PCHS Community,

As we head into the long weekend, we want to take a moment to recognize the significance of Memorial Day. This holiday is a time for us to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy today, and we are deeply grateful.

We also want to wish all of our families a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday weekend. Whether you're traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we hope it's a time of rest and reflection. As we return next week, we’ll be in the final stretch—just 8.5 days left in the school year! Let’s finish strong, stay focused, celebrate our Seniors, and support one another through to the very last day. We’ve come so far together—let’s make these last days count!

Have a great holiday weekend, Pirates!

Mrs. McBride & Mr. McMurray

Today, our Juniors spent 30min of Seminar in the auditorium with a rep from Eastern Michigan University's Financial Aid Office as a way to get them primed for what's to come! Ask them about what they took away from the presentation and how it might apply to their post-high school planning process. Here is a link to the presentation.

If your student is in danger of failing a core class or has failed a core class, please review the information linked below.

2025 Summer School Credit Recovery Info

2025 Summer School Registration Form

2025 Summer Online Learning Consent form

Summer School Credit Recovery is the best way to ensure you are on -track for graduation; complete the class(es) over the summer, to start the next school year without worrying! All students who successfully complete their summer classes will earn a letter grade. This grade will be reflected on the student's high school transcript and is figured into their GPA and replaces their original failed grade.

Thank you,

PCHS Summer School Credit Recovery Team

Here is the schedule for the last 3 days of school in June so that families can prepare accordingly!

Earlier this week, Mrs. McBride sent an email to students and their parents who selected the Co-Op Work-Based Learning class for 1st Semester of the 2025-26 school year. That email is below to ensure awareness of an important application step required for placement in this course. Co-Op has become quite popular, which speaks to our students' resourcefulness and impressive range of employment during high school! That said, we need to ensure those enrolled fully understand the state requirements for taking this course and are proactively ensuring they are in compliance.

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Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

Thank you for expressing interest in enrolling in our Co-Op Work-Based Learning course for the 2025–2026 school year.

This course provides students with the opportunity to earn credit while gaining valuable work experience that aligns with their career goals. In order to comply with the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Pupil Accounting Manual requirements, we must collect important documentation to verify eligibility and ensure each placement meets all state guidelines.

To move forward with placement in the course, students must complete the official Co-Op Work-Based Learning Application. This application requires students to:

• Demonstrate how their current or anticipated job aligns with their Educational Development Plan (EDP)

• Submit a copy of their EDP

• Provide employment and supervisor information

• Confirm that work hours align with the scheduled co-op class period or request a special exception

• Upload required documents (e.g., work permit if under 18, proof of employment)

Deadline for Application Submission: Friday, June 6, 2025
Submitting by this date gives us time to review and finalize placements before the start of the school year.

The application is now available online here:

PCHS '25-26 Co-Op Work-Based Learning Application

If you have any questions about the process or your eligibility, please feel free to reach out to me directly at jmcbride@pinckneypirates.org, our Co-Op teacher, Alecia Sweeney at asweeney@pinckneypirates.org, or your School Counselor (Amy Robinson (A-Le) arobinson@pinckneypirates.org, Nicole Braun (Lf-Z) nbraun@pinckneypirates.org). If you have changed your mind about pursuing Co-Op next year, please inform your Counselor so they can ensure your course requests reflect this before schedules are finalized.

We look forward to supporting our students as they build real-world skills through this valuable program.

Sincerely,
Julia McBride, Principal

This week's Positivity Project focus was LEADERSHIP. Check out the P2 weekly family letter on LEADERSHIP, which include tools to practice and encourage the character trait at home.

Thank you to our PTO leadership for reviving the PTO at PCHS and helping it to grow momentum for the good of the school community!

• President: Mandie Morgan

• Vice President: Amanda Winningham (starting 25-26)

• Secretary: Bill Wearne

• Treasurer: Nicole Watson

• Volunteer/Event Coordinator: Michelle Neuman

On deck:

• Next year, we will meet every third Tuesday at 6pm in the Pirate Union, starting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Join us! Reach out to Mrs. McBride with interest.
• In development: Partnering with Student Government to expand upon the annual senior parking spot painting event to include food trucks and fun!

Review the May PTO meeting minutes here, and consider joining us for the next meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at 6pm in the Pirate Union.

We recognize a student and staff member each week, nominated by the school community based on how fellow Pirates are exemplifying Positivity Project traits and identified by our Leadership & Link Crew class. Our Student of the Week is also recognized as a part of the Livingston Daily's spotlight, published digitally on Fridays and in print on Sundays.

On Fridays, students spend an hour in what we call Seminar. The purpose of Seminar is to ensure every student has at least one go-to adult mentor at PCHS focused on their well-being, academic success, and connection to a healthy school climate.

