PCH Community Update

PCH Community,

I hope you are enjoying this gorgeous late summer weather and the much needed break from the heat. As we settle into the routine of the school year, this two week edition of PCH Community Update inclues several time senstive items...

• School Picture Day is tomorrow, Monday, August 25 for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Order info is below. Pictures will be taken during English classes.
• Open House for parents is Thursday, August 28 beginning at 6:30 pm. Details below.
• PSAT info is also included for current 10th & 11th grade students. Details below.
• Spur Yearbooks are now on sale. Purchase by Sunday, August 31 for the best price.
• Class of 2026 families have multiple grade specific items to review.
• Class of 2027 families have class ring info included.
• Dual Credit Program registration is now open. Registration closes in a few weeks.

This week, Central High will begin full implementation of three important policies and practices:

• Student Attendance: As a school district, we believe that daily student attendance (i.e. being at school and in class on time) is foundational to the academic success of students. As a reminder to parents and guardians, please contact the appropriate grade level office when your student is absent from school (names, emails and telephone number are at the bottom of this Update). Missouri law and Parkway policy (JE.BP) requires the school to keep accurate daily attendance records. Per disctrict policy and building practice, students with unexcused absences and unexcused tardies may receive after detentions and / or assignment to in-school suspension.
• Student Use of Cell Phones & Personal Electronic Devices: Information on this new policy was shared in the last Update and is included below. This week, we will begin full implementation of the new district policy, the bottom line of which is this: cell phones and other personal electronic devices (i.e. smartwatches, laptops, iPads, tablets and wireless headphones) are expected to be off and away from 7:35 am - 2:30 pm, including class time, passing periods, and lunch shifts. Students in violation of the policy may have their device collected by a staff member. Collected devices should be picked up by the student at the end of the school from the student's grade level administrator or designee. Students, we had a good start with this last week; thank you, in advance, for your continued cooperation.
• Student Travel in Academic Lab: "Ac Lab" is an important part of the high school schedule in Parkway because it provides students and staff additional time during the school day to focus on academic support, community connections, and other building needs. Ac Lab is scheduled during 4th block on Even Days. For more information about Ac Lab, click HERE. For Ac Lab on 8/27 & 8/29, students will only be able to travel during Module 2. Reminder: students are expected to sign up for their Mods by 11:59 pm the night before Ac Lab. Students who do not sign up will be assigned to a classroom with one of their teachers. For directions on how to sign up, click HERE.

Also included in this two week Update is information on the following...

• Calendar Reminders
• Game Guidelines
• PCH Athletic Passes
• PG 2026: Homecoming Tailgate
• Free & Reduced Meal Program
• Find Your Bus Stop
• Student Parking for 2025-2026
• Parkway Cell Phone & Device Policy
• FinalForms: A New System
• Parents: PTO Leadership Board
• Morning Arrival Procedures
• Daily Building Procedures
• Afternoon Dismissal Procedures
• Multiple Standing Items
• Central High Administrators

The next Update will be shared on Sunday, September 7, 2025. As a reminder, PCH Community Update is the school newsletter shared with students and parents throughout the school year. For much of the content, students are the primary audience. Parents, please encourage your student to regularly check their Parkway email account to review new updates. Thank you for your support and, as always, Go Colts!

Sincerely,

Tim McCarthy

Principal, PCH

Below are important dates for the weeks and months to come, as well as a PDF of Central High's 2025-2026 Academic Calendar.

The daily schedule for the week of August 25 is:

• Monday, August 25: ALL (Purple) Day
• Tuesday, August 26: ODD (Red) Day
• Wednesday, August 27: EVEN (Blue) Day --- Ac Lab: Module 2 Travel Only
  
• Thursday, August 28: ODD (Red) Day
• Friday, August 39: EVEN (Blue) Day --- Ac Lab: Module 2 Travel Only

The daily schedule for the week of September 1 is:

• Monday, September 1: No School --- Labor Day
• Tuesday, September 2: ODD (Red) Day
• Wednesday, September 3: EVEN (Blue) Day --- Ac Lab: Modules 1 & 2
• Thursday, September 4: ODD (Red) Day
• Friday, September 5: EVEN (Blue) Day --- Ac Lab: Modules 1 & 2

Important Dates:

• Monday, August 25: School Picture Day for Grades 9 - 11
• Thursday, August 28: Open House for Parents, 06:30 pm
  
• Monday, September 1: No School --- Labor Day
• Wednesday, September 10: Even - Half Day, Dismissal at 11:35 am (No Ac Lab / Lunch)
• Monday, September 16: Homecoming Week Begins
• Friday, September 19: Homecoming Football Game, 7 pm
• Saturday, September 20: Homecoming Dance, 7:30 pm
• Wednesday, October 8: Even - Half Day, Dismissal at 11:35 am (No Ac Lab / Lunch)
• Thursday, October 9: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3:00 pm - 8:00 p
• Friday, October 17: Even - Half Day, Dismissal at 11:35 am (No Ac Lab / Lunch, End of Term 1)
• Monday, October 20: No School --- Fall Break
• Wednesday, October 22: PSAT Test
• Monday, October 27: PCH Day of Service

To download the academic calendar, click on the two month calendar above or the attached PDF.

Picture Day for grades 9-11 is almost here! This is your opportunity to capture a special school memory of your child and receive high-quality portraits you’ll treasure for years to come.

Parkway Central High School
Picture Day: Monday, August 25, 2025
Pre-Order Online: www.WagnerPortraitGroup.com
Pre-Order Password: 5C6Z2W9V
Direct link:
https://wagner.portraitpics.co/api/v2/keys/lookup/wagner?key=5C6Z2W9V

When families participate in Picture Day, your purchase directly helps provide our school with safety and security tools, student recognition programs, and other valuable photography services.

To ensure your child is photographed and included in these school resources:

• Pre-order online using the link and password above

• Send your child ready for photos on Picture Day

Students will get their pictures taken during their English class.

Thank you for supporting our school and helping us make Picture Day a success. We look forward to seeing those smiling faces on Monday, August 25, 2025!

Sincerely,

Christine Stricker

Journalism Teacher, PCH

Central High is hosting our annual Open House for all PCH parents on Thursday, August 28, 2025. This is a great opportunity to go through your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn a bit more about your student’s coursework for the upcoming year. The evening will begin in Gym A at 6:30 pm with classroom sessions starting at 7:00 pm. The schedule for the evening is outlined below. Please bring a copy of your student’s schedule, including Academic Lab. Parents, we hope you can join us!

06:30 pm: Large Group Session, Gym A

06:50 pm: Transition to Block 1

07:00 pm - 07:05 pm: Block 1

07:10 pm - 07:15 pm: Block 2

07:20 pm - 07:25 pm: Block 3

07:30 pm - 07:35 pm: Block 4 (Ac Lab)

07:40 pm - 07:45 pm: Block 5

07:50 pm - 07:55 pm: Block 6

08:00 pm - 08:05 pm: Block 7

08:10 pm - 08:15 pm: Block 8

On Thursday of last week, current 11th and 10th grade students, and their parents, received an email from Nana Prange regarding the 2025 PSAT national exam. Registration is now open for this exam, which will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Central High. Please click HERE for additional details, including guidance on which students should take this option exam. Important dates to know are...

• August 29th: IEP/504 accommodation requests sent to Mrs. Prange via email by 8 am
• September 19th: Test registration deadline (@ noon)
• October 3rd: Attend a mandatory "Digital Readiness Check" in the PCH Library during Ac Lab
• October 22nd: Test date @ PCH (Details shared closer to test date with those who register)

We sold out of yearbooks last year, so don't miss out! For the best deal, order your 2025-2026 Parkway Central High yearbook by August 31, 2025 to earn free personalization and a yearbook for just $55. After Aug. 31, the price goes to $60 through Dec. 31.

