Tiger Update

Tiger Nation! 🐅

Holiday Break ⚓

Tiger Nation, we made it! We finished the semester on a high note, and I am incredibly proud of how we’ve sailed together up to this point. We navigated the challenges of the first semester as a united crew—with resilience, teamwork, and grace.

I’m looking forward to continuing our journey together and tackling the opportunities and challenges that await us in the second semester. But for now, let’s shift our focus to what’s most important—rest, relaxation, and recharging over the next two weeks.

Let’s use this time to reset and refuel so we can return ready to continue to Reach Your Full Potential (RYFP).

Sail on, Tiger Nation! 💨

As always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)

Mr. Parker

Santa (Coach Rausch) and Mrs. Dashner pose for a pic in Mr. Parker's Office - Spreading Holiday Cheer! Happy Holidays!

December 22nd - January 2nd: No School. Holiday Break

Hello Pickerington Families!

I hope that you are looking forward to an exciting holiday season filled with enriching experiences that create many memories! As we look ahead to the 2026 portion of our school year, it is important to communicate a significant change in policy that will primarily impact our high school students.

Beginning with our return to school January 5, we will expect all students to silence and put away their cell phones for the entire school day, from the bell that starts the first period to the bell that ends the last. This expectation is already in effect for all schools with the exception of Central and North, where students can access their phones at designated times such as class changes and lunch.

According the Department of Education and Workforce,

Research demonstrates that cell phone policies can impact mental health and educational outcomes, including increases in productivity, reductions of bullying incidence, and increases in girl's grade point averages.

Without access to cell phones, students can focus on their surroundings, interactions with others, and their education. Without the interruptions caused by cell phones, school staff can spend more time teaching and supporting students.

Accordingly, Ohio law now requires each school district, community school, and STEM school to adopt a policy prohibiting cell phone use by students during the instructional day by Jan. 1, 2026. An “instructional day” is any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance and includes not only formal instruction time but also supervised activities, such as transitioning between classes, recess, meal periods, and field trips.

Our high school leadership teams will soon communicate more about procedures for enforcement of this policy. We acknowledge that many of our students highly value their cell phones and the many applications available through them. However, we also know that our students rise to the expectations our adults hold for them. We look forward to collaborating with all of you to ensure a positive transition after our holiday season!

At Pickerington Central, our expectations regarding cell phone use will remain consistent; however, enforcement will now extend beyond the classroom to include the hallways and the lunchroom.

Upon entering the school, if a student is found using or visibly carrying a cell phone, the device will be confiscated immediately by an administrator, unless there is documented medical authorization on file with the school nurse or administration. Once students enter the classroom and throughout the class period, phones must remain out of sight and not visible to remain in compliance.

This practice will take effect at the start of the new year.

Progressive consequences will apply as follows:

• First offense: Student may retrieve the phone at the end of the school day.

• Second offense: A parent/guardian must pick up the phone.

• Third offense: A meeting will be held with the student and family to determine next steps moving forward.

We understand that this change requires a strong partnership with our families. We ask for your support in discussing these expectations with your student prior to the start of the new year, helping them understand the purpose behind this adjustment and reinforcing the importance of compliance.

Thank you in advance for your support with this important initiative as we work together to create an environment focused on learning, responsibility, and student success.

As Always,

Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust ,Integrity, & Empathy)

Each school year, Parents/Guardians are asked to review and submit the required “Back to School Forms” for their student(s). This process is called the Annual Update. Some of the forms include:

• Emergency Medical Authorization

• Student Handbook Acknowledgement

• Device Agreement

• Technology Protection Plan

• Field Trip Authorization Form

Who may complete the Annual Update?

Only the primary contact; Parent/Guardian may complete these forms. Students are not able to complete these forms.

To begin, log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and complete the Annual Update. For step-by-step-directions click the following link review and update your student’s information. Most information will already be pre-populated; please review carefully, and update your student’s information to ensure it’s accurate.

IMPORTANT: If you have not completed and submitted the Annual Update for the 2025-2026 School year, please do so as soon as possible. It is vital that the district has updated medical and emergency contact information for your student. Students cannot go on field trips until this information is completed.

Change of Address?
Please visit the Residency tab to access the Pickerington Schools Change of Address Form. PLEASE NOTE: THIS MUST BE DONE THROUGH THE WELCOME CENTER. IT CANNOT BE DONE THROUGH THE ANNUAL UPDATE.

Course Fee - Please Read

As the semester comes to a close, we want to make sure all students have what they need to finish strong! Please take a moment to check your student’s course fees in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. These fees help provide the curriculum and classroom materials your student uses every day.

You can easily view and pay fees by logging into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Thank you for helping us ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed!

