PCHS Updates
Friday, June 6, 2025
A Note from the PCHS Admin Team
PCHS Community,
As we close out the school year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our families for your continued partnership. It is deeply humbling to be trusted with the learning, growth, and development of your children—your babies. Every day, we are reminded of the incredible responsibility and privilege it is to walk alongside our students as they discover who they are and who they want to become.
To our returning families, thank you for another year together. To our incoming Class of 2029—welcome! This is your very first PCHS newsletter, and we are absolutely thrilled to begin this journey with you. Though summer is upon us, we are here if you need us, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming all of our students back in August for a brand new year of learning, connection, and possibility.
Have a great summer, Pirates!
Mrs. McBride & Mr. McMurray
PCHS Main Office Summer Hours & Parking Lot Info
The PCHS Main Office Summer Hours
June 9-27 - 8:00am-2:00pm
June 30-July 25 - Closed
July 28-August 22 - 8:00am-2:00pm
PCHS Parking Lots Over the Summer
The south parking lots will be closed in the coming weeks (the drop-off lane is being redone). You will need to enter the building through the NORTH Main Entrance (stadium side) while this work is being done. Plan to park in the athletic lot (northeast). The other lot (northwest near the stadium) is on deck for resurfacing!Please pardon our mess while we clean up our parking lots and have all new classroom furniture installed over the summer. We can't wait to share all of these improvements with our students in the 2025-26 school year!
Senior Transcript Requests
Report cards and transcripts will be available by Friday, June 13. Transcripts can be sent to students' postsecondary institution via Parchment.com once they are ready.
Please contact Leah Barkoff with questions: lbarkoff@pinckneypirates.org
End-of-Year Medication Pick-Up
Student medication(s) must be picked up by Friday, June 13th.
All medication(s) must be picked up by a parent/guardian on file.
Any medication not picked up will be discarded.
Test Out Registration - Due Today
Students can attempt to test out of Michigan Merit Curriculum courses offered at PCHS, earning them credit toward graduation. The test-out opportunity is provided in August. Students MUST sign up to participate in the test-out opportunity. Test out will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, August 13th. Students can sign up by completing this digital registration form. All applications are due by the end of the school day on Friday, 6/6.
For more information on testing out policies and procedures, please view the Test Out Information Sheet. If you have any questions about testing out/test out procedures, please contact Principal, Julia McBride (jmcbride@pinckneypirates.org).
Summer School
If your student 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
IXL Summer Math Challenge!
PCHS has teamed up with IXL to do a Summer Math Challenge. Please open the IXL Summer Challenge letter to explain the details for logging in and checking on your student's progress.
Students will earn a gift card in September if they complete the requirements of the challenge. Look for the gold star on the IXL Summer Challenge letter for specific details.
IXL also has a Summer Boost Skill plan available to each student on their dashboard. Your student can go through the skills and utilize this resource to practice skills from this year's course and to prepare for what is ahead.
If you have any questions about the Summer Challenge, please contact our Math Instructional Coach, Wendy Johnson wjohnson@pinckneypirates.org.
Thank you so much for your support of your student's math learning! We saw great gains in our students' Math performance this year and look forward to continuing that momentum!
August Registration Days
Save the Date!
Wednesday, August 13, 9:00am-Noon - 11th & 12th Graders
Thursday, August 14, 9:00am-Noon - 9th & 10th Graders
During registration, students and families can expect to:
- have their school picture taken and school ID created
- learn about various clubs at PCHS and consider joining
- pay any outstanding fines, if applicable
- visit with the athletic office
- meet our PTO and consider joining
- receive a hard copy of your class schedule and locker assignment/combination
- explore the building, practice opening your locker (and decorate it if you want!), and walk your schedule
Parents/Guardians - Keep your eyes out for an email in early August with guidance to complete the ONLINE back-to-school registration process via MiStar ParentConnect, which is a required step before engaging in registration activities.
Link Crew Training Days
Our 25-26 Link Crew Leaders can expect a postcard in the mail in early August reminding them of our August training days, which are Monday and Tuesday, August 18-19, from 8:00am-Noon in the Pirate Union. We look forward to working with this awesome group of student leaders to prepare to bring our 9th graders into how we do things at PCHS through our Freshmen Orientation experience on the first day of school.
First Day of the 2025-26 School Year
Save the Date!
First Day of School: Monday, August 25
Half Day Schedule - 7:30am-10:55am
*9th Graders attend a student-led orientation all day and no classes.*
Positivity Project Year 1: Reflection and Forward Momentum
As we close out the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve begun with the Positivity Project (P2). This year marked our first step into something new—an initiative rooted in the belief that character matters and that building positive relationships helps all of us thrive. Like any meaningful change, this first year brought with it a mix of enthusiasm, questions, and growth.
