Pickerington District Download
September 5, 2025
Dear Pickerington Families,
Moving Forward, Together
“Circumstances are neither good nor bad in themselves. The use made of them is good or bad.”
— Epictetus
There is something particularly meaningful about this quote in moments like the one we are experiencing. The outcome of our levy election was not what we had hoped for, and the decisions we now have to make will have consequences that are felt throughout our schools and community. There is no value in pretending otherwise. We are disappointed, we are concerned, and we recognize that some of the changes ahead will be difficult for students, families, and staff.
As we have communicated, the defeat of the levy means we must move forward with significant financial reductions, including the elimination of supplemental contracts that support athletics and other extracurricular activities. We know how much these opportunities mean to our students and families. Their loss is not something we take lightly. We also recognize that these changes affect dedicated employees and community members who have invested countless hours in making these programs successful.
But this is where the words of Epictetus become important. We cannot change the outcome of an election. We cannot wish away the financial realities before us. We cannot make every decision easy or every consequence painless. What we can control is how we respond. We can choose to approach these circumstances with grace rather than resentment, with determination rather than defeat, and with an unwavering commitment to the long-term health of our community.
That does not mean we stop advocating for our students or stop looking for solutions. In fact, it means the opposite. We must continue to ask difficult questions, listen to different perspectives, explore responsible alternatives, and find ways to preserve opportunities for students wherever possible. We know there are already conversations taking place about community members and organizations potentially supporting certain activities. We welcome those conversations. At the same time, any approach we consider must be sustainable, equitable, and consistent with our responsibility to serve all students. The opportunities available to a student should not depend solely on which school has the most resources or which families are able to contribute the most. That is an important part of what public education means.
I remain incredibly proud of this school District. Our strength has never been measured solely by the number of teams we field, the number of clubs we offer, or the resources available to us. It is measured by the people who show up every day for children, the relationships built in our classrooms, the dedication of our teachers and support staff, and the collective belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Those things have not changed because of the election result.
We have difficult work ahead, and I know there will be moments of frustration and disagreement along the way. I ask that we give one another some grace, keep our conversations constructive, and remember that we all want the same thing: an exceptional educational experience for the children of this community.
We may not have chosen these circumstances, but we do have a choice in what we make of them. I hope we choose to move forward together, with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our students.
Thank you for continuing to believe in our schools, for supporting our students and staff, and for being part of this community. The circumstances may have changed, but our responsibility to one another has not.
Charlie
Superintendent
Pickerington Local Schools
IG: pickerington_smialek
Throughout the month of November, we’re celebrating:
National Native American Heritage Month
Military Family Appreciation Month
National Adoption Month
Nov. 3–7: National School Psychology Week
Nov. 8: National STEM/STEAM Day
Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Nov. 16–20: Ohio Public Education Appreciation Week
Nov. 18: National Education Support Professionals Day
Nov. 18: Substitute Educators Day
Nov. 27: Native American Heritage Day
Here’s to creating schools and communities where everyone feels seen, supported and included.
#StrivingForGreatnessTogether
Celebrating Outstanding Advocacy: PLSD Director Jennifer Glenn Receives Statewide Honor
Congratulations to Jennifer Glenn, Director of Special Education, who received the Ann Brennan Outstanding Advocate Award during the Ohio School Psychologists Association Fall Conference!
This prestigious award recognizes Jen’s outstanding advocacy for the welfare and success of students throughout her career. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and the difference she continues to make in the lives of students and families across our District. Congratulations, Ms. Glenn!
Pictured L-R - Rachel Chilton, OSPA Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Glenn, PLSD Director of Special Education
Families who may qualify for academic fee waivers are encouraged to complete an Education Benefits/Free & Reduced Meals (EBF/FRAM) application. Families experiencing financial hardship related to extracurricular participation may also apply for a Pay-to-Participate hardship waiver.
Important: EBF/FRAM and hardship applications are valid for one school year and must be completed each year.
The magic of the holidays is bringing new stories and adventures to young learners at Pickerington Kindergarten Center (PKC)!
From Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, the Pickerington Barnes & Noble is partnering with Pickerington Local Schools for a Holiday Book Drive to help fill PKC's new library with books for young readers.
Shoppers can select a book for children in preschool through third grade, purchase it at the checkout counter, and Barnes & Noble will wrap and deliver the books directly to PKC.
"We are so grateful to Barnes & Noble for partnering with us to bring tactile books to our young learners," said Mary Grumman, media assistant at PKC. "These books will open new opportunities and new adventures for them every day. We want physical books in their hands."
