Tiger Update
Information about Pickerington High School Central (10/4/25)
Message from Mr. Parker
Tiger Nation! 🐅
Navigating the Final Stretch of the Quarter
As we transition from the summer heat into the crispness of Fall, we are entering Week 8 of the school year. This marks a critical moment: we are sailing into the close of the first grading period!
Just as a sailor sharpens their vision and keeps their discipline sound to navigate a shifting tide, we must do the same. Week 9 is quickly approaching, and it represents the deadline for all first-quarter grades.
It's time to lock in! We encourage every scholar to work closely with their support staff, teachers, and counselors this week. Ensure you have the knowledge you need and are on the right track to get the grades you desire. Our commitment to Trust, Integrity, and Empathy means our entire crew is here to help you cross that finish line strong.
Let's keep this momentum—this strong wind in our sails—going as we continue to journey toward a successful school year. Your support and encouragement are vital. Let's continue to uphold our Core Values, support each other, and encourage everyone to Reach Your Full Potential (RYFP)!
Sail on! 💨
As Always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Mr. Parker
Important Dates (Fall is here!)
October 4th: Tiger Marching Band performs in the Grove City Band Competition - 7:20 pm (Come out and Support!)
October 7th: Senior Cap and Gown Photo Day in the Main Gym
October 9th: Choir Concert - 7pm
October 10th: Orchestra Concert - 7pm
October 10th: Deadline to register for the PSAT
October 17th: No School for Students: Records Day
October 18th: College and Career Workshop - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
October 22nd: PSAT for Registered Students at Central. - 8:00 a.m.
October 23rd - 25th: PHSC Theatre Presents: The Diary of Anne Frank
November 1st: PTO Craft Show at Central
College and Career Workshop Reminders:
Event: Pickerington Local School College and Career Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00-2:00pm
Event Location: Pickerington High School North (PHSN), 7800 Refugee Rd, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
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.
Senior Cap & Gown Pictures
Attention Seniors:
On Tuesday, October 7th, Jostens will be at Pickerington Central to take Cap & Gown pictures from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. These pictures will be used at end of year events such as our Distinguished Scholars Ceremony and Graduation.
Students who attend classes off campus are encouraged to attend to have their picture taken.
PLEASE NOTE: Gowns will be provided for the pictures since the ordering link has not been sent out yet. Also, caps will NOT be worn, but rather held and visible in the photo.
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: 9/24/2025
How to see your School Counselor:
Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting
PHSC School Counselor Weekly Update: 10/4/2025
How to see your School Counselor:
Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting
Freshmen Meetings
PHSC School Counselors met with Freshmen this week to discuss SchooLinks, Graduation Requirements and had students create a SMART Goal. Students who were unable to create a SMART goal due to questions being asked during the presentation can still create one.
Click here to see what we discussed.
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
No updates at this time. Please reach out to Mrs. Dashner if you have any questions.
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.
October Rep Visits
Cleveland State University
Malone University
Mt. Carmel College of Nursing
Ohio Christian University
Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Northern University
Ohio University (it is listed as Lancaster, but it is for OU Athens and Lancaster)
Ohio Wesleyan University
Otterbein University
University of Akron
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Louisville
Wittenberg University
November Visits
Shawnee State University
Tiffin University
University of Rio Grande
Xavier University
Check in SchooLinks regularly to see the updated list of college representative visits!
PSAT/NMSQT
Hello PHS Central Juniors!
This fall nearly 1.5 million junior students across the United States will have the opportunity to take the optional PSAT. Students who take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test - National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will have the chance to familiarize themselves with the testing format used on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a college entrance exam required by many out-of-state colleges.
The PSAT measures critical reading, writing, and math abilities and gives each student the chance to compare their performance in these areas with other college-bound juniors across the nation.
Juniors who score exceptionally well on the PSAT/NMSQT will be selected for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Program, which enables talented students to compete for National Merit Scholarships. Please go to this site for more information about this test: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt
This year PHS Central students will take the test on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 8:00 am. The deadline to register is October 10, 2025 by 3:00pm. The deadline will not be extended as we need to prepare for the test day. The PSAT is administered at PHSC once each school year and is a voluntary test. However, it is highly recommended that all college-bound juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT. Sophomores may take the test to practice for next year's test, but preference will be given to juniors if the test sells out.
Students who register for the test will have a $20 fee added to their Infinite Campus account. This fee covers the cost of the test, scoring, and administration fees. Online payment can be made via IC or by calling Amy Stone (614.548.1802) to make a payment. The fee will be posted in IC after the sign up deadline (Oct. 10, 2025). If payment is not made by the test day, students will not be allowed to test. Testing results will be available online a few weeks after the test.
Students are encouraged to take the practice test before taking the PSAT/NMSQT on October 22, 2024. To prepare for the test, students can use the following resource: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparing
Students may register for the PSAT/NMSQT by completing the Google form:
Please note the deadline for PSAT registration is October 10, 2025 or when tests sell out.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Michael_Yinger@plsd.us or maria_perez@plsd.us
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.
Fairfield County Workforce Development Center
Career Navigator Update 9/26/25
Please click on the link above for Holiday Help.
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
Here is your new AP Website: PHSC AP Google Site
Instead of a weekly AP newsletter, Ms. Hoffman will make updates to the AP Google Site and send it out to families. Biggest update for now is to 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.
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.
Career Center National Honor Society
Some of our Central Students being honored for their hard work in the classroom and career center!! Congratulations and Excellent work Ladies!! #TigerUp #TigersTIE #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Boys Soccer Senior Night
More Senior Night Pics are below:
Mr. Parker's Favorite Books!
Shout out to Ms. Adams for displaying staff members favorite reads. I happened to be the first staff member picked! Thanks so much for showing my love of reading!! #TigerUp #TigersTIE #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Chris Aryitey, and SALMXXIII Logistics LLC donate school supply!
On behalf of Pickerington Local Schools, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you and SALMXXIII Logistics LLC for your generous donation of backpacks and school supplies.
We were able to successfully deliver the items to Pickerington High School Central and Diley Middle School on Monday. Your support will make a meaningful difference for students who need it most.
We truly appreciate your partnership and commitment to our community. Thank you again for helping us ensure our students are equipped for success. - Adrienne Bowden
Donations!
Principal Koch receiving school supply donated by Chris.
Donations!
Chris and his team unloading school supply donation!
Donations!
Chris and his team smile for the picture!
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:
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)
