Tiger Update

Tiger Nation! 🐅

Quarter 4: Week 1 ⚓

Celebrating Our Tigers!

What an exciting voyage it has been this week at Pickerington High School Central! One of the highlights was our Celebration Walk, where we paraded our state-qualifying competitors through the building while the entire school lined the hallways to cheer them on. It was a true display of school spirit and pride as we celebrated our Girls Basketball Team, Indoor Track athletes, Competition Cheer, a Bowling State Qualifier, Girls and Boys Wrestling, and our Robotics Team. The energy throughout the building was electric—a wave of Tiger pride! Special thanks to our PR Team for capturing this memorable journey and sharing it with the community on Facebook.

Speaking of state competitors, our Girls Basketball Team navigated the State Semifinals Thursday night at UD Arena in Dayton. While they came just short in a hard-fought game, they made Tiger Nation incredibly proud. More importantly, these outstanding young women continue to chart a course toward excellence, learning teamwork, perseverance, and dedication that will steer them far beyond the court.

The excitement sails on this weekend! Our Boys Basketball Team competes tonight in the Regional Finals at the Ohio Fairgrounds, and our Choir performs at OMEA in Upper Arlington. From the band room to robotics labs, the track, stage, and court; Tiger Nation is navigating waves of success everywhere!

As we celebrate, we also prepare for the horizon ahead. Spring Break is just two weeks away, 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 around the building one week prior to testing:

• 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.

Thank you for helping our Tiger crew navigate this exciting journey! Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate victories big and small, and keep steering every student toward success. Together, we help every Tiger RYFP: Reach Your Full Potential!

Sail on, Tiger Nation! 💨

As Always,

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

Mr. Parker

March 18th: ACT Testing for Class of 2027... All other students (9, 10, 12 grade) will not report to school.

March 19th-22nd: Pickerington Central Theatre Presents: Mama Mia!

March 27th: Building wide St. Patrick's Day(ish) Trivia Competition (AM Survey Schedule)

March 28th: Jazz Band will be performing at OSU for their "High School Jazz Band Day!"

March 30th - April 3rd: Spring Break!!!

OST Testing Dates

April 7th & 8th: ELA II OST (Sophomores)

April 21st & 22nd: Algebra I & Geometry (Freshmen/Sophomores)

April 29th: Biology (Freshmen/Sophomores)

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

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

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:

**Class of 2026 Senior Quote Submission Form**

**2026 Intent to Audition for Graduation Speech Form**

The student RSVP form for Graduation has been turned off. If a student would like to RSVP, they need to go see Building Secretary, Katie Melton, in the main office.

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.

Class of 2026 Baby Photo Submission Form

* The baby photo will be used with their cap & gown photo at graduation

* ONE picture per student. Any student with more than one photo submitted will default to the first picture that was sent in.

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

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! 🐯

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.

Course Fee - Please Read

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.

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: 3/9/2026

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)

26-27 Scheduling (UPDATE):

As we continue the scheduling process for the upcoming school year, the PHSC Counseling Office would like to share an update. We have now completed all regularly scheduled one on one meetings with students through their Social Studies classes. During these meetings, counselors reviewed graduation requirements, discussed academic progress, and helped students select courses for next year. These conversations also provide students with dedicated time and individual attention from their school counselor to ask questions, receive guidance, and plan thoughtfully for the year ahead.

We are currently continuing to meet with students whom we were unable to see during the scheduled window. This may include students who were absent, students who do not have a Social Studies class, or those who were unavailable for other reasons. If your student has not yet met with their counselor, please do not worry. As their school counselor, we are able to override the scheduling window and still submit course requests or make adjustments to their schedule for next year.

ATTENTION DATE CHANGE:

Due to recent adjustments at the district office that were outside of our control, we needed to move our scheduling deadline from March 20 to March 12. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to meet updated district timelines while continuing to provide individualized support to our students.

Scheduling Supplements:

PHSC Scheduling HUB

Program of Studies

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.

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.

Free ACT for Juniors

The ACT test will be given to all JUNIORS on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. There will be NO SCHOOL for all Freshman, Sophomores, and Seniors on March 18th. Freshman, Sophomores, and Seniors will be required to complete work at home on March 18th and turn it into their teachers when they return to school. JUNIORS should report to school as usual on March 18th and arrive at their testing location by 7:55am. Late admittance will not be permitted per ACT policy. The test should end around 11:45AM. Buses will be provided. List for testing locations will be posted in the Class of 2027 Google classroom and posted on the wall by the counseling office by Tuesday, March 10. If you do not wish to take the test, please fill out the ACT JUNIOR OPT OUT FORM.

This link PHSC ACT for Juniors Information has the newsletter which contains detailed information regarding the free ACT.

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

AP Fees were posted this week, 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.

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 order a late exam or cancel an existing order please reach out to Ms. Hoffman (ashlee_hoffman@plsd.us); there will be a $40 late order/cancellation fee.

Fairfield County Workforce Development Center

Career Navigator Update - March

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). Please reach out with any questions.

Any student who signs up for a College Credit Plus (CCP) course must complete all required CCP steps. Registering for a CCP class in scheduling does not automatically enroll you in the program.

CCP Information (including the presentation from the parent/student meeting as well as the declaration of intent to participate for the 26/27SY).

1. Review the PLSD CCP Website (link above).

2. Declaration of Intent to participate in CCP is due by April 1 for participation in the 26/27SY (link above)

3. Apply to the college you plan to take your CCP classes (refer to the college's CCP Website)

Reminder of Required CCP Steps
1. Submit the CCP Intent Form by April 1 (Required Annually)
This form must be completed every year by any student planning to participate in CCP-even if the student has taken CCP courses in the past.
2. Apply to the College/University
Students must apply to the college or university where they plan to take CCP courses.

