We are Pick North

BUILDING STUDENT LEADERS THROUGH INNOVATION AND SERVICE. Part of the Pickerington Local School District, Pickerington High School North serves students in grades 9 through 12. Our school focuses on connecting our students with the high school experience. #GoPanthers

Asst. Principal Student Assignments

• A-Cn Pam Waits
• Co-I Nick Casale
• J-Pq Kim Cox
• Pr-Z John Downing
• Mike Hudak - Principal

Counselor Student Assignments

• A-Cn Meghan Wade
• Co-He Colby Schmitt
• Hf-Mc Kendra Stewart
• Md-Sc Eric Rutter
• Sd-Z Emma Baucher

We build student leaders through innovation and service. Our school strives to connect all students to the high school experience.

Hello Pick North Families,

We had a great week here at Pick North and we appreciate all of the parents, students and staff that have helped make it a great week! Please be sure and check your student's Infinite Campus for grade checks as we posted interim grades as of Wednesday 9/16.

The State Report Card has come out for PHSN and we have a rating of 4.5 stars. It takes ALL OF US ( Staff, Students and Parents ) to achieve this and again we have worked through the noise and relentlessly pursued excellence for our students and our community. We have exceeded state expectations and MOST IMPORTANTLY we have lived up to OUR EXPECTATIONS which encompasses far more then the state criteria. WE ARE PN, WE ARE A BRAND and WE ARE FOUR YEARS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

Please click on the link to see all of the data points.

25/26 School Report Card

Upcoming Events

Thursday 9/24: Parent-Teacher Conferences from 3:30pm - 7pm. This evening will be held virtually. Please contact your student's teacher to schedule a conference time.

Saturday 10/3: Homecoming Dance at PHSN from 7:30pm - 10:00pm. No tickets will be sold at the Dance. Tickets are on sale through Hometown Ticketing starting 9/18 for $25 each.

Saturday 10/17: Trunk or Treat from 2:30pm - 4pm in the Panther stadium. For all ages and costumes are encouraged!

Information links below that will remain in the newsletter for a reminder and for all of our new enrolled families that join us throughout the year.

• We have our New cell phone/PCD policy
• Bus/Parking and Parent drop off information

As we kick off the academic year and athletic seasons, please make sure you're staying up to date with our calendar of events down below in the newsletter. The link below has all of the information for our Fan and student expectations for all of our Athletic events.

https://www.plsd.us/students-families/student-handbooks-agreements/fan-code-of-conduct

As we embrace our message of "Stronger Together," we are asking everyone to continue having conversations with students about maintaining academic integrity. This includes no cell phone/PCD use to avoid disruptions or distractions during the school day. We appreciate your support and the students’ cooperation in keeping the school environment focused on learning. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Stronger Together,

Mike Hudak

Principal

Every Minute Matters: Supporting Student Attendance

You may have seen our recent District communication about changes to attendance communication this school year. As Ohio implements new attendance requirements under House Bill 96 (HB 96), families will receive more information from schools about the amount of instructional time students miss.

Our focus in Pickerington is on awareness, communication and support—not simply counting absences.

Why does attendance matter?

Regular attendance gives students consistent opportunities to learn from their teachers, collaborate with classmates, participate in classroom experiences and build the knowledge and skills that support their success.

What can families expect?

At 38 hours of missed instructional time:
Your school will contact you to make you aware of the amount of instructional time your student has missed. This early communication is intended to provide families with information before a student reaches the state's 5% attendance threshold.

What is the 5% threshold?
Ohio considers missing 5% or more of the instructional time for which a student is enrolled to be a level of absenteeism that requires additional attention and intervention.

At 65 hours of missed instructional time:
Your school will make personalized contact with your family. This provides an opportunity to talk about your student's attendance, understand any challenges that may be getting in the way of regular attendance and connect you with support or resources when needed.

Why does missed time matter?

We understand that students sometimes need to be absent. Illness, appointments, family circumstances and other situations happen, and absences will continue to be identified as excused or unexcused based on the reason for the absence and applicable District requirements.

At the same time, even an excused absence means a student misses something—a lesson, a class discussion, time with classmates, hands-on learning or an opportunity to practice an important skill.

Our goal is to recognize concerns early and work alongside families before attendance becomes a bigger challenge.

Every day a student is able to be at school is another opportunity to learn, connect and grow. Together, we can help our students make the most of those opportunities.

For more information, visit Student Attendance: What Families Need to Know on the Pickerington Local Schools website.

The Data Team has been working with BusRight to help families who are experiencing difficulty accessing the BusRight app.

One common issue is that a parent or guardian email address may be missing or outdated in Infinite Campus. This information is needed for families to successfully access their BusRight accounts.

To help resolve this issue, we have provided step-by-step instructions for families to verify and update their contact information in Infinite Campus.

Please click the link below to view the instructions and make sure your information is up to date.

Thank you for your cooperation!

As we prepare for the start of school, our Petermann transportation team is actively working through student transportation requests, route assignments, and final adjustments.

We understand families may have questions about their student's transportation information. If your student is missing a route, has an incorrect route or stop, is missing an AM or PM assignment, or you believe their transportation information needs to be reviewed, please contact the Petermann Transportation Office.

Petermann will review your student's individual transportation request and information and determine the appropriate next steps.

When contacting the Transportation Office, please have the following information available:

• Student's full name

• School

• Student ID, if available

• Current home address

• Specific transportation question or concern

Petermann Transportation Office at 614-837-8525.

Transportation requests and corrections are actively being reviewed, and updates may take some time to appear as routing changes are completed. We appreciate your patience as the Transportation Team works to ensure students have accurate transportation information.

Thank you for your partnership and understanding.

Pickerington Local School District

Chromebook repairs can be costly. For $40, the Technology Protection Plan provides up to $400 in coverage for eligible repairs throughout the school year.

• Pay by September 30 to participate.
• The fee is already available in eligible students’ Infinite Campus accounts.
• Students whose families do not purchase the plan will be responsible for repair costs.

For more information, review your student’s handbook or contact the Technology Department's Device Fee Specialist Natalie Ruble at 614-834-2109. Please remind students to handle their Chromebook with care. *Intentional damage is not covered.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Pickerington North will have the opportunity to provide some therapeutic work to our students and staff this year through the use of a therapy dog. The dog that will be coming into our building has been certified by a therapy dog licensing agency and has completed extensive training to provide support and service to individuals in a variety of settings, including schools.

Therapy Dog research reveals many positive effects as listed below:

• Encouraging communication from students reluctant to speak in other situations

• Facilitating practice of social skills and encouraging a safe environment for sharing

• Helping people cope with grief and loss, illness, or disappointment in their life by creating a calming effect and helping reduce anxiety or stress responses

• Raising endorphin levels in the body through stimulating these senses

• Lowering blood pressure

The therapy dog will mainly be utilized through the counseling office in individual and/or small group settings with selective participants but there will be times that she will be available to visit a classroom for arranged academic and social learning support. While we want to offer opportunities for all the benefits that the therapy dogs can provide we also want to protect and uphold our policy toward the health and safety concerns of all of our students. We realize that some students have allergies or other concerns that we need to take into consideration while continuing to provide a safe environment for all. If your child has a medical or emotional issue that would prevent him/her from being near the therapy dog, please contact Julie Pitman, school psychologist at 614.830.2700.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child working with the therapy dogs, or any questions about the program in general, please feel free to contact Julie Pitman or a building administrator.

Sincerely,

Julie Pitman

School Psychologist

Please review the linked document for details about the survey we will have students complete on Wednesday, October 7. You can reach out to your student's counselor or administrator if you have any questions.

