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PCHS Updates

Friday, January 10, 2025

PCHS UpdatesFriday, January 10, 2025

A Note from the PCHS Admin Team

PCHS Community,


2nd Semester is underway! It was great to see our students back in action this week and to celebrate our academic award earners on Wednesday evening.


Today in Seminar, students had their 2nd touchpoint of 4 for the school year with the tool called Xello. Xello is what Livingston County school districts use for students to build their Educational Development Plans (EDP). While an EDP is a state requirement, it is also a great opportunity for students to assess their personal interests, personality traits, strengths, etc, and to learn about career paths that align with those things as well as the postsecondary options for pursuing those careers. Xello has a wealth of information in it, and as we stated during the weekly Seminar announcement this morning, it is as meaningful as a student makes it! Ask your student about it and if they had any takeaways from their time spent on Xello today. :) Students can also anticipate their counselors asking them about their efforts in Xello to inform their upcoming course selection process for the following school year or to support their post-graduation plans.


Have a great weekend! Go Pirates!


Mrs. McBride & Mr. McMurray

1st Semester Report Cards

1st Semester report cards will be viewable in MiStar starting Monday, January 13. Please be sure to review this report card with your student(s). These grades are what influence GPA and graduation eligibility. Celebrate their successes! If you see an "H" (or a hold due to attendance) or an "I" (incomplete) on the report card, be sure to discuss this with your student and ensure they have a plan in place for making up hours due to absences (see the attendance section of the newsletter below for details) or completing any work required to have the incomplete changed to a letter grade for credit.

NWEA MAP Testing Round 2

PCS uses the NWEA Map Growth assessment in Reading and Math as an interim assessment in the 6-12th grades. This assessment, administered 3 times per school year, provides students information to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth and to strive towards projected goals. It provides our teachers insight into their students' current skill levels, influencing instructional priorities and targeted planning in service of helping students achieve their projected goals within the same school year.


At PCHS this year, our goal is that 80% of our students will meet their projected goal and/or will be above the 60th percentile in Reading and Math by the end of the year.


Students will take Round 2 of these assessments over the next 2 Tuesdays. We will follow the adjusted schedule below on 1/14 and 1/21.


Encourage your student to do their very best! See if they can speak to their projected goals after Round 1 in the fall. Let them know we use their scores to inform our priorities as a staff and protect specific professional development time for this after each test adminstration. Let them know that we will be celebrating our students who show growth from the 1st to 2nd round of testing in early February too!


To learn more about the NWEA, visit the website here: https://www.nwea.org/

This Week's Positivity Project Focus

This week's Positivity Project focus was OTHER PEOPLE MATTER: SUPPORTING OTHERS WHEN THEY STRUGGLE. Check out the P2 weekly family letter which includes tools to practice and encourage this character trait at home.

Message from the PCHS Yearbook Class

Dear Students and Parents,


We hope this message finds you well! As we start the second half of the school year, time is running out to secure your copy of the Pinckney Community High School yearbook—a cherished keepsake that captures the special moments and memories of our students’ experiences throughout the year!


Yearbooks can be purchased online at: www.yearbooknerds.com/pinckney-high-school-yearbook


Hurry! The deadline for orders is January 31st!


The yearbook is a wonderful way to remember the friendships, achievements, and events that define our school community. We encourage all students and families to consider purchasing a yearbook to celebrate the memories created this year!


Questions? Email Chris Ozias, Yearbook Advisor at cozias@pinckneypirates.org

PCHS PTO Happenings

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the PTO's effort to provide goodies, gum, mints, and positive affirmations for students on exam days! This was a great way to add to a supportive environment as students did their best to close 1st semester out strong. Students really took advantage of the support!


You can review the December PTO meeting minutes here. Consider joining us for the next meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 6pm in the Pirate Union!

PCHS Student & Staff Member of the Week

We recognize a student and staff member each week, nominated by the school community based on how fellow Pirates are exemplifying Positivity Project traits and identified by our Leadership & Link Crew class. Our Student of the Week is also recognized as a part of the Livingston Daily's new spotlight, published digitally on Fridays and in print on Sundays.

