Tiger Update
Information about Pickerington High School Central 4/25/26
Message from Mr. Parker
Tiger Nation! đ
Quarter 4: Week 6 â
We continue Full Steam Ahead at PHSC as we keep charting a course toward excellence! This past week gave us so much to celebrate across our school community. Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to connect with our students nominated for National Honor Society. It was a great moment to engage in meaningful conversations with such an impressive group of young leaders who truly represent the best of PHSC through their scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Throughout the week, our students stayed the course academically as we administered Algebra I and Biology state testing. We will continue our journey next week with additional Biology, American History, and Principles of Democracy assessments. We appreciate the focus, determination, and effort our students are showing as they demonstrate their learning.
Midweek, we received outstanding news about two of our exceptional seniors who are setting sail toward incredible futures. Chana Jerome was awarded the highly prestigious Gates Scholarship, earning a full scholarship to the university of her choice. She has chosen to attend The Ohio State University, where she plans to pursue a career as a pediatricianâan incredible accomplishment and a meaningful path of service to others. Additionally, Brayden Keane was accepted into the PLA Institute at Bowling Green State University, where his tuition will be fully covered. Brayden aspires to become a thoracic surgeon, setting his sights on a future of impact in the medical field. We are extremely proud of both students as they embark on these remarkable journeys.
We closed out the week celebrating a major moment for Pickerington as we continue to make waves beyond our school. Sonny and Lorenzo Styles, two of Pickerington Centralâs own, entered the 2026 NFL Draft. Sonny Styles was selected with the 7th pick in the first round by the Washington Commanders, and we eagerly await Lorenzoâs selection. Their success is a powerful reminder of what dedication, perseverance, and pride in PHSC can achieve.
There is so much to be proud of at PHSC as we continue sailing forward together, and we look forward to carrying this momentum into another great week. The students highlighted above are a direct reflection of our commitment to RYFPâReach Your Full Potentialâand the limitless possibilities that come with it.
Sail on, Tiger Nation! đ¨
As Always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Mr. Parker
Celebrating Sonny & Lorenzo Styles
Mrs. Sanders share some very kind and inspirational words about the Styles brothers to NBC 4. I hope you see the story!
Upcoming Events
Important Dates (Spring has Spung!!!)
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 27th: Prom Tickets go on sale - The Golden hour!
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) (OST Bell Schedule Below)
May 1st: American History & Principles of Democracy (Juniors) (OST Bell Schedule Below)
OST Testing Tips & Schedule
Information & Tips for a Successful Testing Season
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!
- The Power of Rest: A consistent bedtime is a game-changer. Aim for a full 8â10 hours of sleep so your student wakes up refreshed and focused.
- 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!
- 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
Travel to Italy or Greece in 2028!
Travel Abroad with Mrs. Starkey!
Ancient ruins, pizza, and deep blue waters....Interested in traveling to Italy and Greece in 2028? There is an info meeting on Thursday, April 30th at 6pm at Lakeview Junior High. See Mrs. Sarah Starkey in room 108 with questions! (or email Sarah_Starkey@plsd.us)
Summer 2026 IT Student Interns
IT Summer Help!
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
PHSC's Black Box Theatre Presents:
Senior Corner: Graduation is May 23!! Stay Informed!!
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.
Updated Information:
Graduation Venue Information: Schottenstein Center: Please look for information via Talking Points and Tiger Update on May 1st, 2026.
Graduation Attire Expectations: Students will be expected to dress business casual under their robe. Cap decorations and personally designed stolls are not permitted. Please adhere to board policy Policy 5460.04 on regalia below:
Approved Regalia
In keeping with the tra dition of recognizing academic excellence at graduation, the approved lists of regalia (cords, medals, stoles, and administrator approved pins) are the only items that will be permitted to adorn the graduation gown. Any additional items worn by students will result in the student being asked to remove those items prior to the ceremony in order to participate.
The following is the approved list of cords, medals, and stoles:
- Decom Decori - purple (North)/white (Central) cord, red cord & medal
- Optima Supra - red cord & medal
- Distinguished Scholar - medal only
- National Honors Society (NHS) - Gold Cord
- National Art Honors Society - Rainbow Cord
- National Spanish Honor Society - Red/Yellow Cord
- National Technical Honors Society - Purple/White Cord
- Student Council - Stole
- Class Officer - Stole
Pins for school programs, organizations, and Work-Based Learning are permitted. (All pins must be approved by school administration prior to graduation.)
Note:
5. In order to preserve the integrity of the graduation ceremonies, students must dress appropriately as defined by high school administration
6. Seniors are expected to behave in a manner befitting the dignity and importance of this event. Those not wishing to conform to behavioral expectations may desire to receive their diploma in an alternative setting.
