Completion = attendance)
  • April 16: MSTEP (11th only, regular school day for everyone else)
  • April 18: No School - Good Friday
  • May 2: 2nd Semester Progress Report 3
  • May 3: Prom
  • Weeks of May 5 and May 12: AP Testing
  • May 16: Seniors' Last Day of School
  • May 26: No School - Memorial Day
  • May 29: Senior Graduation Rehearsal, Clap-Out & BBQ
  • June 1: PCHS Graduation @ Pirate Stadium
  • June 4-5: 2nd Semester Final Assessments
  • June 6: Half Day - Last Day of the 2024-25 School Year


District-Wide Calendars: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/page/calendars

Pirate Athletics & Community Ed 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 https://pinckneyathletics.bigteams.com/


Looking for Pirate Athletics gear?

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/michigan/pinckney/pinckney-high-school


Looking for Pinckney Community Education programs?

https://pinckney.ce.eleyo.com/

Counselors' Corner Counselors' Corner

In this area, you will find relevant opportunities for building your college and career awareness and ensuring you have access to all of the information and PCHS team members necessary to make your post-secondary plans a reality!


Counseling Office: (810) 225.5603

Counseling Website: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/o/pchs (Select the Counseling drop-down menu.)


Counseling Secretary

Mrs. Jennifer Duncan

jduncan@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610


School Counselors

Ms. Amy Robinson MA, LLPC, SCL
School Counselor (A-Le)
arobinson@pinckneypirates.org


Ms. Nicole Braun MA, SCL
School Counselor (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


Advise MI College Adviser

Ms. Clarice Farina
cfarina@pinckneypirates.org

College Readiness @ PCHS College Readiness @ PCHS

I Submitted My FAFSA...Now What?

https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/next-steps-after-submitting-fafsa?fbclid=IwY2xjawGz5oNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRKka6i0n9aFLMyihglbBo-37k7BpSXh1zj9IIoxjUtLcSRXCwzW-Dgh0w_aem_lWOVH_9pVbYxw0CBaFY4vw&sfnsn=mo

Federal Student Aid

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Seniors and Families,

Here are some especially helpful resources as you navigate your next steps during College Application season (some of these are also linked within the Senior Presentation that was shared via email with Class of 2025 students and families on Friday, September 20th):


Common App


  • Common App (the primary college application platform; apply to MANY colleges through this single application)
  • Common App: 1st year student resources
  • Common App: Essay Prompts (& Tips!)


MI College Access Network


  • MCAN College Fee Waivers
  • MCAN College Average GPA (& SAT) Requirements
  • MCAN (Michigan College Access Network) offers a plethora of different resources for guiding students during the college application process!


And more


  • Michigan's Public Universities Guide to Admissions 2023-24
  • PCHS PIRATE PATH CALENDAR - lots of College Rep Visit options, Campus Open House dates, Financial Aid webinars, and more!
  • Create your FSA ID to apply for FAFSA, which is now open for all high school Senior students! Get your FAFSA completed early and easily!


    Typically, the parent and the student will each have their own sections of the FAFSA to complete using their own FSA ID. Click here to see which parent(s) need to be involved in the FAFSA process.

    NOTE: Some students may be considered independent on the FAFSA and will not be asked to include parent information on the application. Determine dependency status here.


  • Apply for scholarships. Please check out the scholarship list on the high school website as it is updated daily.


Best wishes for many "acceptance" notices ahead!

Find out more about discounted community college and register for a webinar!

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Find the path that's right for you! Interested in earning a skill certificate or associate degree? Or are you interested in starting at a community college and transferring to a university? The Community College Guarantee through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship could be for you!

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Career Development @ PCHS Career Development @ PCHS

Through school, family, and community connections, the PCHS Career Development Program empowers students to discover and develop meaningful career paths, ensuring they are prepared to step into the next chapter of their lives with confidence.

LESA Youth Employment Fair - Great Opportunity!!

Come explore local career opportunities at the Youth Employment Fair on April 23rd, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM!


No matter the industry, businesses offer a variety of roles that span different career clusters. For example, you might find a business management opportunity at a manufacturing company! You never know what you'll discover!


Employers - including Trinity Health, LaFontaine, Moeller Aerospace, Michigan CAT, Chestnut Development, and many more - are hiring for summer jobs, part-time and full-time positions, apprenticeships, internships, and job shadows. Whether you're still in high school, graduating soon, or already a graduate, there are opportunities waiting for you.