Panorama Parent/Guardian Survey Letter- English

Panorama Parent/Guardian Survey Letter- Nepali

Panorama Parent/Guardian Survey Letter- Spanish

Pickerington Local Schools offers students in grades 7–12 the opportunity to demonstrate their language skills by taking the AAPPL assessment. Depending on their results, students may be able to:

• Earn up to 4 high school world language credits

• Meet the language proficiency requirement for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy

What is the AAPPL?

The AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) measures how well a student can use a language in real-world situations. Students are assessed in four areas:

• Speaking

• Writing

• Reading

• Listening

The full assessment takes approximately two hours.

Students must be able to read and understand the test directions in English and be able to speak, write, listen, and read in the language they are testing.

What languages are available?

AAPPL testing is available in ASL, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Testing may also be available for other languages, although the test format and cost may be different. Families interested in another language should still complete the AAPPL Interest Form, and someone will follow up with additional information.

What happens after the test?

Students receive a score for each of the four areas tested. Pickerington Local Schools will review the student's results to determine how much high school world language credit the student has earned.

Students may earn up to 4 world language credits based on their results. Students may also qualify for the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy if they meet the required language proficiency level within 15 months of graduation and meet the English proficiency requirement through the ELA II or OELPA assessment.

Cost

The AAPPL assessment costs $20. The fee will be added to the student's Infinite Campus fee account after testing.

Fall 2026 Testing Dates

Pickerington High School North: October 28, 2026
Pickerington High School Central: October 29, 2026
Lakeview Junior High: November 18, 2026
Central Junior High: November 19, 2026

Interested in having your student participate?

Please complete the AAPPL Interest Form to let us know your student would like to test. Additional information about the testing process will be shared with interested families.

This is a great opportunity for students who already know another language to have their skills recognized and potentially earn high school credit and the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy.

Hello Panthers!

PSAT Testing for Juniors and Sophomores

The PSAT/NMSQT test for Sophomores and Juniors will be given on Wednesday, October 21 from 8am-12:00pm. The cost will be $18.00. The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice SAT exam that also provides Juniors with the opportunity to earn scholarships. The deadline to register is Friday, September 4th at 3pm. Students can register for the exam by using this link.

Testing Accommodations

Students with approved testing accommodations through a Section 504 plan or IEP will need to have their IEP or 504 plan submitted to College Board if they wish to take the exam with their testing accommodations. The request for testing accommodations can only be submitted by completing this linked form and providing it to Mr. Rutter via email at eric_rutter@plsd.us or drop off to the counseling office by August 28th.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Rutter at eric_rutter@plsd.us or 614.830-2722.

-PHSN Counselors

Wondering what college might be the right fit for you?

Throughout the school year, college and university representatives will be visiting Pickerington High School North to share information about their schools, programs, admissions, scholarships, and more!

These visits are a great chance to learn about your options, ask questions, and connect directly with college representatives—all without leaving school!

📅 When: College visits are offered throughout the school year
⏰ When you can attend: 2nd or 3rd Period
📍 Where: See SchooLinks for visit details

How to Sign Up

1. Log in to your SchooLinks account.
2. Go to “Events.”
3. Browse upcoming college representative visits.
4. Sign up for any visits that interest you!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore colleges, discover new possibilities, and start planning for life after high school! Be sure to check SchooLinks regularly, as new visits will be added throughout the year.

We would like to invite our students and families to attend the 30th Annual College Fair at Ohio University Lancaster. Students will have the opportunity to speak directly with admissions representatives from more than 50 colleges, universities, and technical schools—all in one evening.

Event details:

Tuesday, September 22
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Ohio University Lancaster
1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster

A financial-aid session will also be offered at 6:30 p.m. in the Wilkes Art Gallery.

Admission and parking are free.

This is a StriveScan event. Students are encouraged to register for their personal barcode before the fair at www.StriveFair.com. They may also register when they arrive.

(PoPP) is a volunteer program that brings more caring adults into our schools to support students and staff. Parent volunteers play a vital role in education—not only as valuable resources for teachers but also as role models who show students that school is important and worth their time and effort.