7. Students whose decorum is disruptive or brings undue attention to themselves will not be permitted to walk at the graduation ceremony. Students who misbehave during the graduation ceremony will have their diploma held and will be required to complete community service hours, as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent's office, in order to receive their diploma.
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)
Cap and Gown Ordering!
It's time to order your cap and gown and Senior Accessories!
School Fees / Outstanding Fees
Course Fee Payments
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 studentâs 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 2026!
Save the Date! đ
Prom season is right around the corner! Be sure to check out the official PHSC Prom 2026 poster for all the details about this yearâs 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! đđş
We look forward to celebrating a fantastic evening with our Tigers! đŻ
Yearbook Information
Last Call 2025-26 Yearbook
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
Class of 2027 (Juniors) - Mandatory MCV4
MCV4 Vaccine Form Completion
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.
School Counselor Corner
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: 4/20/2026
How to see your School Counselor:
Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting
Spring OST Testing
We have successfully completed our first round of testing, ELA 2, this week. Please check Mr. Parkerâs 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. Parkerâs updates in the weekly newsletter for all pertinent information regarding testing.
Seniors
Families and Graduating Seniors,
The graduation countdown is officially on! We are so excited to celebrate your achievements, but we need your help to ensure everything goes smoothly.
To ensure you are fully prepared for the ceremonyâand that your final transcripts reach your college or career destinations on timeâwe need you to prioritize the following mandatory tasks immediately.
These items are essential for accurate name pronunciation, student recognition, and the timely processing of your records. Please be aware that these deadlines are firm; missing them may unfortunately affect your event participation or delay your post-graduation transition.
Please complete these items right away:
Senior Year-End Activity Survey
Name Pronunciation Form
Military Signing Day Registration
And all other remaining tasks
Review all deadlines and complete your requirements here: [Mandatory Senior Year-End Activities]
We want nothing to stand in the way of your big day. Thank you for your immediate attention to these final details!
Honors Diploma Notification: We recently posted those students who have already qualified for one of the state of Ohioâs 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.
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
NEW: AP Exam Locations
Please note that the first room listed is for standard timing testers and the second room listed is for those students who test with accommodations.
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 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
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 Counselorâs 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 Important Information
College Credit Plus
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.
Monday, April 27, is the last day to drop a CCP course from MTC with a W. The charge to drop a course is $41.64/credit hour in-house at PHSC and/or $166.55/credit hour online or at MTC campus.
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.
CCP Student Checklist
See picture below:
Nurse Aid Certificate Summer Pilot for High School Students
See PDF attached below:
Fairfield County Workforce Development News
Fairfield County Workforce Development
Career Navigator Update â 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
8:48â9:37 a.m. | Media Center
Pickerington Central High School
10:34â11:23 a.m. | Room 115
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: fcbhtwiNorth: wsjrdt2
Pickerington Academy: ef3f6vz
PTSO Info
See Important Message from our PTSO
Please join our PTSO!! See attached information on how to join.
Athletics Corner
Important Information from your Athletic Department
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 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
TIGER ATHLETICS
LISA MORELLI
PHSC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Tigers on the Prowl for Greatness
Volleyball Senior Night
Carter Branson with the spike on a scrappy Newark team! #TigerUp
Band of Brothers
Keanu Valdez, Steve Hele, and Kason Rayford pose for the Senior Night Picture. # TigersT.I.E.
Family Affair
The families of Keanu, Steve, and Kason smile big! #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Little Mermaid Jr.
Another stunning performance by amazingly talented students! # TigerUp
Singing Singing, and more Singing
The Beautiful Voices of The Little Mermaid Jr. is worth seeing multiple times this weekend! Don't miss it! #TigersT.I.E.
Bravo on a job well done
This show is only an hour, however, it is action packed! Great storyline + Great acting = an award winning show! #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Boys Lacrosse
Boys Lacrosse
The boys gave everything they had in a tough matchup with Westerville Central Warhawks. While the final score didnât go our way, their heart, hustle, and pride represented our school incredibly well. Great effort! #TigersT.I.E.
Boys Lacrosse
The boys put together a strong effort against Westerville Central Warhawks, competing with intensity from start to finish. Despite coming up just short on the scoreboard, their determination, teamwork, and resilience were on full display. A tough loss, but a performance to build on moving forward. #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
DAR
PHSC Senior Keanu Valdez is representing the State of Ohio in the National Competition for the Daughters of the American Revolution "Good Citizen" Award and Essay Contest!! #TigerUp
DAR
DAR
Regular Bell Schedule
Cellphone Enforcement at Central - Starting January 5, 2026
Building No-Phone Zone
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)
Attendance Office - Stay in the Game!
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:
â Missing just two days a month adds up to 20 days a year.
â That's 30 hours of math and 60 hours of reading and writing missed over the school year.
â 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:
Important Message from the Attendance Office
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.
Fight Song
Need to know the words to the Fight Song
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/