All students who pre-register and attend will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gas card. Additionally, all attendees will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize sponsored by some of our employers! Previous prizes have included a TV, AirPods, and a JBL Speaker!


Students can pre-register here and preview the current list of employers. Be sure to check back daily as more companies continue to sign up!

Career Development Resources

Career Development Resources

A postsecondary credit agreement means a formal agreement, between secondary and postsecondary education institutions or systems, that grant students transcripted postsecondary credit. Learn more about Postsecondary Credit Agreements The Michigan Career Development Model (MI CDM) is designed to provide all students (K-12) in the Michigan educational system with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in a career of their choice and lifelong learning.

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Michigan Hot 50

Michigan Hot 50

Michigan Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2032 This publication highlights Michigan's high-demand, high-wage careers that show a favorable mix of projected long-term job growth, projected annual job openings, and median wages through 2032. Michigan Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2032

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Community Resources Community Resources

Local Resources - Livingston County, MI

Local Resources - Livingston County, MI

Livingston County Administration Building 304 E. Grand River Ave. Howell, MI 48843

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Grief Resources

This grief resources document includes a variety of links to support parents and students.

You’re not alone…Parenting is hard

Coaching and resources for Parents…


DO YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE OR PARENTING? CONSIDER MEETING WITH A PARENTING COACH…


FREE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

  • Weekly calls with a coach

  • Ask a therapist

  • Guided, step-by-step resources

  • Access to on-demand videos on various topics

  • Confidential help

  • Find hope, connect today at parentguidance.org


…50% of parents worry their child is struggling, but don’t know what to do.

…32% of parents feel their child is unhappy.

…An estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions

Local Food Resources

See documents linked below.

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2024 FISH-AND-LOAVES-SCHEDULE-1.pdf
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2024 Food Programs and Pantries.pdf
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Mobile Pantries.pdf
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PRODUCECARTS.pdf
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Local Opportunities Local Opportunities

LivCo Parent Summit

Get ready! Our partners at LESA are hosting their inaugural Parent Summit and Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 5th, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Parker Middle School in Howell. This event is a fantastic opportunity for parents to dive into some of the most relevant topics we face today, including anxiety, mental health, and managing technology use.

The summit will feature a lineup of TED Talk-style sessions led by experts, such as:


- Horacio Sanchez: Children Born Into Technology Have a Different Brain
- Justin Bruno: Raising Tomorrow’s Thinkers in an AI-Powered World
- Katey McPherson: Parenting in a Tech World
- Steve Barker: How to Have Hope in the Midst of Fear and Anxiety in Parenting

In addition to the sessions, a Wellness Fair will be available, offering a wide range of resources for parents to explore. For more details about the presentations and resources, scan the QR code on the flyer below. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and tools to support your family!

Summer Camps - K-12 Partnerships

Summer Camps - K-12 Partnerships

Skip to content Home K-12 Partnerships Summer Camps Ready to get more out of your summer break? The University of Michigan-Flint offers enriching programming in unique areas for K-12 students. Hosted by world-renowned faculty, these programs expand campers' curiosity and develop their passions while offering an up-close look at the UM-Flint campus.

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Local Employment Opportunities

Pinckney Community Schools is hiring!

https://pinckneypirates.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Right now:
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Aide

Starting the 25-26 School Year:
Farley Elementary Principal (replacing Yvonne Taylor, a wonderful long-time leader who is retiring)

Math Teacher
Additional teaching positions starting the 25-26 school year will be posted soon.

If you are passionate about creating a learning and work environment where every student and adult feels connected to one another, empowered to lead, and prepared to do whatever they want to do next, join us!


Feel free to share employment opportunities with us and will place them here for future newsletters!

PCHS on Social Media PCHS on Social Media

If you don't already, follow us on:


  • Instagram at @pinckneyhighschool
  • Facebook at Pinckney Community High School.


We do our best to use these platforms for important announcements, newsworthy events, and fun things that keep parents and students connected to PCHS.

Managerial Reminders Managerial Reminders

  • Full-Day Schedule: 7:30am-2:30pm
  • Half-Day Schedule: 7:30am-10:55am
  • Friday Early Release Schedule: 7:30am-1:09pm
  • 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!
  • PCHS Morning Announcement Request Form
  • PCS 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

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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

Julia McBride
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