The donations will help create a welcoming, comfortable and sensory-friendly library tailored to students' needs and interests.
"This partnership is a great example of the community coming together to create opportunities for students," said Leslie Kelly, executive director of teaching and learning. "We are excited that this will be an ongoing partnership with Barnes & Noble."
How to Participate: Visit the Pickerington Barnes & Noble between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15, select a book for children in preschool through third grade and purchase it at the checkout counter. Barnes & Noble will wrap and deliver it to PKC.
Thank you to Barnes & Noble and our community for helping put books into the hands of our youngest learners!
President
Megan Ferne
Class of 1995
Vice President
Karie Korbar
Class of 2006
Treasurer
Chandler Jent
Class of 2019
Pickerington High School Representative
(Prior to 2003-2004)
Carol Jacob
Class of 1977
Pickerington High School Central Representative
Jevon Smith
Class of 2019
Pickerington High School North Representative
Lauren Sheper
Class of 2007
Every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m., our students spend time side-by-side with older adults at the Senior Center through Side-By-Side: Digital Bridges for Seniors.
Students lend a helping hand as they guide seniors through today's digital world, sharing their knowledge, building confidence and making meaningful connections along the way.
Experience still matters, curiosity doesn't retire! It's technology, teamwork and a little intergenerational learning at its best!
Drake Haughn
Pickerington High School Central
1st Place
Aspen French
Pickerington High School North
2nd Place Honors
A favorite fall tradition continues at Pickerington High School Central! Members of the National Honor Society went trick-or-treating for donations to benefit the school’s Food Pantry.
This year, students collected nearly 2,600 pounds of food and more than $700 in donations!
A big thank-you to our National Honor Society students and everyone in the community who helped make this annual tradition such a success. Way to go, Tigers!
Fiiz-Tastic Work
Showing up every day matters—and we're excited to celebrate students who make attendance and academic success a priority. Fiiz-Tastic Work has returned; On the fourth Wednesday of each month from September through May, Pickerington Local School Superintendent Dr. Charles Smialek will be at the Pickerington FIIZ Drinks location at 5:00 p.m. The first 20 students who arrive with a PLSD verified grade or score of a "B" equivalent will be rewarded with a complimentary Fiiz beverage, and visit with Dr. Smialek.
PLSD Flyers Attendance Challenge
Every family has that one recipe — the one everyone loves, the one that gets requested again and again, or the one that just feels like home.
We’re cooking up something special! Pickerington Local Schools’ Food Services Department is putting together Our Families’ Favorite Recipes, a cookbook filled with delicious favorites from across our school community. And we want YOUR recipe in the mix!
As part of our Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, we're celebrating the many ways our families enjoy fruits and vegetables at home. Maybe it's a treasured family tradition, a kid-approved favorite, a go-to side dish or a recipe you've made your own. Whatever makes it special, we'd love for you to share it!
Let's fill this cookbook with the flavors, traditions and family favorites that make our Pickerington community unique. Have a recipe to share? Submit it here:
https://forms.gle/eDtbViJCJWWRv6sR8
We can't wait to see what’s cooking in Pickerington kitchens!
Our families see the difference our staff make every day. Know a staff member who has made an impact on your child? Tell us about them!
Each edition of our bi-monthly staff newsletter features a family nomination celebrating a staff member who goes above and beyond. Nominate a staff member and help us celebrate the people who make PLSD special!
Your words of appreciation go a long way in reminding our staff just how valued they are to our District. Here’s what two of our PLSD Families Shared:
Kindergarten Teacher Kara Washington
"Being a first-time parent to a child starting kindergarten can feel scary, uncertain, and nerve-racking. From the moment we met Mrs. Washington, her warmth and kindness helped put us at ease.
My son has had many wonderful teachers and supportive people in his life, but we can already see the impact Mrs. Washington has made in such a short time. He is more eager to learn, proud of his progress, and committed to trying every day. Her caring, nurturing nature and patience make such a difference for him and for us as parents. We feel so blessed to have her as my son’s first kindergarten teacher and our introduction to the Pickerington School District.
Thank you, Mrs. Washington, for being you and for all you do. You have made this new chapter feel a little less scary and a lot more special."
Teacher Nathan Lawrence
It is hard for my son to build close bonds with people, but he is the first teacher my son will run to. He has made him feel smart, included, seen, and like an individual that can take on anything. I wish we had him for every one of his classes. He is kind and understanding. He never belittles or down grades, only supports and listens.
I wish there was more we could do to show our appreciation to Mr. Lawrence and his devotion to the students at this school. You will always be remembered for years to come!”
