Tiger Update

Tiger Nation! 🐅

Quarter 4: Week 5 ⚓

We continue Full Steam Ahead at PHSC! This past week, we held our Senior Class Meeting, and it went very well. We shared important information, key dates, and upcoming events as we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026. Senior families, there are many important milestones ahead, and we hope you are able to attend and be part of these special moments.

As we get closer to the end of the school year, it is natural for some students—especially seniors—to begin to relax. During the meeting, we discussed the phenomenon of minor car accidents occurring closer to home—not because the destination is dangerous, but because familiarity can lead to lowered attention. The same is true as students approach the end of high school. Comfort and routine can sometimes lead to decreased urgency, missed assignments, or a loss of focus. It’s not the finish line that creates risk; it’s the false sense of security that comes with being so close. We ask that you continue these conversations at home and encourage your seniors to stay focused and finish strong over these final weeks.

While we continue to celebrate our seniors, our Building Leadership Team has also been hard at work planning for the 2026–2027 school year. This week, we focused on how to strengthen student belonging across our building. Our goal is to continue creating a positive emotional climate for learning—one that supports connection, engagement, and ultimately drives student achievement for all. We are excited about the work currently taking place and even more excited about what lies ahead. In addition, our staff completed the fourth of five SIOP trainings this past Wednesday as we continue to focus on getting better at getting better in support of all learners. We appreciate the ongoing commitment of our staff to grow, reflect, and refine their practices.

This week, our students will take the Math OSTs (Algebra I and Geometry). We encourage all students to be well-rested, prepared, and ready to give their best effort. Confidence, focus, and perseverance are key—this is an opportunity for students to showcase their learning and growth. (see schedule below)

As we move forward, let’s continue to embody Macte Virtute—increase in excellence—and finish this school year with purpose, pride, and focus. The end is in sight, and now is the time to stay locked in and ensure every Tiger finishes strong. RYFP: Reach Your Full Potential!

Sail on, Tiger Nation! 💨

As Always,

Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)

Mr. Parker

April 21st: 4th quarter Interim grades due

April 21st & 22nd: Algebra I & Geometry (Freshmen/Sophomores) (OST Bell Schedule Below)

April 23rd - 25th: PHSC's Black Box Theatre presents Little Mermaid Jr! - 7:00 p.m. start

April 26th: PHSC's Black Box Theatre presents Little Mermaid Jr! - 3:00 p.m. start

April 24th: Last day to pay fees by check (can pay via cash or credit card)

April 24th: OMEA HS State Level Assessment Band and Choir Performance Schedule (@ Gahanna Middle School West - PHSC Chorale - 11:40 a.m. / PHSC Symphonic - 1:20 p.m.

April 28th: Senior Class Panoramic Picture in main gym - 8:15 a.m. (Career Center/Pickerington Academy students are welcomed however there will not be transportation provided)

April 29th: Biology (Freshmen/Sophomores)

May 1st: American History & Principles of Democracy (Juniors)

Spring Break is here, and soon after, we set sail for Ohio State Testing (OSTs). Our crew is preparing diligently to ensure smooth waters for all. Students scheduled for testing will be notified, and can check with their school counselor if they need guidance.

Testing locations and student numbers will be posted Monday, April 6th, 2026:

• Hall of Fame Lounge (near Main Lobby entrance)

• Lockville Lobby (near bus dismissal area)

• 2nd Floor Collaboration Space

• Outside the Counseling Office

Students may also reach out to School Counselors Mr. Peirano and Mrs. Mattox, or Assistant Principal Mr. Fuentes for guidance.

Testing Day Expectations:

• Students testing should arrive at school at their normal time.

• Students not testing should arrive by 10:15 a.m.

• Students arriving during normal morning hours but not testing will be stationed in the Commons for quiet study until testing concludes.

• Students should report directly to their testing location upon arrival.

• Please ensure students are well rested, bring fully charged Chromebooks, and calculators for math testing.

Helpful Tips!

1. The Power of Rest: A consistent bedtime is a game-changer. Aim for a full 8–10 hours of sleep so your student wakes up refreshed and focused.
2. Fuel for the Brain: A protein-rich breakfast provides the sustained energy needed for concentration. Whether at home or at school, a healthy start makes a huge difference!
3. Attendance Matters: Try to avoid scheduling appointments during testing mornings. Being in the classroom with their peers helps students stay in their routine and feel more comfortable.

Additional Tips By Grade Band

Grades 3-6 OST Family Tips

Secondary OST Family Tips

It's that time of year again! I wanted to let you all know that the Pickerington Local Schools IT Department will once again be accepting applications for eight student interns to assist us during the summer. (From May 26th through August 7th) We will be distributing the details, along with the attached flyer, to all students at both PHSN and PHSC on April 20th. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 1st, by the end of the day. Unfortunately, because of the time sensitivity of everything involved, we will not be able to accept any applications beyond the 1st.

In-person interviews will be conducted the following week at both schools.

Thanks,

IT Department

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.

Updated Information:

April 28th: Senior Class Panoramic Picture in main gym - 8:15 a.m. (Career Center/Pickerington Academy students are welcomed however there will not be transportation provided)**

Class of 2026 Senior Timeline:

* Please note that this document is FLUID. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please check frequently and see Mrs. Melton with any questions.

Senior Chromebook Buyback (Charge)

If your balance due increased by $50.00, this is for the recent assignment of the Chromebook Buyout for seniors. This is an optional fee. If you are planning to return the device on May 18th (Chromebook turn-in day), please disregard this notice. If you intend to purchase the device, it must be paid by May 17th.

Senior Chromebook Collection - May 18th - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Senior Fee Guidelines:

In accordance with Board Policy 5460.04, all outstanding fees and/or debts must be paid in order for a student to participate in graduation ceremonies, and to receive their diploma and transcript. Seniors with unpaid school debts, incomplete schoolwork, disciplinary requirements, or other outstanding obligations are not permitted to participate in graduation.

To ensure your student is eligible to participate, all fees must be paid no later than two weeks before graduation (by May 9th)

It's time to order your cap and gown and Senior Accessories!

Course Fee - Please Read

April 24th: Last day to pay fees by check (can pay via cash or credit card)

As the semester comes to a close, we want to make sure all students have what they need to finish strong! Please take a moment to check your student’s course fees in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. These fees help provide the curriculum and classroom materials your student uses every day.

You can easily view and pay fees by logging into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Thank you for helping us ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed!

Outstanding Fee

Students and families can pay outstanding school fees online using the links in Infinite Campus. It is important to stay ahead of this as students progress through high school as unpaid fees will affect students' graduation and transcripts their senior year. Please reach out to the school if you have questions or need financial assistance.

Prom season is right around the corner! Be sure to check out the official PHSC Prom 2026 poster for all the details about this year’s big event. It will be a night full of celebration, memories, and Tiger pride.

Prom tickets will go on sale April 27 at 8:00 a.m. More information about purchasing tickets and event details can be found on the poster. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and secure their tickets early! 💃🕺

We look forward to celebrating a fantastic evening with our Tigers! 🐯

Last call to order the 2025-6 Yearbook. Only 100 copies are left to purchase, so get yours today! Sales close on the last day of school or when the books sell out, whichever is first.
Link to order: www.yearbookforever.com
Email Michelle_Jago@plsd.us for questions

Hey there, Tiger Nation!

Big news from The Ambush-- we are moving our publication online!
That's right, you will now be able to access your school paper directly by visiting our official website! Thanks for reading! (click below)

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.

Please see the attached information.

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: 4/6/2026

How to see your School Counselor:

Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting

Mrs. Dashner (A-Co)

Ms. Perez (Cr-Ho)

Miss Hoffman (Hu-Moon)

Mr. Peirano (Moore-Sh)

Mrs Mattox (Si-Z)

Spring OST Testing

We have successfully completed our first round of testing, ELA 2, this week. Please check Mr. Parker’s weekly message for future testing dates. We will also be sending emails home if you require an OST. Be watching your emails.

Please see all of Mr. Parker’s updates in the weekly newsletter for all pertinent information regarding testing.

Seniors

Please make sure you are reading Mr. Parker’s updates. All Senior related information will be there.

Honors Diploma Notification: We recently posted those students who have already qualified for one of the state of Ohio’s Honors Diplomas. Those that are listed met all the requirements as of 4/9. Some students may still be working on these requirements, so their names would not be on this list. Once those remaining requirements are met, you will be assigned the appropriate Honors Diploma.

If you feel there was a mistake, please speak with your assigned School Counselor.

EFCTS Application:

Sophomores! The EFCTS application has opened up. Please use this link to submit your application: EFCTS Application

If you need help filling out the application, please use this guide to help you through the application: EFCTS Steps to Apply

You can still apply, but the priority deadline has passed. Please still get your application in if you are interested.

College Applications and Transcript Requests

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.