Grace Halash

Senior, Grace Halash, is an exceptional student who embodies the spirit of Pinckney Community High School through her dedication, leadership, and positivity. As President of the Student Government, she tirelessly works to make the school a safe, enthusiastic, and inspiring place while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout all four years of high school. Grace is a talented athlete, playing basketball each year, and a vibrant presence in our community, consistently participating in spirit week, making our morning announcements, and helping to lead our student section at school events. Known for her kindness, fairness, and bravery, Grace uplifts those around her with her positive energy and unwavering support. She truly exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding student and leader.

Mrs. Angela Walker

Mrs. Walker is an exceptional teacher who exemplifies kindness, optimism, and a love for learning. She creates a welcoming and comfortable environment where students feel valued and supported. Known for her charisma and social intelligence, she includes everyone and fosters a sense of belonging in her classroom. Her humor and positivity make learning fun, and her calm, understanding approach encourages students to grow without fear of judgment. Mrs. Walker's leniency with deadlines and her accommodating nature ensure every student feels supported, and her genuine care and inspiration leave a lasting impact. She is more than a teacher; she’s a mentor, role model, and friend to her students, making her a beloved and deserving Staff Member of the Week.

What We Did in Seminar This Week

On Fridays, students spend an hour in what we call Seminar. The purpose of Seminar is to ensure every student has at least one go-to adult mentor at PCHS focused on their well-being, academic success, and connection to a healthy school climate.

🎓 SENIOR CLASS CORNER! 🎓

Senior Recognition Ads in Yearbook - by 1/19

Senior Parents: Reminder that the deadline for purchasing Senior Recognition Ads in the yearbook is January 19! You can purchase those via the link below.


Yearbooks can be purchased online at: www.yearbooknerds.com/pinckney-high-school-yearbook

Did you order your cap & gown yet?

Many Seniors have not yet ordered their cap & gown for graduation. This is a requirement for graduation. To order one, go to Jostens.com. You and your student should be receiving reminder emails from our Josten's rep, Janice Traub, which includes additional information. If you have questions, please reach out to Poppy Elliott in our Main Office. Thanks!

National Honor Society Tutoring Program

Members of the PCHS National Honor Society are available to provide tutoring support for interested Pirates. If your student is interested in tutoring, please fill out the form below.

Attendance, Earning Credits, & Mr. Mac's Academy

At PCHS, if a student exceeds 10 absences in a semester in a course, they must make up the time missed in order to earn the credit for that course on their transcript - a must for graduation from high school! It is very important to be at school consistently to be successful academically. Please pay close attention to your student's attendance detail in MiStar and proactively support them to stay within that 10 absence maximum per semester. If a student has a hold on their credit due to absences, it will read as an "H" on their transcript.


LETTERS WENT OUT ON 11/22 TO FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WHO MUST MAKE UP HOURS FROM 1st SEMESTER. A FOLLOW-UP EMAIL WAS SENT ON MONDAY, 12/16 TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO MAKE-UP TIME, IF REQUIRED.


Mr. McMurray, our Assistant Principal, offers "Mr. Mac's Academy" on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30pm. This is a consistent opportunity to make-up hours due to excessive absences. To attend Mr. Mac's Academy, a student must sign up in advance at the front desk of the Main Office with Mrs. Lasure.

PCHS Weekly Bell Schedule

Important Dates

  • January 20: No School - MLK Jr. Day
  • February 7: 2nd Semester Progress Report 1
  • February 14 & February 17: No School - Mid-Winter Break
  • March 14: 2nd Semester Progress Report 2
  • March 21: Half Day
  • March 24-28: Spring Break
  • April 9: SAT & PSAT 9 (No School for 10th & 12th Graders)
  • April 10: PSAT 10 & WorkKeys (No School for 9th; Virtual Day for 12th - Senior Exit Survey Completion = attendance)
  • April 16: MSTEP (11th only, regular school day for everyone else)
  • April 18: No School - Good Friday
  • May 2: 2nd Semester Progress Report 3
  • May 3: Prom
  • Weeks of May 5 and May 12: AP Testing
  • May 16: Seniors' Last Day of School
  • May 26: No School - Memorial Day
  • May 29: Senior Graduation Rehearsal, Clap-Out & BBQ
  • June 1: PCHS Graduation @ Pirate Stadium
  • June 4-5: 2nd Semester Final Assessments
  • June 6: Half Day - Last Day of the 2024-25 School Year


District-Wide Calendars: https://www.pinckneypirates.org/page/calendars

Pirate Athletics & Community Ed

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 https://pinckneypiratesathletics.com/ is moving to https://pinckneyathletics.bigteams.com/


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/

Counselors' Corner

In this area, you will find relevant opportunities for building your college and career awareness and ensuring you have access to all of the information and PCHS team members necessary to make your post-secondary plans a reality!


