Park Center Pirate Newsletter

January 2025

We return to school from winter break on Monday, January 6.

You and your student(s) will have an opportunity to learn more about courses, programs, and activities at Park Center Senior High for the 25–26 school year. Find more information below!

Students will engage in asynchronous learning on Friday, January 17. No students should report to Park Center this day.

There is no school Monday, January 20th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Join us for virtual academic conferences on January 22nd. Conferences are a great opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and ensure they are having a successful trimester. Information on signing up for conferences will come soon via email and text message.

Meria Pha, a PCSH senior, earned a full ride scholaship to Stanford University! She got in through QuestBridge, a scholarship program for high-achieving students with low-income backgrounds. As a full IB student, Meria will receive an IB diploma at the end of the year. She’s also involved in tennis, model UN and competitive speech. Way to go Meria!

• Pearls of the Golden Pirates: Combined perseverance and collaboration to secure Playoff Alliance Captain and received second place for the Connect Award for their outstanding outreach efforts.
• Marooned Golden Pirates: Displayed innovation and persistence, winning the Stratasys 3D Printing Award and the Innovate Award by RTX for their unique design, prototyping and 3D printing of their manipulator and the High Tech Gear Up Award for inclusivity and excellence.
• Skeleton Crew of the Golden Pirates: Showcased resilience and teamwork throughout the competition, proving that persistence pays off.

Registration conferences are a chance for you and your student(s) to learn more about courses, programs, and activities at Park Center Senior High. The goal of the evening is to provide students and families with the best information possible to make informed decisions while registering for the upcoming school year.

Registration conferences will include:

• Staff will be available to answer questions about Park Center curriculum, as well as both required and elective courses
• Discuss course selections for the 2025–26 school year. More specific information regarding your student’s registration is located on the Park Center webpage
• Student leaders from our Link Crew will also be available for informal school tours
• Presentations to share information about our IB, AVID, College Credit Offerings and College and Career Resource Center
• Additional support will be available for students that receive Special Education or English Learner services
• Additionally, we will have music, games, and prizes for students throughout the conferences

Please arrive at your scheduled time (see below) and proceed to the Auditorium for a brief introduction and to receive more detailed instructions. The alphabetical assignments are as follows:

• Last names A-D arrive at 3:15 pm
• Last names E-L arrive at 4:15 pm
• Last names M-S arrive at 5:15 pm
• Last names T-Z arrive at 6:15 pm

To provide the best support for your student’s registration, please attend at your scheduled time. However, if you are unable to do so, you may attend during another session. We look forward to seeing you and your student(s)!

• Spring Activities Registration will open on February 3rd
• Spring PAC (Parent/Caregiver, Athlete, Coach) Meeting will be held on February 24th at 6:30 PM at Park Center
• Check out our updated PCSH Activities website for more information! It's also a great place to follow our activities schedules so you can come support PCSH events.

The Wallin Scholarship is more than a scholarship. It is a proven college-completion program for high-potential students with financial need. Wallin scholars begin their college journey, belong to a proven support system, and become graduates ready for their next step. Wallin scholars receive financial aid ($16,000 to a 4-year college or university) to reduce the cost of college. Wallin scholars begin their college journey and finish with less debt. Through the Wallin advising program, students belong to a proven support system. Scholars are connected with a full-time, professional advisor that addresses each student’s unique needs. Wallin scholars also have access to college-to-career programs, internships, and opportunities through their effective partnerships. Graduating seniors pursuing a 4-year degree program at one of the Wallin-eligible colleges/universities in the fall of 2023 can apply now. Check out the Wallin Scholarship website for more information. The application is due February 1, 2023.

The Power of YOU (POY) is an academic support and scholarship program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College that provides individual student advising, community, and financial support to students in need. If your grants don’t cover your tuition, Power of YOU pays the rest for you. Applications are admitted on a rolling basis until they are at full capacity. You will be notified of your admission status after you’ve completed the steps below. POY pairs scholars with a College Navigator who will help them navigate college life. College Navigators provide individualized support. POY also supports students with funding for purchasing textbooks, leasing a laptop, and obtaining a bus pass as needed. Sign up to attend the Power of You mini-session to learn more!

Multiple MN colleges are offering tuition-free, hybrid Nursing Assistant classes through the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative. This initiative covers the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, and certification exam for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a nursing assistant. The MN Office of Higher Ed website has more info.

The CRC offers monthly Career Panels for students to learn about a wide variety of positions in a given career field. Upcoming Career Panels include:

• January 9 - Sports
• February 11 - Construction and Automotive
• March 18 - Technology
• Students must sign up in advance to attend at https://forms.gle/R35jmyfTYZTta5J58

All upcoming events, including college visits, are posted on the CRC website > Sessions. Please check often and sign up for those that interest you!

Reminder! The FAFSA is now open for ALL SENIORS!

On January 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm there will be a virtual support session for students and families with specific questions or issues with their FAFSA application.

The MN Office of Higher Ed and Dept of Education are hosting multiple virtual sessions this month to support seniors and families. Space is limited. Register now to reserve your spot! https://bit.ly/MNFAFSA.

At Park Center we expect every student to demonstrate P.R.I.D.E.

• Participate in your education
• Respect yourself and others
• Inspire others
• Do the right thing
• Excel in all you do

For all Park Center rules and expectations, refer to our Student and Family Handbook