Students in AP Classes - this DOES NOT apply to Pre-AP courses

AP Fees have been posted with the expectation that exams are paid by April 24. If you feel you/your student should qualify for free or reduced exam fees, you must complete the form linked below. It will be reviewed by our finance office, and if you qualify your fees will be reduced/removed. Important note - late cancellation/late order fees of $40 are not covered by free/reduced fees.

In order to be considered for free/reduced testing fees, please complete the Educational Benefit Form as soon as possible. Per our finance office: "the form must be filed with the district in order for families to overtly share household income, household size, and state benefits with the district to be eligible for a fee waiver... This form must be filed annually, only applies to the year of application, and cannot be used in retro or future years."

To be considered - please complete the form linked above (by clicking on "apply for benefits" on the page) no later than April 1, so it can be processed in time to be applied to the student's IC and College Board accounts.

**Testing locations will be shared soon so please keep an eye on our PHSC AP Google Site.**

Please check out our PHSC AP Google Site for any information regarding AP exams and logistics. This site will be updated and sent out rather than an email or document. The ordering deadline is passed . If you wish to cancel an existing order please reach out to Ms. Hoffman (ashlee_hoffman@plsd.us); there will be a $40 cancellation fee.

Fairfield County Workforce Development Center

Career Navigator Update - March

ASVAB Test

Pickerington Central H. S. is offering the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program (CEP), April 17, 2026 at 8:00am in Room 115. If you are interested in taking the test, please fill out the form: https://forms.gle/zN2t6pjvANp4wydc8 The deadline for registration is Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Please go to this website https://www.asvabprogram.com for more information about the ASVAB. Please email Ms. Perez at maria_perez@plsd.us for questions.

Military Info:

Seniors,
If you have enlisted in the military, please fill out this google form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iott0tUhBJgltPiwWFaw60LG3_j-MRho3YaWiEPM8no/editform as soon as possible so that we can invite your family to attend the Military Signing on May 6, 2026 here at PHSC in the Media Center at 5:00PM. We want to make sure that we celebrate your commitment to serve our country after you graduate high school. Please see Ms. Perez for any questions.

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 Classroom to stay informed:

Class of 2026 rugnepm

Class of 2027 6plgntd

Class of 2028 437pgrk

Class of 2029 75rgh2hy

College Credit Plus

PHSC CCP Liaison-Jennifer Dashner (jennifer_dashner@pld.us). CCP Website (includes the Declaration of Intent)

MTC: CCP Course Offerings- Email Cal Morris (morrisc@mtc.edu) from your MTC email and CC: Jennifer Dashner your course requests.

CSCC: CSCC Registration Information:

Summer 2026- Complete the registration form and email it to Mrs. Dashner (jennifer_dashner@plsd.us)

Fall 2026-The new system (Work Day) is now open! Registration for Fall 2026 classes does not open until April 20th. Work Day has a new registration form similar to the old one, which, once completed, you will email to Mrs. Dashner (jennifer_dashner@plsd.us) to complete. Once completed, it will be returned to you to upload to Work Day.

• Just a reminder, scheduling for summer CSCC CCP courses is still the same process as the previous semesters.

All other college partners: Please refer to their CCP websites.

See picture below:

See PDF attached below:

Fairfield County Workforce Development

Career Navigator Update – April, 2026

Future Focus Career Speaker Series

Students have the opportunity to hear from professionals about their careers, education pathways, and real-world experiences.

Locations & Times

Pickerington North High School
8:48–9:37 a.m. | Media Center

Pickerington Central High School
10:34–11:23 a.m. | Room 115

Upcoming Speakers

April 17 – Ohio Department of Transportation & Uline
Summer jobs and career opportunities (positions starting around $30/hour).

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Mrs. Brunner visited all English 11 classes at Pickerington North, Central, and Pickerington Academy to share information about Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities at the Fairfield County Workforce Development Center available to students during their Senior year.

Programs offer:

• Hands-on training
• Industry certifications
• Work-based learning
• Pathways to Registered Apprenticeships

Atlas Butler "Ride to Decide" Internship

Students interested in HVAC or Plumbing careers can apply for the Atlas Butler Ride to Decide Internship Program.

Requirements include: • Completed application
• Letter of recommendation
• Professional responses to application questions

This program provides hands-on experience exploring skilled trade careers.

Career Readiness Resources

Students can access job postings, internships, and career resources in the Career Readiness Google Classrooms.

Central: fcbhtwi
North: wsjrdt2
Pickerington Academy: ef3f6vz

Please join our PTSO!! See attached information on how to join.

