Tiger Update
Information about Pickerington High School Central 5/2/26
Message from Mr. Parker
Tiger Nation! 🐅
Quarter 4: Week 7 ⚓
Welcome to May—Graduation Month!! We continue Full Steam Ahead at PHSC as we chart a course toward excellence and a strong finish to the school year. This past week brought even more momentum across our school community, and there is plenty to celebrate.
We were excited to welcome NBC 4 to campus for the second week in a row as they highlighted one of our outstanding seniors, Chana Jerome, for earning the prestigious Gates Scholarship. Chana is only the third student in PHSC history to receive this incredible honor—an achievement that speaks volumes about her dedication, character, and commitment to excellence. We are proud to see her story recognized and shared beyond our school walls.
NBC 4 was also on campus last Friday to cover our Luau Dance for our MD students—an incredible event filled with joy, connection, and celebration. We were proud to welcome schools from around central Ohio as their MD students joined us for a day of dancing, singing, and fun. This special event would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of our MD teachers, Megan Haas and Molly Zeiher. As this was the first year hosting the Luau at Central, we are excited about continuing this tradition for years to come. Be sure to check out the pictures below!
We also have more exciting news to celebrate as Kiran Ofei-Amoh has been awarded the highly prestigious Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship at Michigan State University. This full-ride scholarship is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to Kiran’s hard work and bright future ahead. PHSC continues to shine through the success of our students!
I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our students and families for their effort and support during the past few weeks of state testing. We officially wrapped up our Ohio State Tests last Friday and are now navigating make-up testing. We look forward to reviewing our building results and celebrating the growth and achievement they will reflect.
As we continue forward, we also have Advanced Placement testing on the horizon, taking place from May 4th through May 15th. We encourage all students participating to get plenty of rest, stay focused, and be ready to perform their best on their assigned testing days.
There is also excitement building this week as we prepare for Prom and celebrate Staff Appreciation Week. Juniors and seniors, be sure to review the information below and take advantage of this opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. In addition, we encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize our incredible staff. The work that goes into running a successful school is no small feat—it truly takes a team. Teamwork makes the dream work, and I would put our PHSC staff up against any in the nation.
There is so much to be proud of at PHSC as we continue sailing forward together. The success of our students and the strength of our community are a direct reflection of our commitment to RYFP—Reach Your Full Potential—and the limitless possibilities that come with it.
Sail on, Tiger Nation! 💨
As Always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Mr. Parker
Luau Dance
PHSC Host Luau Dance for MD Students across Central Ohio!
Luau Dance
Students having a great time as they dance and sing!
Luau Dance
Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Peer Collaborators helps this become a hit as students dance the day away!
Important Dates (Graduation is in the air!!!)
May 4th - May 8th: Staff Appreciation Week!! 🥳 🎉 🎊
May 4th - May 15th: AP Testing for AP students (Regular Bell Schedule)
May 5th: Fine and Performing Arts Signing Day - 5:00 p.m. - Tuesday (Library)
May 6th: Military Signing Day - 5:00 p.m. - Wednesday (Library)
May 9th: Jr./Sr. Prom - Hyatt Regency Columbus - Prom tickets are now on sale on the PHSC Box Office site! Tickets are $60 and include an incredible venue, food, dessert, a DJ, a photo booth, and a party favor. You do not want to miss out!
Tickets will be sold through 11:59 PM on May 8. No tickets will be sold at the door.
May 18th: Senior Chromebook Collection - 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
May 18th: MANDATORY Senior Graduation Rehearsal - 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
May 18th: Senior Sunset - Time TBD - PHSC Stadium
May 19th: Distinguished Scholars Ceremony - 6:30 p.m. (PHSC PAC) *Invitation Only*
May 21st: Seniors Last Day of School - Senior Breakfast - 7:55 a.m. (Field-house), Senior Award Ceremony - 8:45 a.m. (PAC), Senior Walk Out Parade - 10:00 a.m. (Route TBD)
May 22nd: Last Day of School - 2 Hour Early Release - 12:55 p.m.
May 23rd: GRADUATION CEREMONY!!! - 2:00 p.m. (Schottenstein Center) - Please see venue information in the Senior Corner below.
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:
Complete Mandatory Yearend Checklist - Click the link
Graduation Venue Information: Schottenstein Center: Please look for information via Talking Points and Tiger Update on May 1st, 2026. - See info below: Family Guide to Graduation at the Schottenstein Center
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)
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: 4/27/2026
How to see your School Counselor:
Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting
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 ceremony—and that your final transcripts reach your college or career destinations on time—we 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!
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
No updates
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
See Important Message from our PTSO
Please join our PTSO!! See attached information on how to join.
Teen Eco Summit - A Message to Mrs. Balko!
#TigersT.I.E.
PHSC Chorale
PHSC Chorale earned a 1 - Superior Rating at OMEA's last weekend! Congratualtions for all your hard work and dedication!
# TigersT.I.E. #TigerPride
Symphonic Choir
Symphonic Choir earned a 2 - Outstanding Performance and shined very bright during the competition as well!
#TrustIntegrityEmpathy
PHSC Robotics Makes History at World Championship
#TigersT.I.E. #TigerPride
PHSC Robotics Makes History at World Championship
The world competition features 865 of the best teams from across the globe, divided into multiple divisions representing states and countries. Within each division, teams are evaluated through a rigorous judging process that includes interviews, robot performance in both skills challenges and head-to-head competition, detailed engineering notebooks, and innovative coding and design.
Earning the Design Award places Team 6741A among the best in the world for excellence in engineering design, documentation, and overall performance.
#TigersT.I.E. #TigerPride
PHSC Robotics Makes History at World Championship
#TigersT.I.E. #TigerPride
Softball Senior Night
Jenna Robinson, Camree Cunningham, and Sophia Kounouzvelis!
#TigerUp #TigersT.I.E.
Softball on the win
The girls take down a Reynoldsburg Team in a strong performance. Great effort! #TigersT.I.E.
Boys Lacrosse
Girls run the bases as they close out the burg in a strong manner. #TrustIntegrityEmpathy
Student Council led by Ms. Korbar
Big Smiles as Student Council takes care of the environment! Say Cheese!#TigerUp
Student Council led by Ms. Korbar
Student Council led by Ms. Korbar
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:
● 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:
