PCHS Pirate News

October 26, 2026

Dear Pirate Families,

This week we have our College and Career Readiness Day on Tuesday morning. This will take the place of hours 1-4. See below for more information.

We also have one more fall parent/teacher conference this week. Hope to see many of you there! Students will not be in school Thursday, Friday, or Monday. Hope they enjoy a little break!

Thank you for your continued support,

- Dr. Kiel Giese

Principal, Platte County High School

Oct. 26: PSAT Readiness Check, 7:30 am, N Gym

Oct. 26: FCCLA Stuff the Turkey Donation Drive begins

Oct. 27: College and Career Readiness Day, 9:30 am -11:30 am

Oct. 28: PSAT Exam, 7:30 am, N Gym

Oct. 30: No School

Nov. 1: PTSA Fundraiser at Panda Express

Nov. 2: No School, Professional Learning Community Day

Nov. 9: Semester Graduate Meeting, Anchor Time

Nov. 11: Veterans Day Salute, 1:45 pm, Fieldhouse

Nov. 11: Fall Musical, 7 pm

Nov. 12: Northland Career Center Open House, 4:30-7:30 pm

Nov. 12: Fall Musical, 7 pm

Nov. 14: Fall Musical, 2 pm & 7 pm

Nov. 18: School Picture Retake Day

Nov. 19: Sports Marketing FALL WINTER MEDIA DAY

Nov. 25-27: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 3: Ribbon Cutting & Open House, Phase II, 5:30 pm

Click here to view the full calendar on our website.

Activities Calendar

This is a reminder that we will be hosting our College and Career Readiness Day on Tuesday, October 27th from 7:30-12. They will not have their 1st through 4th hour classes. They will participate in the following opportunities:

Freshmen

Freshmen students will explore three careers from their Program of Study. Presentations and activities will be provided by experts in the field who volunteer their time to share about their field.

Sophomore

Sophomore students will take the ASVAB test. As a Sophomore, this test is not reported to the military for recruiting. Students will receive career suggestions based on their results from the ASVAB. Sophomores will also explore careers through the National Guard with their Guard X experience.

Juniors

Based on the choice they made earlier, Juniors will take either the Accuplacer, ACT, or ASVAB that is reported to the military.

Seniors

Seniors will have field trip opportunities to explore a 4-year university at UMKC, a community college at Maple Woods, and an industry tour. They made their selection via a Google Form which was sent to students the first week of school.

*If students choose their own college visit or job shadow experience, a student will be counted absent for the day.

Please be advised that students should not be using their personal hotspot to connect their MacBooks to their phone. If students are having issues connecting to the school WIFI, there are steps for them to follow:

1. Please restart the MacBook.

2. Click on the WIFI symbol and then PCR3-district.

3. If steps 1 and 2 do not work, students should have the library complete a work ticket.

If students are connected to their personal device, they will be asked to disconnect, and it will be documented as a technology misuse, just as a cell phone or air pods would be documented.

Student who attend MCC for Early College Academy: If they will be absent, parents should call in to the high school office to report the absence from the ECA program for that day.

Device insurance for student devices has moved to a new system for the 2026-27 school year. Families who wish to participate must enroll by October 29 through your PowerSchool Parent Portal account.

• Enrollment Cost: $30 per student device
• Free/Reduced Meal Students: $0 enrollment cost
• How to Enroll: Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal account and complete the Insurance Form under "Forms." Via the PowerSchool app, go to "More," then "Forms." The $30 enrollment fee will be collected within the form.

The final Fall Conference date is October 29th.

• October 29 - 7:30 am-3:00 pm

To set up appointments with your student's teachers, click the link below and find the teachers' names. Their link will take you to their appointment calendar. You have the choice of virtual or in-person.

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

The mission of the Platte County High School Pirate After School Support is to provide a safe place for high school students to be able to work quietly or collaboratively with staff or peers.

Hours:

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Activity Bus:

A modified activity bus route is available at 5 after Pirate After School Support ends. Visit the transportation website to see if there is a stop near your home. Students who attend Pirate After School Support until 4:50 and let the staff member know they are planning on riding the activity bus will be added to the list to ride home. If they are not on the list they cannot ride the bus.

This is a voluntary program. Students are welcomed to come for just part of the time or all of it. Students are not allowed to leave and “wander” the grounds or leave and then ride the activity bus home. If students are riding the activity bus they must be at Pirate After School Support until 4:50 to get on the list. Students can leave with their own rides at any time.

Safety is our District's top priority. PCR-3 has a system of safety and security measures in place, including trained security staff, secure entryways, ongoing monitoring, and partnership with local law enforcement.

We remind parents, staff, and students that school safety is the responsibility of the entire school community. Please follow the principle of "see something, say something." If anyone (student, parent, staff member, community member) sees or hears anything of concern, please contact the District office at (816) 858-5420 so that those concerns can be investigated. You and your child can also easily report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue you're concerned about through our online Safe Schools Alert system. Every tip is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Each building's website has the Safe Schools icon located within the “quick links” bar on the homepage.

Please take time to complete the acknowledgement form in your parent portal under FORMS.

Handbook may be viewed via the link below. 👇

Check back each edition for updates.

SENIOR IMPORTANT DATES 2026-27

Please find the information that was shared at Senior Night linked and attached below.

If you missed your senior photo appointment with Reed Portrait Group, please call their studio, located on North Oak, at 816.436.5550.

**We will also have ONE MORE opportunity on November 18, between 8:00 and 11:00 for seniors to have a picture done for the yearbook. However, the makeup day will not be with cap and gown. If you want a cap/gown portrait taken, please call them for a time to go to their studio.

All appointments and information will be through their studio.

Have a former graduate? If you would like to donate their cap and gown to the high school for a student in need, please drop them off at any welcome desk!

Thank you!

Help FCCLA collect items needed for our Treasure Chest and help support members of our community.

What to donate:

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Laundry Soap
• Body Wash
• Toothpaste & toothbrushes
• Toilet Paper
• Deodorant

It's ON, Anchor Time Classes! Donation Drive Contest begins Monday, October 26 through November 30.

Items collected will be tallied in your Anchor Time each week.

The Anchor Time with the most donated items will get a PIZZA PARTY!

Northland Career Center (NCC) is holding their Open House on November 12th, from 4:30-7:30 pm.

Come meet their instructors, learn about the different programs, connect with current students, and tour the facility.

Help keep our roads safe by wearing your seat belt every trip and putting your phone away while driving. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or home, staying focused helps protect you and everyone around you.

Did you know Missouri’s hands-free cell phone law applies to drivers of all ages? Through the BUPD High School Showdown, students will learn what the law means for drivers and how to stay compliant behind the wheel.

Our students are competing this fall for a chance to win money to support Arrive Alive and After Prom—and you can help! Scan the QR code on the attached flyer and take the Buckle Up, Phone Down pledge.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping make our roads safer!

The campaign ends December 18, 2026.

savemolives.com/mcrs/AAAShowdown

Panda Express Fundraiser – Support PCHS PTSA! 🧡🖤

Sunday, November 1 | 10 AM–10 PM

5905 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City

20% of qualifying sales benefit PCHS PTSA!

Order at PandaExpress.com or through the app using code 3866998, or show the flyer in person.

Thank you for supporting our Pirates!

Permit Academy is designed to help soon-to-be drivers feel confident and prepared for their Missouri permit exam. This class covers the Missouri Driver’s Guide, rules of the road, defensive driving basics, occupant restraints, road sign recognition, and includes practice written tests.

Classes will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 p.m., with both in-person and virtual options available. The cost is $40 per student, with limited in-person seating. Adults may attend virtually only.

This course is for students seeking their permit only—no behind-the-wheel driving instruction will take place. In-person classes will be held at the St. Joseph Safety & Health Council, 3131 Frederick Ave suite 220. Registration is available online at www.stjoesafetycouncil.org

Along with Newkirk Novak Construction Partners and Incite Design Studio, the District will be hosting a ribbon cutting and open house of Phase 2 of the PCHS Rebuild project on Thursday, December 3 from 5:30-7:30pm. Please enter through the new main entrance! This event is open to the community and tours and refreshments will be provided following the ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. Come tour our new completed high school which will be open for second semester!

Platte County School District is starting a new tradition to recognize the employees who make a difference every day.

Orange Crush celebrates Pirates who are “CRUSHING IT” in the ways they support our students, staff, schools and community. From creating meaningful experiences and welcoming environments to showing exceptional care and making a positive impact, Orange Crush gives us a chance to shine a light on the people behind the everyday moments that matter.