Throughout the year, we remained committed to our goal: dedicating 15 minutes each Friday during Seminar to focus on a P2 lesson designed to build self-awareness, empathy, and connection. We also wove P2 principles into other parts of our school culture—from how we recognize our students and staff of the week, to what you see highlighted on our TVs, social media, and in school-wide messaging.
We are especially grateful to our Leadership & Link Crew class, who played a central role in helping us bring structure and consistency to our weekly P2 rollout.
We’ve listened closely to feedback from both students and staff. As expected with any new initiative, perspectives vary—and that’s a valuable part of the process. What’s clear is that we now have a strong foundation to build from. Over the summer, we’ll be using what we’ve learned to adjust and improve—making next year’s experience more engaging, more relevant, and more aligned with the developmental needs of high school students.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We’re proud of the strides we’ve made together—and excited for what’s next.
PCHS PTO Happenings
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:
- In development for August: Partnering with Student Government to expand upon the annual senior parking spot painting event to include food trucks and fun!
- 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.
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.
PCHS Students of the Week :)
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.
As we close out another remarkable year at Pinckney Community High School, we are proud to honor our final Students of the Week: juniors Luna Scott and McKenzie Klenk. These two outstanding student leaders have been the driving force behind our Student and Staff of the Week recognitions all year long—serving as the engine behind one of our school’s most uplifting and consistent routines.
Each week, Luna and Kenzie combed through nominations submitted by students and staff, identified which individuals received the most meaningful praise aligned with The Positivity Project’s mission, and curated the write-ups featured in our Friday newsletters, school TVs, social media, and The Livingston Daily. They not only synthesized the celebratory language but also took the weekly photos and ensured everything was submitted on time and with integrity.
The Positivity Project teaches that “other people matter” and aims to help students recognize their character strengths, deepen relationships, and live meaningful lives. Luna and Kenzie have embodied that mission. Their dedication to highlighting the good in others, week after week, has created a ripple effect of positivity across our school.
In addition to this effort, Kenzie was instrumental in organizing our Student and Staff of the Week nomination system at the start of the year and went above and beyond for a fundraiser, Operation Christmas Wishes, in partnership with the Yoga Strong Foundation. Her peers describe her as a creative, energetic force of nature who brings Leadership, Zest, Enthusiasm, Humor, Honesty, and Teamwork to everything she does. She steps up when others need help and always keeps it real.
Luna is recognized by peers for her consistent Kindness, Love, Positivity, and Inclusion. She brings warmth and humor to every room and makes others feel welcome and appreciated. As one classmate put it, “Luna is always kind to me, and she includes everyone—she shows love and positivity every single day.”
Both students are invaluable members of our Leadership & Link Crew program, where they help incoming freshmen transition successfully into high school. Through their behind-the-scenes work and day-to-day leadership, Luna and Kenzie have made PCHS a better, brighter place for all.
Thank you, Luna and Kenzie, for being shining examples of what it means to lead with character. You’ve helped make sure the incredible people in our building feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
What We Did in Seminar This Week
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.
No Seminar this week due to the Friday half day!
PCHS Weekly Bell Schedule
Important Dates
- June 6: Half Day - Last Day of the 2024-25 School Year!
- August 13: 11th & 12th Registration, 9:00AM-Noon
- August 14: 9th & 10th Registration, 9:00AM-Noon
- August 25: First Day of 2025-26 School Year! Half Day, 7:30-10:55AM
District-Wide Calendars: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/page/calendars
Pirate Athletics & Community Ed
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?
Counselors' Corner
Counseling Office: (810) 225.5603
Counseling Website: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/o/pchs (Select the Counseling drop-down menu.)
Counseling Secretary
Mrs. Leah Barkoff
810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610
(Mrs. Barkoff is filling in for Jen Duncan while she is on family leave.)
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!
College Readiness @ PCHS
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
- 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!
Career Development @ PCHS
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.
Community Resources
County-wide mental health newsletter with May is Mental Health Month opportunities.
Grief Resources
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
Local Food Resources
See documents linked below.
Local Opportunities
Local Employment Opportunities
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
Special Education Aide(s)
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!
PCHS on Social Media
If you don't already, follow us on:
- Instagram at @pinckneyhighschool
- Facebook at Pinckney Community High School.
Managerial Reminders
- 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
Pinckney Community High School
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




