Tiger Update
Information about Pickerington High School Central (8/23/25)
Message from Mr. Parker
Greetings, Tiger Nation!
Week One Down!
The ship is sailing, and what a fantastic start it's been!
Our Tiger educators and students had a phenomenal first week, keeping our yearly emphasis in focus. Students stayed in classes where the magic happens, and phones were in phone caddies or book bags all period long. This allowed students to focus on learning, and teachers noticed the difference. Let's work to keep this the standard. Excellent work!
We have worked hard to create a warm and supportive learning environment for our students. Let's stay committed to our shared expectations and to our students. Continue to discuss our Core Values—Trust, Integrity, and Empathy—with them every day. As we know, repetition is the key to learning. Let them hear it, let them see it, and, most importantly, give them opportunities to show it. Let's continue to build on this fantastic start and encourage our students to Reach Your Full Potential (RYFP).
Put our Core Values into action: now let's go out there and make it happen!
As Always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Mr. Parker
Initiative Updates for the 2025-26 School Year (Cellphones / PCDs)
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!
At PHSC, we're all about creating the best possible learning environment for our students. As educators, we know that the biggest key to success on Ohio state tests, AP exams, ACT, CCP, and even daily classroom assessments, is consistent, engaged time right here in the classroom.
Last year, we noticed that many students were spending significant time out of class on hall passes. To make sure every student can truly maximize their learning potential this year, we're putting a new hall pass policy in place.
We completely understand that students sometimes need a quick break or a restroom visit. To make this easier, our new schedule includes 5-minute transition times between classes. This gives students plenty of opportunity to take care of these needs before diving into their next lesson.
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)
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: 8/22/2025
How to see your School Counselor:
Students may request an appointment to see their school counselor by clicking on their name below, for a variety of reasons, including:
•Struggling academically, socially, or emotionally
•Problem-solving
•Career and College Counseling
•Conflict resolution
•Any general concerns
Schedule Change Request Procedure:
There are specific procedures that must be followed to request a schedule change. Use this link to familiarize yourself with the procedures and all necessary steps: Schedule Change Request Procedure
College Representative Visits:
Attention Juniors and Seniors!
Meet college admissions representatives at PHSC and learn about different college options.
To register: Login to SchooLinks->Go to Events->Register for a college visit.
September Rep Visits (already scheduled)
Columbus State Community College
Marietta College
Miami University (Ohio)
University of Mt. Union
University of Toledo
Walsh University
Wittenberg University
Check in SchooLinks regularly to see the updated list of college representative visits!
College Fair-Save the Date!
PHSC/PHSN along with the other Fairfield County High Schools will be hosting a college fair on September 24, 2025 at 6-8PM at Ohio Univeristy Lancaster campus.
More information coming soon on how to register and specific details regarding the college fair!
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 classrooms to stay informed:
Class of 2026 rugnepm
Class of 2027 6plgntd
Class of 2028 437pgrk
Class of 2029 75rgh2hy
Students in AP Classes - this DOES NOT apply to Pre-AP courses
Please keep an eye out for updates from the AP Coordinator, Ms. Hoffman, coming soon. For now, make sure to join your AP Classroom for each AP course you are in and indicate whether you would like to order your exam by November 1st, 2025.
Seniors Parking Lot Painting - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO TUESDAY 8/19
Hey Seniors!
Get ready to start a brand new tradition! We're thrilled to announce we're kicking off Seniors Painting Parking Spots in the LT Lot. We're still nailing down all the details, but you can learn more about this awesome opportunity during Welcome Days on August 5th and 6th.
See Mr. Cooper or Mrs. Korbar for more info. Can't wait to see your creativity!
We'll see you soon!
Info from Sr. Elections Official with the Fairfield County Board of Elections
Please see the attached information. Sr. Elections Official with the Fairfield County Board of Elections will be available at upcoming lunch periods (TBD) to speak with eligible students.
SUPPORT TIGER FOOTBALL!!!
Please consider supporting our Tiger Football Team. The Corner Bar & Grill awaits!
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.
Girls Soccer
Our Girls Soccer Team fought hard and came our with a TIE against a great Pick North team in our Home Opener!!
The Best Darn Band in the Land
Our Tiger Band does an incredible job setting the atmosphere for a Tiger Win!!
Football Friday Nights
Our Football Team had a great performance with a win over the Gahanna Lions - 45 to 14!!
