Tiger Update
Information/Updates about Pickerington High School Central
Message from Mr. Parker
Greetings, Tiger Nation!
New Beginnings...
On Thursday, July 31st, an era officially came to a close as we shared a working lunch with Mr. Lanier one last time. As Coach Lanier turned in his badge and key, he exited Central’s doors as Principal for the last time, turning the page to start a new beginning in his illustrious life. (I can't lie, I shed a few tears). This made me very sad.
On the other hand, Friday, August 1st marked the beginning of my tenure as Principal of Pickerington High School Central, which couldn't bring me more joy! I am so blessed to be on this journey with this tightly knit community. These two juxtaposed emotions are just the tip of the iceberg and I’m certain that as principal and as a learning community, we will experience many emotions together as we journey through the 25-26 school year.
The joy of welcoming our Freshman to the building on August 14th and 15th will be a highlight for certain. The joy of graduating the Senior Class of 2026 will certainly be the pinnacle of the year and the height of every emotion a senior parent can experience. See, I too, am a Senior parent and a Freshman parent. I have a Senior that has his last “first day” of high school this year, a freshman that has her very first “first day,” all while I fulfill this amazing role for the first time as Principal.
Again, new beginnings! I'm excited for what this year has in store for Tiger Nation and I'm looking forward to being on this journey with this strong learning community!
Please take a moment to view the back-to-school video below.
Click here for a brief video message from Mr. Parker.
This update contains important dates about Welcome Days and the start of the school year. Please take some time to review it so that your return goes smoothly. We look forward to seeing everyone soon.
As Always,
Tigers T.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Mr. Parker
PHSC Administrators and 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
Counselors: Click on the counselor name to schedule an appointment with the counselor. (These forms will be live August 4th)
Initiative Updates for the 2025-26 School Year (Cellphones / PCDs)
As your Principal, like many of you, I have been following the news and updates over the past several months regarding personal communication devices and their effect on student engagement and overall well-being. As you may know, Senate Bill 158 (SB 158) is currently being considered in Ohio, which proposes a near-complete ban on cell phone use in schools. However, House Bill 250 (HB 250) is the current law, under which we have operated this past year.
(Click the image to see the classroom phone caddies)
Our plan for cell phones last year was for students to power them down and put them away. When students were able to consistently adhere to this plan, our educators observed a profound increase in positive student engagement, academic performance, and improved behavior at school. Unfortunately, maintaining this consistency proved challenging. As long as the devices were on their person, students were tempted to interact with their phones. The incessant notifications students receive were too powerful of a pull to ignore. Shortly into the school year, this led to teachers constantly addressing the issue with students, administration confiscating phones, and, most detrimentally, students missing out on valuable instructional time and becoming agitated due to the overwhelming urge to interact with their devices. Our teachers who sustained student engagement and growth successfully moved to the approach of having students turn in their phones at the start of class, engaging in the lesson throughout class, and collecting their phone at the end of class.
After a year of trial and error, we have decided to move to a practice of students powering down and placing their personal communication devices (cell phones) in classroom-provided phone caddies during each class period. This includes classrooms, restrooms, and study halls. If your student brings their phone to school, procedurally, they will put their phone in the teacher's phone caddy upon entering the room. This shift will be an adjustment for our students as they are used to keeping their device on them in the classroom.
During transition times and during lunch, students will have the opportunity to earn the use of their phones; however, the classroom space will be a "no-phone-zone". The purpose of this approach is to enhance the academic and social experience for ALL of our students and staff. School districts and high schools that have moved to this approach have reported higher student engagement, improved academic performance, and an improved learning environment with fewer behavioral incidents.
Upon entering class, if students are found with their phone out and do not place their phone in the caddy, it will be confiscated immediately by an administrator (unless there are documented medical reasons on file with the school nurse or administration). Upon entering the classroom and throughout the class period, if student's phones are not out and not visible, they are in compliance. This practice will take effect at the start of the school year. On the first occasion students will be able to retrieve their phone at the end of the day. On the second offense a parent will need to pick up the phone. If there is a 3rd offense a meeting will be held with the family to discuss how we will move forward.
We know and understand that this will require a strong partnership with our families. We ask for your support in discussing this adjustment with your students before the school year begins, helping them understand the reasons behind this change and supporting the school in its implementation.
Thank you in advance for your support with this important initiative!
As Always,
TigersT.I.E.
(Trust, Integrity, & Empathy)
Initiative Updates for the 2025-26 School Year: Electronic Hall Pass Procedure
Maximizing Learning Time Together!
At PHSC, we're all about creating the best possible learning environment for our students. As educators, we know that the biggest key to success on state tests, AP exams, ACT, CCP, and even daily classroom assessments, is consistent, engaged time right here in the classroom.
Last year, we noticed that many students were spending significant time out of class on hall passes. To make sure every student can truly maximize their learning potential this year, we're putting a new hall pass policy in place.
We completely understand that students sometimes need a quick break or a restroom visit. To make this easier, our new schedule includes 5-minute transition times between classes. This gives students plenty of opportunity to take care of these needs before diving into their next lesson.
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 are nearing the end!!!
PHSC Fall Sports Tryouts
Pickerington Central:
Girls Soccer Try-Outs:
Friday, 8/1 (8AM-10AM) - Pickerington Central High School Stadium
Monday, 8/4 (4PM-6PM) - Pickerington Central High School Stadium
Boys Soccer Try-Outs:
Friday, 8/1 (10:15AM-12:15PM) - Pickerington Central High School Stadium
Monday, 8/4 (10:15AM-12:15PM) - Pickerington Central High School Stadium
Girls Tennis Try-Outs:
Friday, 8/1 (8:30AM-10:30AM) - Pickerington Central Tennis Courts
Monday, 8/4 (8:30AM-10:30AM) - Pickerington Central Tennis Courts
Seniors Parking Lot Painting
Hey Seniors!
Get ready to start a brand new tradition! We're thrilled to announce we're kicking off Seniors Painting Parking Spots in the LT Lot. We're still nailing down all the details, but you can learn more about this awesome opportunity during Welcome Days on August 5th and 6th.
See Mr. Cooper or Mrs. Korbar for more info. Can't wait to see your creativity!
We'll see you soon!
Join Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP) and Make a Difference!
Unlock the power of positivity and become a source of inspiration for Pickerington Schools by joining the Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP)!
Are you passionate about creating a supportive and uplifting educational environment? Do you believe in the power of positive relationships to shape student success? As a PoPP volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in guiding our junior high and high school students toward better decisions while fostering a culture of encouragement and growth.
Your presence and support will help students build confidence, make positive choices, and navigate life’s challenges. By working together, we can spread positivity throughout Pickerington Schools, strengthening our community with kindness, resilience, and connection.