All employee groups are eligible to be nominated throughout the school year. Nominations will be reviewed by the District's Executive Leadership Team, and every nominee will be acknowledged for the positive impact they are making across our District with at least one (or maybe more!) nominees selected monthly as an Orange Crush honoree.

Submit a nomination today!

All tickets for PCR-3 athletic events are digital. Fans can purchase tickets online through GoFan or by presenting a card or mobile payment option at the ticket gate. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
(UPDATE for 26-27) A regular season game is $7 for adults and $5 for students. PCHS students and fans aged 55 and older are admitted free with a valid ID. Click here for a link to purchase all sports passes and individual tickets.

Spectator & Ticket Information 2026-2027

Pirate Activities Website

Activities Calendar

Nov. 2: District Soccer Begins

• PCHS Boys V, 6 pm

Nov. 6:

• Football, V District Playoffs, 7 pm

Parents can use Parent Portal (www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/parents/parent_portal) to keep up to date on grades and assignments (for students in grades 6-12), attendance, and make meal and fee payments (Go to "Balances" once logged into Parent Portal).

• Click here for Guide to Parent Portal.
  

New parents who have not received their PowerSchool Access ID and Password should contact our school for assistance.

Gear Up. Anchor Down. The PCHS Pirate Store is officially open online for the 2026–2027 school year!

Shop the latest student-designed Pirate gear created by our PCHS Business & Marketing students. From T-shirts, sweatshirts and fan gear to hats, water bottles, accessories and more, there’s something for Pirates of every age.

This year’s collections celebrate everything that makes Platte County special—our traditions, our history, our students and the Pirate pride that connects generations.

Student Designed
Pirate Inspired
Made for the Pirate Community

New designs and products will continue to be added throughout the year, so be sure to check back often!

Scan the QR code to shop the Pirate Store online and show your Pirate Pride all year long.

WEBSITE LINK: https://pchs-pirate-store.square.site

Once a Pirate. Always a Pirate.
GEAR UP. ANCHOR DOWN.

Since 2005, Pirates ROCK (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) has helped shape a strong culture of character across Platte County School District. More than 20 years later and beginning with the 2026-27 school year, we're building on that tradition by aligning Pirates ROCK with our Portrait of a Graduate essential skills.

This evolution creates a more consistent, student-centered approach to character development by focusing on the six essential skills that prepare learners to thrive in school, careers, and life. Students will continue to be recognized for demonstrating outstanding character while developing the competencies that support our mission of ensuring every learner thrives in an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience, all through a consistent framework and shared language as they grow from kindergarten through graduation.

Throughout the year, we'll focus on these essential skills:

• August/September: Effective Communication
• October/November: Self-Awareness
• December/January: Personal Connections
• February: Personal Growth
• March: Problem-Solving
• April: Global Connections

See image for the Meeting dates for 2026-27.

Email - ptsapchs@gmail.com

Website - https://ptsapchs.wixsite.com/pchs

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PlatteCountyHighSchoolPtsa

Our mission is to encourage, support, and recognize music students; assist directors and staff; promote parent involvement; and strengthen connections between school, home, and community. Together, we build more than music—we build memories!

Becoming a volunteer is easy, and it's a chance to experience behind-the-scenes moments, build lasting friendships, and make a meaningful impact on out music program.

For membership details, volunteer opportunities, and meeting information, visit

pcmpa.org

Join Booster Club!

Get involved! Have fun! Support the Pirates!

Our officers:

• President- Keri Dillingham
• Vice President- Kim Macias-Lewis
• Treasurer- Robin Herron

our website is: http://www.pchsboosterclub.com/

Click the links below to join Booster Club and to volunteer at the concession stands during home games.

• MEMBERSHIP
• SIGN-UP GENIUS TO VOLUNTEER TO WORK CONCESSIONS

The PCR-3 Treasure Chest is a stocked resource center providing food, milk, and toiletries for PCR-3 students and families in need. Qualifying families will receive a weekly form via email to sign up or can call 816-858-7001 for assistance.

Families will receive an email with approval to come to the Treasure Chest on Wednesdays from 4-6pm at the new Treasure Chest site (south side of Paxton building*).