Counseling Office: (810) 225.5603

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


Counseling Secretary

Mrs. Jennifer Duncan

jduncan@pinckneypirates.org
810.225.5603, fax 810.225.5610


School Counselors

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


Ms. Nicole Braun MA, SCL
School Counselor (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


Advise MI College Adviser

Ms. Clarice Farina
cfarina@pinckneypirates.org

College Readiness @ PCHS

Seniors and Families,

Here are some especially helpful resources as you navigate your next steps during College Application season (some of these are also linked within the Senior Presentation that was shared via email with Class of 2025 students and families on Friday, September 20th):


Common App



MI College Access Network



And more


  • PCHS PIRATE PATH CALENDAR - lots of College Rep Visit options, Campus Open House dates, Financial Aid webinars, and more!
  • Create your FSA ID to apply for FAFSA, which is now open for all high school Senior students! Get your FAFSA completed early and easily! On December 11th starting at 6pm, seniors and their parents/guardians are invited to attend a FAFSA completion workshop at PCHS. Remember: the earlier you complete the FAFSA, the more financial aid is available to you.

    Parents and students MUST have FSA IDs created three days prior to this workshop. We will have a Financial Aid expert from a local college with us at PCHS to help. Please RSVP by December 9th!


    Typically, the parent and the student will each have their own sections of the FAFSA to complete using their own FSA ID. Click here to see which parent(s) need to be involved in the FAFSA process.

    NOTE: Some students may be considered independent on the FAFSA and will not be asked to include parent information on the application. Determine dependency status here.


  • Start applying for scholarships. Please check out the scholarship list on the high school website as it is updated daily.


Best wishes for many "acceptance" notices ahead!

Find out more about discounted community college and register for a webinar!

Career Development @ PCHS

Community Resources

You’re not alone…Parenting is hard

Coaching and resources for Parents…


DO YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE OR PARENTING? CONSIDER MEETING WITH A PARENTING COACH…


FREE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

  • Weekly calls with a coach

  • Ask a therapist

  • Guided, step-by-step resources

  • Access to on-demand videos on various topics

  • Confidential help

  • Find hope, connect today at parentguidance.org


…50% of parents worry their child is struggling, but don’t know what to do.

…32% of parents feel their child is unhappy.

…An estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions

Local Food Resources

See documents linked below.

Local Opportunities

Girls Who Code Summer Programs

Link below!

Local Employment Opportunities

Pinckney Community Schools!

https://pinckneypirates.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

If you know someone who would thrive in a small learning community environment focused on student connection, empowerment, and preparedness for life beyond high school, send them our way. Right now, we are in need of a MATH INTERVENTIONIST!


Feel free to share employment opportunities with us and will place them here for future newsletters!

LivCo Job Openings

Currently, there are a total of 727 full-time/part time jobs available right now in Livingston County (www.mitalent.org). Check out the attached list!


Michigan Works! Southeast is open to the public and Creating Connections to a Better Future!

What we offer our Employers:

  • Qualified Talent – we help employers fill thousands of positions each year!
  • Grant Opportunities – Offset the cost to expand and train your workforce; call us to learn how!
  • Corporate Assistance Program – Navigate financial hardship with expert consulting.
  • Free Job Posting – Share job opportunities for free with MiTalent. We can even post for you!

To learn more about Michigan Works! Southeast, please visit: https://www.mwse.org/

PCHS on Social Media

If you don't already, follow us on:


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


We do our best to use these platforms for important announcements, newsworthy events, and fun things that keep parents and students connected to PCHS.

Managerial Reminders

  • Full-Day Schedule: 7:30am-2:30pm
  • Half-Day Schedule: 7:30am-10:55am
  • Friday Early Release Schedule: 7:30am-1:09pm
  • 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!
  • PCHS Morning Announcement Request Form
  • PCS 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

Julia McBride
Julia is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters