PCHS Updates

August 3-August 21 - 8:00am-2:00pm

Every year, schools must gather updated information from families to ensure accuracy and adhere to various compliance requirements. We do this through an online process in MiStar Parent Connect. As a part of online registration, you will also be able to register your student for a parking pass, order a yearbook and school pictures, and donate to the PTO.

Keep your eyes out for a district email with guidance on this required step in the start of the school year process.

This online step in MiStar Parent Connect MUST be completed before engaging in the in-person registration process on August 11 or 12. Students will only be able to receive their class schedule at in-person registration if the online registration is complete.

Tuesday, August 11, from 9AM-Noon - 11th & 12th Grade Registration

Wednesday, August 12, from 9AM-Noon - 9th & 10th Grade Registration

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

REMINDER: Parents/Guardians must complete the ONLINE back-to-school registration process via MiStar Parent Connect before engaging in in-person registration activities. There will be laptops available in the Main Office during registration days to complete this online step, if necessary.

*If you are unable to attend your grade's assigned day, you may attend the other day.

If your student registered to attempt to test out of a PCHS course, the test-out administration will be on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:00 AM. Students are to report to the PCHS Main Office by 9:50am for direction to the test-out location. If your student has a conflict (such as Band Camp), the alternate date and time for test out is Monday, August 17 at 10am.

For more information on test out policies and procedures, please view the Test Out Policy. If your student has changed their mind about attempting to test-out of a course or plans to test on the alternate date, please let Mrs. McBride (jmcbride@pinckneypirates.org) know so we can update our registration list and adjust materials preparation accordingly.

We've revised our independent study application process. The system is now digitized, more robust, and more rigorous. You can view the application form here. Applications must be submitted before the start of the semester.

When receiving class schedules next week, some incoming 9th and 10th grade students may notice that their English placement differs from the course they selected. To create the best learning environment for all students, we considered multiple factors when making final placements, including:

• NWEA percentile
• Performance in the most recent English course
• Attendance
• Behavior

These placements are designed to ensure students are appropriately challenged, well-supported, and that class sizes remain balanced across English and Honors English sections.

At PCS, our priority is to provide a safe, consistent, and effective learning environment for all students. To support this goal, students are not permitted to use personal computers, tablets, or other electronic devices from bell to bell. This expectation aligns with our existing cell phone policy. Instead, each student has access to a school-issued Chromebook, which is equipped with the tools and safeguards necessary to enhance learning and maintain safety.

Our Chromebooks include filtering software that protects students while browsing online and alerts administrators when concerning content is entered. This allows us to respond promptly when safety issues arise. In addition, teachers can manage classroom Chromebooks to monitor engagement and support instruction. When students use personal devices, these important safety and instructional features are unavailable.

We believe this policy will help students stay focused on learning while ensuring that all of our safety measures function as intended. We appreciate your understanding and partnership in upholding this expectation.

Exceptions: In some cases, Michigan Virtual and/or Dual Enrollment courses require personal devices. This is to be addressed on a case-by-case basis with school administration.

Our 26-27 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 17-18 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 Freshman Orientation experience on the first day of school.

Save the Date!

First Day of School: Monday, August 24

Half Day Schedule - 7:30am-10:55am

*9th Graders attend a student-led orientation all day and no classes.*

26-27 School Year PTO Welcome Letter

Next Meeting: The PCHS PTO meets every third Tuesday at 6pm in the Pirate Union, starting on Tuesday, August 18. Join us! Reach out to Mrs. McBride with interest, or just show up!

Previous Meeting Minutes: 5/19/26

Upcoming Activities:

• Senior Parking Spot Painting Collaboration w/ Student Government

26-27 PTO Board:

• President: Amanda Winningham
• VP: Mandie Morgan
• Secretary: Bill Wearne
• Treasurer: Nicole Watson
• Event Coordinator: Michelle Neuman

• August 8: Online Back-to-School Registration Open in Parent Connect
• August 10-14: PCHS Band Camp
• August 11: 11th & 12th Registration, 9:00AM-Noon
• August 12: 9th & 10th Registration, 9:00AM-Noon
• August 12: Test Out Administration, 10:00AM
• August 17: Alternate Test Out Administration, 10:00AM
• August 17 & 18: Link Crew Leader Training
• August 24: First Day of 2026-27 School Year! Half Day, 7:30-10:55AM
• August 28: Make-Up Picture Day (if you missed registration)
• August 31: NHS & Red Cross Blood Drive (8:30am-1:15pm)
• September 2: PCHS Open House (6:00-6:30 - Optional Reproductive Health & Financial Aid Presentations, 6:30-8:00 Open House)
• September 4-7: No School - Labor Day Weekend
• September 18: Homecoming Parade & Football Game
• September 19: Homecoming Dance
• September 25: Progress Report 1 of 6
• October 5-9: Pinck Week
• October 6: Picture Retake Day
• October 7: Powderpuff Football Game
• October 20: NMSQT Test (optional, pre-reg required)
• October 27: Band-O-Rama
• October 29: Orchestra & Choir Concert
• October 30: Progress Report 2 of 6
• November 3: No School - Election Day
• November 5-6: Half Days & Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 13, 14, 20, 21, & 22: Noises Off - Act 2 Fall Play
• November 19: NHS & Red Cross Blood Drive
• November 25-27: Thanksgiving Break
• December 1: Choir Holiday Concert
• December 3: Orchestra Concert
• December 4: Progress Report 3 of 6
• December 8: Holiday Extravaganza Concert
• December 14: Academic Awards Night
• December 16-18: Semester 1 Exams
• December 18: Half Day
• December 19-January 3: Winter Break
• January 18: No School - MLK Jr. Day
• January 22: Winterfest Basketball Games
• January 23: Winterfest Dance
• February 5: Progress Report 4 of 6
• February 12-15: Mid-Winter Break
• February 20: PCS Music Spaghetti Dinner
• February 23: 8th Grade Parent Presentation
• February 25: FAFSA / Financial Aid Night & Course Exploration Night
• March 12: Progress Report 5 of 6
• March 12, 13, 19, 20, & 21: Grease - Act 2 Spring Musical
• March 19: Prospective Student Shadow Day
• March 20: Livingston County Parent Summit
• March 26-April 4: Spring Break
• April 14: SAT & PSAT 9 (No School for 10th and 12th)
• April 15: PSAT 10 & 11th WIN Work Readiness (No School for 9th, Virtual Day for 12th)
• April 20: 11th MSTEP Social Studies (during school)
• April 27: 11th MSTEP Science (during school)
• April 28: Senior Scholar Dinner
• April 30: Class of 2027 Decision Day (during lunch)
• April 30: Progress Report 6 of 6
• May 1: Prom
• May 3-14: AP Testing
• May 4: Choir Concert
• May 6: Orchestra Concert
• May 12-14: Senior Exams
• May 12: Band Concert
• May 14: Seniors' Last Day of School
• May 26: Senior Awards Night
• May 27: Senior Graduation Rehearsal, Clap-Out, & BBQ
• May 31: No School - Memorial Day
• June 2-4: Semester 2 Exams
• June 2: PCHS Graduation @ 7pm Pirate Stadium (Rain Date: June 3 @ 7pm, Plan C: June 3 @ 7pm, PCHS Gym)
• June 4: Last Day of School - Half Day

Please review the end of the school year dates and plan accordingly! With the last week of school coinciding with Memorial Weekend, the traditional timing of some of our Senior events, including graduation, have been adjusted. We are excited to try an evening graduation ceremony! But we also want to be sure you have ample time to prepare and schedule accordingly, especially with this year's commencement falling on a week night.

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:

pinckneyathletics.org

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/

Counseling Office: (810) 225.5603

Counseling Website: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/o/pchs (Select the Counseling drop-down menu.)

Counseling Secretary

Mrs. Leah Barkoff

lbarkoff@pinckneypirates.org

810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610

School Counselors

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

Ms. Nicole Braun MA, SCL
School Counselor (Last Names: 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

Follow us on:

• Instagram at @pinckneyhighschool
• Facebook at Pinckney Community High School.

• Full-Day Schedule: 7:30am-2:30pm
• Half-Day Schedule: 7:30am-10:55am
• Friday Early Release Schedule: 7:30am-1:09pm
• Building Hours: 7:00am-3:00pm (Need to pick up your child's cell phone? Must arrive by 3pm!)
• 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!
• PCS 26-27 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