Order today at yearbookordercenter.com

Purchase a Senior Yearbook Ad to honor your graduating senior! Ads for seniors are due Friday, Oct. 24. See the attached Senior Ad Flyer to see prices and details. Gather your pictures and craft your message, then go to yearbookordercenter.com and to place your order. Don't forget to order your yearbook while you are there. The cost of the ad does not include the cost of the yearbook.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Stricker at cstricker@parkwayschools.net

If you haven't picked up your 24-25 PCH yearbook, stop by room 950 to do so.

Throughout the year, we will share information specific to seniors and their parents. Please look for the Class of 2026 section in future Updates. Below are a few points of importance as we start the new school year:

Friday, August 29, 2025: During Lunches

• Representatives from Jostens will be at Central High to answer questions and receive orders for graduation related products. Please refer to the eblast sent on Sunday, August 24, 2025 for more specific information.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

• The Project Graduation 2026 Core Committee is hosting a meeting for the parents of all Central High seniors for the purpose of sharing information about and volunteer opportunities for the after graduation lock-in.

Friday, September 19, 2025: 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm

• Project Graduation 2026 Core Committee is hosting the annual Homecoming Gate Tailgate & Raffle (see flyer below)! Purchase a parking spot, or if unable to attend, a raffle ticket to support the Senior class and a chance to win a 55-inch TV! You do not have to attend the Tailgate to win the raffle.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 7:00 pm

• Save the date! PCH graduation at The Family Arena.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 11 pm - 4:00 am

• Class of 2026 Project Graduation Lock-In at Amp Up in Manchester. We need family/guardian support to make this event happen for the seniors. Shifts will be created to help set up/attend/clean up.

Representatives from Jostens will be at Central High during all three lunch shifts on Friday, August 29, 2025 to answer questions and receive orders for class rings. Please refer to the eblast sent on Sunday, August 24, 2025 for more specific information.

As we prepare for the first home game of the 2025 varsity football season this Friday night, please review the game guidelines outlined above.

PCH athletic passes are now on sale for the 2025-2026 school year. Passes, both individual and family, are good only at home events fo the following events:

• varsity football
• varsity soccer (boys & girls)
• volleyball (boys & girls, all levels)
• basketball (boys & girls, all levels)

PCH athletic passes are NOT validy for away events, tournaments, or postseason play. Scan the QR code below for pricing information and to purchase a pass.

As we settle into the new school year, many students at PCH are enrolled in courses with dual credit programs, which offer students the opportunity to earn college credit through high school coursework. Central High, through partnerships with the University of Missouri - St. Louis and Missouri State University, offers students a robust dual credit program. Registration processes and deadlines vary by university. Please note: eligibility criteria, registration processes and registration fees are set by the university. Click HERE for more information about eligible Central High courses.

University of Missouri - St. Louis

Registration: http://www.umsl.edu/acp/

Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025

*Parent consent through UMSL is due Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 pm CST.

Students need to enroll online, which must include an up-to-date parent/guardian email. The parent/guardian will then be sent an email with a link to sign off on the registration. UMSL will send a bill to the parents.

Missouri State University

Registration: https://missouristate.dualenroll.com

Deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 5:00 pm CST

*Parent consent through MSU is due Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 5:00 pm CST.

The Parkway School District participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This allows families the opportunity to apply for Free and Reduced Price Meal Benefits. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility.To apply, click on the picture to the left.

To find your bus stop, click on the picture to the right.

Class of 2026 (Seniors) and Class of 2027 (Juniors)

PCH student parking passes are now available to purchase for eligible senior and junior student. Please refer to the email the email sent on August 5, 2025 at 3 pm. The cost is $85. All students parking on campus are expected to have their school issued parking pass displayed in their vehicle by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the third day of school. Failure to do so is a violation of the school's discipline policy and may result in fines and / or other consequences. Purchase details will be shared in August. Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation.

Class of 2028 (Sophomores)

Due to space limitations, sophomore students are NOT eligible to park on campus during the school day --- no exceptions! Doing so is a violation of the school's discipline policy and may result in disciplinary consequences. As you plan for the school year, please make appropriate transportation arrangements. Sophomore students may have the opportunity to purchase a parking pass for the second semester if space is available.

Class of 2029 (Freshmen)

Freshmen students are not eligible to park on campus during the school day --- no exceptions! Doing so is a violation of the school's discipline policy and may result in disciplinary consequences. As you plan for the school year, please make appropriate transportation arrangements.

Several times in the past month, Parkway School District has shared information regarding the district's new policy for student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. The updated policy was in response to legislation passed in Missouri in early July. If you have not already done so, please take several moments to review that information HERE. The bottom line is this: cell phones and other personal electronic devices (i.e. smartwatches, laptops, iPads, tablets and wireless headphones) are expected to be off and away from 7:35 am - 2:30 pm, including class time, passing periods, and lunch shifts.

Students, I recognize that, for many, this new policy provokes many thoughts and strong emotions. At home, my youngest daughter is starting her senior year in high school; she has already shared with me many of the sentiments that I am sure align with your own. I am empathetic to the challenges of this change! With that said, I also hope that you will take several moments to consider why this change is happening. States and school districts across the country are simply responding to a growing body of research that indicates that personal electronic devices in schools, especially cell phones, negatively impact student learning in multiple ways. I know you may not like the new policy, but I ask for your support and cooperation with its implementation.

Parents, I recognize this will be a significant change for you, as well. As I mentioned, my youngest will be a senior in high school, while my oldest is starting her second year in college. For the last several years, my wife and I texted our daughters during the school day to remind them of an important item on their to do list, wish them luck on a test, or provide guidance to a situation they were navigating. I always felt guilty when one of them would respond, "I'm in class!" I thought to myself, "I'm a high school principal; I should know better!" The new policy will be a change for us too, but given the rationale behind it, I ask for your support and cooperation, as well. As a reminder, if you need to communicate with your student during the school day, you have a couple of options:

• Send them an email to their Parkway email account, which they can check using their district issued Chromebook.
• Contact their gradel leve office; at the bottom of every PCH Community Update are the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of our grade level administrators and their assistants.

At the bottom of the graphic above is a green check mark above each of these three goals: improved mental health, focused learning, stronger relationships. I honestly believe that after we adjust to the new policy and settle into the school year, we will experience positive gains in all three areas. Thank you, in advance, for your support and cooperation!

The first official practice day for fall athletics is Monday, August 11, 2025. Any student wanting to join a sport or activity (band, choir, orchestra) must complete the registration process for the 2025-2026 school year. This process is online as we are switching to a new system called FinalForms (previously PRIVIT). This system will house all your important documents. It is a new process for Central High, but we are extremely excited about this new platform. Attached is some information on FinalForms.

These forms must be completed prior to participating in a sport or activity.

To that end, we are asking the parents/guardians and the students planning to play sports or participate in activities to create accounts in FinalForms and register your student(s). Please see the attached document for links and assistance in registering.

Central High's PTO leadership board for the 2025-2026 school year is:

Kia Davis - President

Steven Shane - Vice President

Sonya Land - Treasurer

Stephanie Harvey - Secretary

Thank you to these individuals for their service to the PCH community! For more PTO information, click HERE.

Students and Parents: Please review this section whether you are riding the bus to school, dropping off your student, or driving yourself.

Officer Chris Kaatmann, Central High's new school resource officer, and Mr. DePriest Ammons, Central High's daytime custodian, will be directing traffic in the morning to assist with dropoff. Please follow their directions.

• Buses will dropoff students in the North Parking Lot. Students will exit the bus and enter through Door 40, the back entrance to the athletic wing.
• Parent Drivers may enter campus through the main entrance or via Stadium Drive. You will then be directed to the front of school via the main driveway (do not enter the North Lot). Use the lane to the far RIGHT of the median and along the curb. Pull forward as much as possible, then let your student out. Please go slow and yield to students crossing from the main lot. Student should enter through Door #1 - Main Entrance.
• Student Drivers may arrive on campus through the main entrance or via Stadium Drive. You will then be directed to the front of school via the main driveway (do not enter the North Lot). Use the lane to the far LEFT of the median, then proceed to either the Main Lot or the East Lot. Please go slow and yield to students crossing from the main lot. Student should enter school through Door #1 - Main Entrance.