Through PoPP, parents have the opportunity to actively engage in the schools their children attend, fostering a strong sense of community. By spreading encouragement and building positive relationships, PoPP volunteers help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Join PoPP today and be a catalyst for change. Together, we’ll shape a brighter future—one uplifting interaction at a time.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up today by following the link!

Application link

Looking for game schedules, tickets, team information, updates, and more? We’ve got you covered!

Visit PNathletics.com for all your Pickerington North Athletics needs!

Schedules

Tickets

Scores & Results

Athletic Updates

Team Information & More

Stay connected. Stay informed. Go Panthers!

PNathletics.com

Pay-to-Play Fee Reminder

The first half of Pay-to-Play fees was due Friday, August 21. The remaining balance is due Friday, September 18.

If you have not yet made your first payment, please do so immediately.

Please make sure all Pay-to-Play payments are submitted by the required deadlines.

How to Make Your Payment:

Online through Infinite Campus:

1. Go to Fees.
2. Click on Athletic Fee.
3. Enter the amount you would like to pay.
4. Please make sure you select Athletic Fee when making your payment. If you do not select Athletic Fee, your payment may be applied to your athlete’s educational fees instead.

Cash or Check:
You may also pay by cash or check in the Athletic Office, Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM.

Immunization Requirements

Twelve Grade Immunization Requirements

Per the Ohio Department of Health, all students entering grade 12 must show documentation of having received two doses of Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine before being allowed to attend school in the fall. Your student will not be able to start school on August 15th and devices will be deactivated until documentation of the required vaccine or a signed exemption form is on file.

New Students Immunization Requirements

All new students to Pickerington Schools must present written evidence of immunizations or written evidence to indicate that they are in the process of receiving immunizations, to be completed no later than the day of entrance. Students failing to complete immunizations within 14 days after entering are not permitted to return to school.

In English:

Pickerington Schools will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in all services, activities, and programs available throughout the district. It is the policy of PLSD to ensure meaningful communication with LEP students and families and to communicate information related to the education of all students. All services needed to comply with this policy will be provided for students and their families in need of such assistance free of charge. For assistance, please call 614-833-2110.

(In Nepali)

भाषा सहायतासम्बन्धी सूचना:

Pickerington Schools ले सीमित अङ्ग्रेजी प्रवीणता (LEP) भएका व्यक्तिहरूसँग डिस्ट्रिक्टभर उपलब्ध सबै सेवा, क्रियाकलाप र कार्यक्रमहरूमा अर्थपूर्ण पहुँच र सहभागी हुन पाउने समान अवसर छ भनी सुनिश्चित गर्नका लागि उचित कदमहरू चाल्ने छ। LEP भएका विद्यार्थी र परिवारहरूसँग अर्थपूर्ण सञ्चार सुनिश्चित गर्ने र सबै विद्यार्थीहरूको शिक्षासँग सम्बन्धित जानकारी सञ्चार गर्ने PLSD को नीति हो। यो नीतिको अनुपालन गर्न आवश्यक पर्ने सबै सेवाहरू यस प्रकारको सहायता आवश्यक भएका विद्यार्थी र उहाँहरूका परिवारहरूलाई निःशुल्क रूपमा उपलब्ध गराइने छ। सहायताको लागि, कृपया 614-833-2110 मा कल गर्नुहोस्



En Español:

Las escuelas de Pickerington tomarán medidas razonables para garantizar que las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP) tengan un acceso fácil y la misma oportunidad de participar en todos los servicios, actividades y programas disponibles en todo el distrito. La política de PLSD es asegurar una comunicación significativa con los estudiantes LEP, sus familias y comunicar información relacionada con la educación de todos los estudiantes. Todos los servicios necesarios para cumplir con esta política se proporcionarán a los estudiantes y sus familias que necesiten dicha asistencia de forma gratuita. Para obtener ayuda, llame al 614-833-2110.