Outstanding Fee

Students and families can pay outstanding school fees online using the links in Infinite Campus. It is important to stay ahead of this as students progress through high school as unpaid fees will affect students' graduation and transcripts their senior year. Please reach out to the school if you have questions or need financial assistance.

From Mrs. Starkey - Anyone who purchases a print edition of The Ambush will be entered to win a prom ticket!

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.

A lot of information, coming soon!

It's time to order your cap and gown and Senior Accessories!

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: 12/15/2025

How to see your School Counselor:

Please use your counselor's link below to request a meeting

Mrs. Dashner (A-Co)

Ms. Perez (Cr-Ho)

Miss Hoffman (Hu-Moon)

Mr. Peirano (Moore-Sh)

Mrs Mattox (Si-Z)

EFCTS Application:

Sophomores! The EFCTS application has opened up. Please use this link to submit your application: EFCTS Application

If you need help filling out the application, please use this guide to help you through the application: EFCTS Steps to Apply

Be sure to apply soon, the priority window is open Dec. 4 - Feb. 11!

Senior Meetings

PHSC Senior Meeting Presentation

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.

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is open!!!.

Prior to October 1, students/parents can set up their FAFSA ID. The FSA ID is required for completing the FAFSA. Students/Parents, make sure to meet the FAFSA deadlines. The deadlines are different for each college/university.

Ex. (Students are strongly encouraged to verify information on college websites, as the dates listed below are subject to change)

Bowling Green State University's FAFSA deadline is February 15, 2026.

The University of Cincinnati FAFSA deadline is February 1, 2026.

FAFSA Application Quick Guide provided by SchooLinks.

College Credit Plus

PHSC CCP Liaison-Jennifer Dashner (jennifer_dashner@pld.us). Please reach out with any questions.

MTC: no updates this week

CSCC: no updates this week

Franklin University: Now offering a 100% online Undergraduate Medical Assistant Certificate.

This is best suited for seniors due to the certification exam. Students who successfully complete the 17-credit hour certificate program will be eligible to sit for national certification exams- either the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students are also able to use the credits earned in the Medical Assistant certificate towards a B.S. Exercise Science, B.S. Healthcare Administration or B.S Public Health at Franklin University if they want to continue on to earn a degree.

Junior ACT

PHSC ACT for Juniors Information

Students in AP Classes - this DOES NOT apply to Pre-AP courses

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 order a late exam or cancel an existing order please reach out to Ms. Hoffman (ashlee_hoffman@plsd.us); there will be a $40 late order/cancellation fee.

Fairfield County Workforce Development Center

No update this week

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

Please join our PTSO!! See attached information on how to join.

A huge congratulations to our PHSC Competition Cheerleading Team on an incredible performance at the State Competition, earning an outstanding 3rd-place finish! This remarkable achievement is a true testament to the team’s dedication, discipline, and countless hours of hard work.

In a competition that came down to the smallest of margins, our Tigers finished just 0.05 points shy of second place - a powerful reminder of how elite and competitive this team truly is. Their precision, energy, and teamwork lit up the mat and showcased the very best of PHSC pride.

We are incredibly proud of these athletes, their coaches, and everyone who supported them along the way. Your commitment to excellence, resilience under pressure, and unwavering Tiger spirit continue to set the standard and inspire our entire school community.

Congratulations on an unforgettable state performance - Tiger Nation is cheering you on every step of the way! On to Nationals!

Student-athletes continuing their athletic career at the collegiate level need to ensure they are taking the correct high school courses and meeting NCAA initial eligibility requirements. Please do not wait to ensure you are meeting the requirements.

NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes 2025-2026

Find PHSC’s (or other high schools attended) Approved High School Courses

NCAA Initial Eligibility for College-Bound Student-Athletes Presentation

If you have questions, please contact

PHSC Contact: Jennifer Dashner (jennifer_dashner@plsd.us)

Athletic Department:

Lisa Morelli - Athletic Director (lisa_morelli@plsd.us)

Evan Doughty - Assistant Athletic Director (evan_doughty@plsd.us)

Katie Thielman - Athletic Secretary (katie_thielman@plsd.us)

Office Number - (614) 548-1825

Tigers in Action this week (2025 - 2026)

Athletic Events 12/22 - 12/28

Athletic Events 12/29 - 1/4

Athletic Notification

Winter Sport season is here and P2P fees will be added in Infinite Campus. You will receive a notification when the fee has been added. The due date for winter P2P fees is November 21st.

Important Reminder: Any athlete that has a previous P2P fee not yet paid, will not be able to participate in their winter sport. Fees can be paid directly in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, check, cash (exact change), or by credit card. Please feel free to call Central Athletics with any questions or concerns!

