PCHS Updates

We continue to prioritize the enforcement of our electronic device policy this year. Here is some data:

• Classroom Walkthroughs: Administration has conducted 1,345 classroom visits so far this year to monitor cell phone presence. Of those visits, cell phones have been visible with 1 or more student 46 times, or about 6% of the time. This means, we are celebrating a continued enforcement success rate of about 94%, exceeding our goal of 80% (a baseline for successful implementation of a new initiative).
• Discipline Referrals: We've processed 265 cell phone violation referrals so far this year, following the progressive discipline consequences laid out in the policy. Mr. McMurray has really spearheaded this. Most students are following the policy with ease, and most teachers are enforcing the policy impressively. Some students (less than 10%) are really struggling to let go of their devices, and we continue to work together as a staff to ensure consistent routines are in place that make enforcement of the policy just how we do things. It's a learning process for all of us.
• Feedback: On yesterday's Senior Exit Survey, we asked our Seniors to respond to the question, "What is one thing you'd like to ensure PCHS continues doing in the years to come to make it a place where students feel connected, empowered to grow, and prepared to succeed in the path of their choosing?" A response read, "The phone rule. Before it kids would barely talk to each other." This was reassuring.

We will keep prioritizing this as a school team because we believe it is what is best for our learning environment, and for our students' well-being and academic success. It also nicely positions us to honor the new state law. Thank you for your continued support!

Step into the glow of the Aegean Sea and experience “A Night in Santorini” — where whitewashed elegance meets ocean-blue dreams

On May 9, the night will come alive with music, dancing, and breathtaking vibes inspired by the beauty of Santorini. Grab your friends, dress in your finest, and get ready to make memories as timeless as a sunset over the sea

Tickets are on sale now:
• $65 single ticket with a promposal poster (we make your promposal poster for you!)
• $55 single ticket

Get your tickets:
• @GoFan (https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10053?activity=Prom)
• During lunch over the next 3 weeks
• Before/after school in Mrs. Sweeney’s room (F111)

Don’t miss your chance to escape to the islands for one unforgettable night… paradise is calling

#PinckneyProm #NightInSantorini #Prom2026

If your student is in a CTE program at a high school other than PCHS, you can see the last day of the program by district below.

While the letter below from LACASA is intended for Superintendents and HS Principals, we felt it prudent to share it with our school community for your awareness. Thank you for giving it a read so that you are informed.

Every 4 years, we partner with local emergency responders to put on this experience. It will take place outside in the stadium from 9:10-10:40am on Thursday, April 30. This is a very impactful assembly that begins with a national speaker and then utilizes our own students and local first responders as actors who portray a drunk driving scene. It is timed strategically for when students are planning for Prom, graduation, and summer break. Please read the letter below from Deputy Gwinn, School Resource Officer, which provides more detail about the event.

9th-11th graders will have a regular week aside from a slightly adjusted schedule on Friday to accommodate 12th grade exam timing.

Classes highlighted in YELLOW are when Seniors will take their exams.

Parents/Guardians of Seniors: Please check your students Student Account Balance (SBA) in their MiStar Profile. Any remaining balance must be paid for your student to walk at graduation. Thank you!

Please consider contributing to the 2026 Senior All-Nighter by purchasing from this Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1Q4BSQ4PRCMZP/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3

Pinckney Music is hosting our 6th Annual Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25th, from 10am-5pm. Please forward this coupon flyer to family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of. We need your help to find just one person who is already planning on buying a mattress and get them to come to the event. Not only will they get a great deal, but they’ll also sleep better knowing their purchase supports the Music Students. Watch this video! More information can be found here: FB EVENT LINK

In January, our Counselors gave this presentation to students interested in taking college courses during high school. If your student is interested in dual enrollment (taking a college course while in high school) for the fall of 2026, the deadline to register is MAY 1, 2026. Follow the steps in the presentation, or the email sent by Amy Robinson, which includes links to all applicable resources and paperwork.

Next Meeting: April 21 at 6pm in the Pirate Union.

Previous Meeting Minutes: 3/17/26

Recent Activity:

• UMatter Week - Daily treats and symbolic items purchased for StuGo distribution
• $100 donation to Senior All-Nighter
• Spring Testing: Testing day mints, gum, and snacks

Upcoming Activities:

• Teacher Appreciation Week meal, coffee truck, and gift card raffle

The Pinckney Community High School PTO is now enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards Program

To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Simply visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account you can search for Pinckney Community High School PTO either by name or YJ095 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

*Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to our organization.
*If you not yet have a Kroger rewards card, please go to a customer service desk at any Kroger

REMEMBER, purchases will not count for our organization until after you register your rewards card. You must swipe your registered Kroger rewards card or use your phone number that is related to your registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Every week, students and staff have the opportunity to nominate a peer and PCHS staff member for recognition in the school, and for the student, recognition in The Livingston Daily. Nominations are based on how fellow Pirates are demonstrating the character strengths we prioritize in Pinckney Community Schools. Our Leadership & Link Crew class reviews nominations and selects each week's honorees. Enjoy learning about our excellent Pirates!!

Our Leadership Class highlights a different freshman each week on the building TVs, and we want to start sharing them with you too! This has been a great way to meet our 9th graders and learn about how awesome they are.

Across the month of April, we will capitalize on opportunities to put the character strength of PERSEVERANCE to work as a school community, during Seminar, class time, and in the day-to-day of our building. Take advantage of opportunities to touch upon this strength at home! In the image below, you can see the rationale for why the Leadership Class selected this strength to be the focus at this time in our school year.

Want to engage with this character strength at home? Check out this family resource page: https://posproject.org/p2-for-families/9-12/perseverance/ You’ll find a quote, video, and questions to help you and your children discuss The Positivity Project’s character strength of perseverance.