Students and parents, please review the daily building procedures below.

• The building opens to students at 07:00 am.
• In the morning, students are expected to enter through Door #1 - Main Entrance (student drivers and students being dropped off) or Door #40 - Back Athletic Entrance (bus riders).
• Breakfast is available from 07:00 am - 07:30 am.
• Classes begin at 07:35 am. Students are expected to be in their assigned room by 07:35 am. For the first few days of school, we will work with students as some adjust to a new building and all to a new schedule.
• The internal set of doors at the main entrance will be locked at 07:35 am. Students tardy to school will check in inside the vestibule. Students will be issued a pass, then report to class.
• All visitors, includng parents, are expected to enter through the main entrance and check in using vestibule.
• Visitors cleared to enter the main building are expected to wear their school issued visitor badge for the duration of their visit to PCH.
• Students dismissed during the school day (e.g. for an appointment with a parent) are expected to exit the building through the main entrance.
• During school hours (07:00 am - 02:30 am), deliveries for students from outside entities, including, but not limited to food delivery services, are not allowed. Parents may continue to drop off items for students (e.g. lunch), when necessary.

Students and Parents: Please review this section whether you are riding the bus home, picking up your student, or driving yourself.

• Buses will line up on the front driveway using lanes to the RIGHT of the median for dismissal. Students riding the bus home should exit school through the main entrance or the theater entrance, then board their bus. School staff will be available to help students find their bus, especially for the first two weeks of the school year. Buses release at 02:37 pm, seven minutes after the dismissal bell.
• Parent Drivers picking up students at dismissal may wait on the front, main driveway in the near lane to the LEFT of the median or on the SOUTH bound lane of Stadium Drive. Please do not park and wait in the North Lot. Go slow and yield to students.
• Student Drivers should exit school through the main entrance or the theater entrance, then walk cautiously to their vehicle. As you exit the Main Lot or the East Lot, please be patient and follow the directives of the adult releasing buses and vehicles. Go slow and yield to students.

Dr. Tim McCarthy

Principal

Email: tmccarthy@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/Domain/31
Location: 369 N Woods Mill Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
Phone: (314)415-7900
Instagram: pchprincipal

Pictured from left to right: Matt Belding, Patrick Ward, Amy Grich, Tim McCarthy, Shruti Upadhyay, Brian Guilfoyle and Casey Holland.

Tim McCarthy, Principal

• Email: tmccarthy@parkwayschools.net
• Administrative Assistant: Kim Orf
• Office Telephone: 314-415-7902

Casey Holland, Assistant Principal - Class of 2026

• Email: cholland1@parkwayschools.net
• Administrative Assistant: Karena Gantner (kgantner@parkwayschools.net)
• Office Telephone: 314-415-7904

Shruti Upadhyay, Assistant Principal - Class of 2027

• Email: supadhyay@parkwayschools.net

• Administrative Assistant: Christine Schmitt
• Office Telephone: 314-415-7906

Patrick Ward, Assistant Principal - Class of 2028

• Email: pward2@parkwayschools.net
• Administrative Assistant: Carla Zeisler
• Office Telephone: 314-415-7910

Amy Grich, Assistant Principal - Class of 2029

• Email: agrich@parkwayschools.net
• Administrative Assistant: Jordan Berry (jberry1@parkwayschools.net)
• Office Telephone: 314-415-7908

Matthew Belding, Special Education Coordinator

• Email: mbelding@parkwayschools.net
• Office Telephone: 314-415-5972

Brian Guilfoyle, Director of Athletics & Activities

• Email: bguilfoyle@parkwayschools.net
• Administrative Assistant: Tina Uihlein (tuihlein@parkwayschools.net)
• Office Telephone: 314-415-7936