We are excited to share the upcoming Pinckney Pup Run & Walk, a 5k run/walk that is being organized by our amazing elementary PTOs in support of our PCS therapy dogs. The event will take place at Pinckney Community High School on Saturday, June 7 at 9:30am. Registration info can be accessed below using the QR code, along with a link to make a donation. The funds raised will support the ongoing costs associated with keeping our Pirate Therapy Dogs healthy and safe (vet bills, food, grooming, etc.).

On Thursday, May 29, graduation rehearsal will run from approximately 9-10am in Pirate Stadium. Seniors will then come into PCHS and prepare to be clapped out of our building before heading to the rest of the schools in the district to do the same. They will then return to PCHS for a BBQ lunch if they choose to join in.

We recommend that you arrive at the high school by 9:45am if you'd like to join in on the clap out. Sign in in the Main Office and then be ready to line up in the Commons. Last year, the clap out happened around 10:15am. It just depends on how efficient we are at rehearsal! Good to show up early just in case. There is also a special new element at the end of rehearsal as Seniors leave the stadium which may add a few minutes. ;)

Thank you to those of you who have already contributed a gift to the Senior All Night Party! If you can, have a look at this Amazon Wishlist and order something to be sent to the planning committee. Thank you!

Seniors with fees due in MiStar must pay this balance in order to engage in graduation activities. Applicable Seniors have been given balance sheets. Please check MiStar, and pay any remaining due and/or fees before the end of May!

The Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 1 at 10:00am in Pirate Stadium.

If the weather is not conducive to an outdoor ceremony, we will make the call on Saturday to move the ceremony into the PCHS Gym.

Tickets: Each student received a sheet of tickets with their cap & gown today (May 16). These tickets will only be required if the ceremony is moved indoors. There is no maximum on guests in the stadium.

Finals and tests are coming up! No matter if you need extra help or just want a peer to hold you accountable while working, NHS Tutoring is here to help.

NHS will be conducting tutoring next week! For an hour and half after school each day, students are welcome to drop in and receive support from NHS members in the Union. Open to all students! Study smart for the finals with NHS!

• May 26: No School - Memorial Day
• May 28: Senior Awards Night - 7pm in PCHS Auditorium
• May 29: Senior Graduation Rehearsal, Clap-Out & BBQ, and Senior All-Nighter (9AM start at Pirate Stadium!)
• June 1: PCHS Graduation @ Pirate Stadium, 10:00AM
• June 4-6: 2nd Semester Exams
• June 6: Half Day - Last Day of the 2024-25 School Year!

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. Jennifer Duncan

jduncan@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610

School Counselors

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

Ms. Nicole Braun MA, SCL
School Counselor (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

Advise MI College Adviser

Ms. Clarice Farina
cfarina@pinckneypirates.org

Or try a digital app, especially over the summer!

ParentGPS.com

Seniors and Families,

Here are some especially helpful resources as you navigate your next steps during College Application season (some of these are also linked within the Senior Presentation that was shared via email with Class of 2025 students and families on Friday, September 20th):

Common App

• Common App (the primary college application platform; apply to MANY colleges through this single application)
• Common App: 1st year student resources
• Common App: Essay Prompts (& Tips!)

MI College Access Network

• MCAN College Fee Waivers
• MCAN College Average GPA (& SAT) Requirements
• MCAN (Michigan College Access Network) offers a plethora of different resources for guiding students during the college application process!

And more

• Michigan's Public Universities Guide to Admissions 2023-24

• PCHS PIRATE PATH CALENDAR - lots of College Rep Visit options, Campus Open House dates, Financial Aid webinars, and more!
• Create your FSA ID to apply for FAFSA, which is now open for all high school Senior students! Get your FAFSA completed early and easily!

  
  

  Typically, the parent and the student will each have their own sections of the FAFSA to complete using their own FSA ID. Click here to see which parent(s) need to be involved in the FAFSA process.

  NOTE: Some students may be considered independent on the FAFSA and will not be asked to include parent information on the application. Determine dependency status here.

  
  

• Apply for scholarships. Please check out the scholarship list on the high school website as it is updated daily.

Best wishes for many "acceptance" notices ahead!

Find out more about discounted community college and register for a webinar!

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.

County-wide mental health newsletter with May is Mental Health Month opportunities.

This grief resources document includes a variety of links to support parents and students.

You’re not alone…Parenting is hard

Coaching and resources for Parents…

DO YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE OR PARENTING? CONSIDER MEETING WITH A PARENTING COACH…

FREE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

• Weekly calls with a coach

• Ask a therapist

• Guided, step-by-step resources

• Access to on-demand videos on various topics

• Confidential help

• Find hope, connect today at parentguidance.org

…50% of parents worry their child is struggling, but don’t know what to do.

…32% of parents feel their child is unhappy.

…An estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions

See documents linked below.

Pinckney Community High School is hiring!

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

Starting the 25-26 School Year:

PCHS Robotics & Automation Technology Teacher (part-time)

Math Interventionist

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!

If you don't already, 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
• 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!
• PCHS Morning Announcement Request Form
• 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