This is the protocol we follow as we monitor student attendance and engage in targeted interventions.

• April 14-16: 11th Grade M-STEP Science & Social Studies (in class)
• April 29: Senior Scholar Dinner
• May 1: Progress Report 6
• May 5: Choir Concert
• May 7: Orchestra Concert
• May 9: Prom (at The Reserve)
• May 13: Band Concert
• May 13-15: Senior Exams
• May 15: Seniors' Last Day of School
• May 25: No School - Memorial Day
• May 27: Senior Awards Night
• May 28: Graduation Rehearsal, Senior Clap-Out, BBQ - 9am-Noon
• May 28: Senior All-Nighter @ Rollerama - 8:00pm-1:00am
• May 31: Graduation, 10AM Pirate Stadium
• June 3-5: 2nd Semester Exams
• June 5: Last Day of School - Half Day

District-Wide Calendars: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/page/calendars

Get your tickets to any and all games here!

https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10053

Follow along for all athletic tryouts, registration, schedules, and updates at https://pinckneyathletics.bigteams.com/

Looking for Pirate Athletics gear?

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/michigan/pinckney/pinckney-high-school

Looking for Pinckney Community Education programs?

https://pinckney.ce.eleyo.com/

In this area, you will find relevant opportunities for building your college and career awareness and ensuring you have access to all of the information and PCHS team members necessary to make your post-secondary plans a reality!

Counseling Office: (810) 225.5603

Counseling Website: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/o/pchs (Select the Counseling drop-down menu.)

Counseling Secretary

Mrs. Leah Barkoff

lbarkoff@pinckneypirates.org

810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610

School Counselors

Ms. Amy Robinson MA, LLPC, SCL
School Counselor (Last Names: A-Le)
arobinson@pinckneypirates.org

Ms. Nicole Braun MA, SCL
School Counselor (Last Names: Lf-Z)
nbraun@pinckneypirates.org

PCHS Mental Health Specialists

Ms. Lynn Watkins, MA, LPC, SCL, NCC
Social/Emotional Mental Health Specialist
lwatkins@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.5607

Learn more about Ms. Watkins and 31n mental health services provided through LESA here.

Mrs. Sandra Parker
Social Worker Project SUCCESS Counselor, Youth-Led Prevention Facilitator, and Community Outreach Coordinator
sparker@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.6534

Explore relevant resources for planning career, college, and financial aid/scholarship next steps by checking our Pirate Path Calendar!

Overwhelmed by the college-search process? U.S. News & World Report has given our school community access to a free resource – the digital edition of its Best Colleges 2026 Guidebook. This book features profiles of more than 1,600 colleges, a variety of college rankings, and advice articles for every step of the process, from entrance exams to financial aid. Just click here to access the entire book, free of charge.

On Thursday, 9/18, our Counselors visited each Senior English class to give the presentation below. For our Seniors without an ELA class on campus, they had the opportunity to experience the presentation during Seminar on 9/19. Check it out!

Through school, family, and community connections, the PCHS Career Development Program empowers students to discover and develop meaningful career paths, ensuring they are prepared to step into the next chapter of their lives with confidence.

There are hundreds of jobs available right now in Livingston County (www.mitalent.org). Check them out by filtering the search at www.mitalent.org.

Michigan Works! Southeast is open to the public and Creating Connections to a Better Future!

What we offer our Employers:

• Qualified Talent – we help employers fill thousands of positions each year!
• Grant Opportunities – Offset the cost to expand and train your workforce; call us to learn how!
• Corporate Assistance Program – Navigate financial hardship with expert consulting.
• Free Job Posting – Share job opportunities for free with MiTalent. We can even post for you!

To learn more about Michigan Works! Southeast, please visit: https://www.mwse.org/

Another new resource put together by our counseling office, this document includes links to a wealth of information about grief and loss, including understanding common phases of grief and loss, and where to find support.

Pinckney Community High School is hiring!

https://pinckneypirates.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

If you are passionate about creating a learning and work environment where every student and adult feels connected to one another, empowered to lead, and prepared to do whatever they want to do next, join us!

Feel free to share employment opportunities with us, and we will place them here for future newsletters!

Follow along for all the latest news, written by PCHS students! https://www.pchsmedia.org/

Follow us on:

• Instagram at @pinckneyhighschool
• Facebook at Pinckney Community High School.

We do our best to use these platforms for important announcements, newsworthy events, and fun things that keep parents and students connected to PCHS.

• Full-Day Schedule: 7:30am-2:30pm
• Half-Day Schedule: 7:30am-10:55am
• Friday Early Release Schedule: 7:30am-1:09pm
• Building Hours: 7:00am-3:00pm (Need to pick up your child's cell phone? Must arrive by 3pm!)
• PCHS is a closed campus. Only those approved to leave the building (i.e. for CTE, Dual Enrollment, Co-Op) may exit the building during school hours, and only through the South entrance. This is in service of ensuring all students are safely where they should be!
• If running late to school, students need to park in the Main Entrance lot (South side) in order to sign in at the Main Office. The North doors will be locked after 7:45am.
• Students are required to have a parking pass if parking in the PCHS lot during the school day. Make sure you've paid for your pass in the Main Office!
• PCS Secondary Student Handbook
• PCS Transportation Code of Conduct
• Have a tech issue? Submit a helpdesk ticket at: helpdesk.pinckneypirates.org

• Attendance Hotline: 810-225-5510 / hs-attendance@pinckneypirates.org

Email: jmcbride@pinckneypirates.org
Website: www.pinckneypirates.org
Location: 10255 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney, MI, USA
Phone: 8102255500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinckneyhigh
Twitter: @PinckneyHigh