Tickets

Purchase individual event tickets or our 2025 - 2026 Yearly Athletic Passes through the link below:

https://www.plsd.us/students-families/community/event-ticketing

2025 - 2026 Tiger Club Pass (students) - $53.00

2025 - 2026 Central Club Pass (adults) - $103.00

Ticket Prices for Varsity Events - $10 Adults / $8 Students

Ticket Prices for Lower Level Events - $7 Adults / $5 Students

Students should have a student ID available to provide for entry

All students K-8 will need to be accompanied by an adult for entry

PHSC Athletic Website - All Teams, ALL Seasons

To get the latest Tiger Teams information, visit our website for schedules, information, directions, etc.

https://pickeringtoncentral.bigteams.com/

Final Forms for Parent/Athlete Registration

https://pickerington-oh.finalforms.com/students

NFHS Live Streaming Link for all Home Events

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/

TIGER ATHLETICS

LISA MORELLI

PHSC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

With basketball season kicking off, please see and adhere to the expectations below:

Here's a few pictures of some of our Tigers doing great things!

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:

We believe that regular attendance to school plays an important role in our students' academic success. Whenever possible, we ask that routine appointments and travel are scheduled outside of the school day.

In the event that a student will be absent from school, parents are asked to notify the school by 10:00 AM by calling the 24-hour Attendance Hotline, 614-548-1801. Additionally, please notify the school office in advance, either by phone or in writing, if your student will need to leave school early. Students must obtain a dismissal pass, and be signed out by the office before being permitted to leave the building. Please be prepared to show appropriate ID in order for the student to be released to you.

Also, please review the bell schedule for the starting times of the start of school along with each class period. It is imperative that students arrive on time for school and for their classes. Arriving on time gives students the maximum amount of instructional time in each class and correlates to success in the classroom. Please know that we extended our transition time by 1 minute to allow for a smoother transition. With this additional transition time, we expect all students to arrive at school and to each class on time. Let's make this a priority for our entire school community!!

For detailed information regarding PLSD's Attendance Policy, as well as The State of Ohio's Administrative Code, please refer to Board Policy 5200.

Maximizing Learning Time Together!

As your Principal, I am writing to clarify a crucial change regarding personal communication devices (cell phones) for the upcoming school year, driven by our experience with student engagement and well-being. Last year's trial demonstrated that while our students thrive when phones are put away, having the devices physically present led to overwhelming distraction, consistent compliance issues, and detrimental loss of instructional time. Therefore, to enhance the academic and social experience for all students, we are implementing a new protocol: students are required to power down their phones and place them in classroom-provided phone caddies upon entering all classrooms, restrooms, and study halls—creating a clear "no-phone-zone."

Students may earn the privilege of using their phones during transition times and lunch. If a student is found with a phone out and not in the caddy, it will be immediately confiscated by an administrator (unless medical documentation is on file), leading to escalating consequences. We know this requires a strong partnership, and we ask for your support in discussing this adjustment with your student to ensure a successful, focused school year.

Introducing Our New Electronic Hall Pass System

To help us manage and monitor hallway activity during learning periods, we're transitioning to an Electronic Hall Pass system. This new system will let us track who's in the hallway and how often. While most students use passes responsibly, this will help us identify and address any patterns of overuse, ensuring our hallways remain clear for safety and focus.

Parents, you'll be able to see when your student is out on a pass directly through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please make sure your portal access is up-to-date so you can easily track this with us!

Our main goal is to significantly limit non-essential time out of the classroom and truly protect this valuable instructional time. Of course, we'll always accommodate students with documented medical needs requiring more frequent access. Our overall approach will be to encourage students to "stay in class" as much as possible, focusing on their learning.

We truly believe that by reducing disruptions and keeping students focused in the classroom (especially with our new cell phone procedure!), we'll see increased engagement, better communication, and ultimately boosted student achievement for everyone.

Thank you so much for your partnership and support in this important effort!

As Always,

TigersT.I.E.

(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)

We encourage ALL of our students and staff to know the words to our Fight Song and be ready to sing it at games and special events. We even have a Fight Song challenge that we'll do in conjunction with Homecoming week. The tune is to 'On Wisconsin' so look it up on YouTube and get your vocals ready for this year's contest!!

Fight Song:

Purple White, Purple White

Wrap up that ole score.

We're the team with lots of pep

So let's pep it up some more.

Purple, White; Purple, White

Fight on to your fame.

Fight Tigers, Fight, Fight, Fight

To win this game!!

Pickerington High School Central

300 Opportunity Way

Pickerington, Ohio 43147

614-548-1800

https://www.pickerington.k12.oh.us/pickerington-central-high/