Athletic Department:

Lisa Morelli - Athletic Director (lisa_morelli@plsd.us)

Evan Doughty - Assistant Athletic Director (evan_doughty@plsd.us)

Katie Thielman - Athletic Secretary (katie_thielman@plsd.us)

Office Number - (614) 548-1825

Tigers in Action this week (2025 - 2026)

Athletic Events 4/20 - 4/25

Athletic Notification

Spring Sport season is here and P2P fees have been added in Infinite Campus. The first payment deadline was Friday, March 20th. The deadline for final/full payment is Friday, April 24th.

Fees can be paid directly in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, check, cash (exact change), or by credit card. Please feel free to call Central Athletics with any questions or concerns! (614) 548-1825.

PHSC Athletic Website - All Teams, ALL Seasons

To get the latest Tiger Teams information, visit our website for schedules, information, directions, etc.

https://pickeringtoncentral.bigteams.com/

Final Forms for Parent/Athlete Registration

https://pickerington-oh.finalforms.com/students

NFHS Live Streaming Link for all Home Events

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/

TIGER ATHLETICS

LISA MORELLI

PHSC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Our Girls Lacrosse Team continues to compete at a high level and has built an outstanding record this season!

Our Baseball Team put is working hard and represented Tiger Pride well - excellent work, fellas!

Our Softball Team is gearing up and looking strong - we’re excited to see their continued growth and success this season!

This past Saturday Mr. Malaney, Mrs. Starkey, and Mrs. Rice, along with about 25 other teachers from area schools were honored at a Guru Vandana celebration that honored teachers put on by some AMAZING students.

Deepti Pyakurel performed a BEAUTIFUL dance and there were also songs and a ceremony honoring gurus (teachers). It was an amazing experience and Brennan and I thought we'd share a pic with you from the end of it. I believe Deepti (who was one of the main organizers of the event) is also going to write an article about it for The Ambush.

Enjoy!

At Pickerington Central, our expectations regarding cell phone use will remain consistent; however, enforcement will now extend beyond the classroom to include the hallways and the lunchroom.

Upon entering the school, if a student is found using or visibly carrying a cell phone, the device will be confiscated immediately by an administrator, unless there is documented medical authorization on file with the school nurse or administration. Once students enter the classroom and throughout the class period, phones must remain out of sight and not visible to remain in compliance.

This practice will take effect at the start of the new year.

Progressive consequences will apply as follows:

• First offense: Student may retrieve the phone at the end of the school day.

• Second offense: A parent/guardian must pick up the phone.

• Third offense: A meeting will be held with the student and family to determine next steps moving forward.

We understand that this change requires a strong partnership with our families. We ask for your support in discussing these expectations with your student prior to the start of the new year, helping them understand the purpose behind this adjustment and reinforcing the importance of compliance.

Thank you in advance for your support with this important initiative as we work together to create an environment focused on learning, responsibility, and student success.

As Always,

Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust ,Integrity, & Empathy)

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:

We believe that regular attendance to school plays an important role in our students' academic success. Whenever possible, we ask that routine appointments and travel are scheduled outside of the school day.

In the event that a student will be absent from school, parents are asked to notify the school by 10:00 AM by calling the 24-hour Attendance Hotline, 614-548-1801. Additionally, please notify the school office in advance, either by phone or in writing, if your student will need to leave school early. Students must obtain a dismissal pass, and be signed out by the office before being permitted to leave the building. Please be prepared to show appropriate ID in order for the student to be released to you.

Also, please review the bell schedule for the starting times of the start of school along with each class period. It is imperative that students arrive on time for school and for their classes. Arriving on time gives students the maximum amount of instructional time in each class and correlates to success in the classroom. Please know that we extended our transition time by 1 minute to allow for a smoother transition. With this additional transition time, we expect all students to arrive at school and to each class on time. Let's make this a priority for our entire school community!!

For detailed information regarding PLSD's Attendance Policy, as well as The State of Ohio's Administrative Code, please refer to Board Policy 5200.

We encourage ALL of our students and staff to know the words to our Fight Song and be ready to sing it at games and special events. We even have a Fight Song challenge that we'll do in conjunction with Homecoming week. The tune is to 'On Wisconsin' so look it up on YouTube and get your vocals ready for this year's contest!!

Fight Song:

Purple White, Purple White

Wrap up that ole score.

We're the team with lots of pep

So let's pep it up some more.

Purple, White; Purple, White

Fight on to your fame.

Fight Tigers, Fight, Fight, Fight

To win this game!!

Pickerington High School Central

300 Opportunity Way

Pickerington, Ohio 43147

614-548-1800

https://www.pickerington.k12.oh.us/pickerington-central-high/