• If a student has already been accepted to that college in a previous year, they do not need to reapply.

MTC: MTC Summer CCP Course Offerings: Email Cal Morris (morrisc@mtc.edu) from your MTC email and CC: Jennifer Dashner your course requests. Registration for Fall begins on April 1.

CSCC: 3/30/26-Last day to drop full-term classes.

CSCC Registration Information: Summer 2026 registration is not affected by the upcoming system changes. Students enrolling for summer 2026 courses should follow all current enrollment processes. Complete the registration form and email it to Mrs. Dashner (jennifer_dashner@plsd.us)

There is a new application (Workday) for admission for new students enrolling in Autumn 2026, and it will be available mid-April. Training information for students on how to navigate Workday, including onboarding and registration steps, will be available in the coming weeks

Students who have not previously applied to Columbus State must complete the College Credit Plus (CCP) application: cscc.edu/apply

• What Happens After Students Apply?

• Beginning in late March 2026, new CCP applications will be processed. Students will receive a welcome email from Columbus State in early April outlining required onboarding steps.

  Students will complete the following tasks:

  • Setting up their CState login credentials and college email

  • Granting proxy access for parents/guardians

  • Uploading a completed CCP Parent Permission Form

  • Completing the CCP Student Questionnaire

  • Uploading the CCP Registration Agreement

  • Once CState approves the CCP Registration Agreement, students will receive an email telling them they can register for their on-campus or online courses. They will then register for the approved courses in Workday

  ** Students will not be able to register for classes until all required tasks are completed.

  Continuing CSCC CCP Students

  Prior to registering for each semester, continuing students will upload their CCP Registration Agreement in Workday and will have the ability to update various pieces of information. Once CState approves the CCP Registration Agreement, students will receive an email telling them they can register for their on-campus or online courses. They will then register for the approved courses in Workday.

See picture below:

See PDF attached below:

Fairfield County Workforce Development

Career Navigator Update – March, 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

March 17 – Builder’s Exchange
Construction careers and opportunities in the skilled trades.

March 24 – Mike Slovic, Scientific Researcher
How to pursue a career in scientific research.

April 10 – Accurate HVAC & Plumbing (CEO)
Careers in HVAC, plumbing, and owning a business.

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

Career Expo for Juniors & Seniors

📅 March 19 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
📍 Fairfield County Workforce Center

Students will meet employers hiring for:

• Full-time jobs
• Part-time jobs
• Internships
• Summer employment
• Apprenticeships

Juniors interested in Pre-Apprenticeship programs for Senior year will also receive a tour and program information.

Dress: Business casual
Bring: Copies of your resume
Transportation: Provided by bus

📌 Registration deadline: March 9

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

Mock Interviews

156 seniors at Pickerington Central recently participated in Mock Interviews thanks to the support of 40 community and business volunteers.

Students practiced professional interviewing skills and received valuable feedback to help prepare for future employment opportunities.

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

Several students ask about Spring Language testing. Please note that we will not be offering the AAPPL this spring, as that assessment is administered in the fall. Additionally, because the OPI/WPT offered limited language options, we have selected a different testing provider, ALTA, for the Spring administration.

Spring Language testing will take place on the following dates and locations:

• March 24 – Pickerington North, Lecture Hall

• March 26 – Pickerington Central, Big Study Hall (Room 115)

This testing opportunity is only for current high school students. Junior high students will not participate in this administration.

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

Students interested in robotics are invited to try out for the team! We have limited spots. The season runs from August through May and offers a great opportunity to build engineering, programming, journaling, public speaking/interview and teamwork skills while competing with other schools. Team members attend weekly practices, participate in 7-10 weekend tournaments, and varsity teams may have opportunities for travel to high level competitions. If you enjoy problem-solving, technology, and working with a team, consider joining us for an exciting robotics season!

Fill out this form no later than March 30th or contact Mrs Kiner at donakiner@gmail.com.

https://forms.gle/b6trwqrkNjhD2jEy6

Student-athletes continuing their athletic career at the collegiate level need to ensure they are taking the correct high school courses and meeting NCAA initial eligibility requirements. Please do not wait to ensure you are meeting the requirements.

NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes 2025-2026

Find PHSC’s (or other high schools attended) Approved High School Courses

NCAA Initial Eligibility for College-Bound Student-Athletes Presentation

If you have questions, please contact

PHSC Contact: Jennifer Dashner (jennifer_dashner@plsd.us)

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 3/16 - 3/21

Athletic Notification

Winter Sport season is here and P2P fees will be added in Infinite Campus. You will receive a notification when the fee has been added. The due date for winter P2P fees is November 21st.

Important Reminder: Any athlete that has a previous P2P fee not yet paid, will not be able to participate in their winter sport. 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!

Tickets

Purchase individual event tickets or our 2025 - 2026 Yearly Athletic Passes through the link below:

https://www.plsd.us/students-families/community/event-ticketing

2025 - 2026 Tiger Club Pass (students) - $53.00

2025 - 2026 Central Club Pass (adults) - $103.00

Ticket Prices for Varsity Events - $10 Adults / $8 Students

Ticket Prices for Lower Level Events - $7 Adults / $5 Students

Students should have a student ID available to provide for entry

All students K-8 will need to be accompanied by an adult for entry

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

With Spring season kicking off, please see and adhere to the expectations below:

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/