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PCHS Updates

Friday, January 31, 2025

PCHS UpdatesFriday, January 31, 2025

A Note from the PCHS Admin Team

PCHS Community,


It's Winterfest time! Come on out to the PCHS Gym tonight to see our Pirate Girls (5:30pm) & Boys (7:00pm) Varsity Basketball teams take on Ypsilanti! Performances across the evening will include the JV Dance Team, Varsity Dance Team w/ Special Guests, NHS Winter Warrior Squad, and the PCHS Pep Band!


We look forward to dancing the night away tomorrow night at the Winterfest dance too!


Have a great weekend, and go Pirates!


Mrs. McBride & Mr. McMurray

Winterfest Volunteer & Donation Sign-Up

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to chaperone or donate! We can never have too much water or too many snacks, so feel free to drop items by the evening of the dance, between 6:00-6:45pm!

Save the Dates - 2025-2026 Course Selection Timeline

It already that time to start thinking about next year! Check out the timeline of events on deck to support you through an intentional and informed course selection process.

This Week's Positivity Project Focus

No new trait focus this week due to Winterfest and having a pep assembly instead of Seminar!


Last week's Positivity Project focus was OPTIMISM. 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,


TODAY is the final day 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


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

We had a great meeting in January via Google Meet. We are looking forward to upcoming efforts to sponsor a Seminar donation drive competition, to be present for the annual Course Exploration Night on Thursday, February 27, to celebrate our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!


Review the January PTO meeting minutes here, and consider joining us for the next meeting on Tuesday, February 18 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.

Justin Miner

Freshman, Justin Miner, is our Student of the Week for his outstanding love of learning, gratitude, and kindness. A natural leader, Justin sets a great example for his peers through his positivity, humor, and dedication. He consistently completes his assignments with accuracy, balancing hard work with a fun, engaging attitude in class. His kindness shines through in the way he greets others with a smile, offers encouragement, and goes out of his way to make those around him feel valued. Justin embraces challenges with an open mind and leads by example, always guiding others in the right direction. His strong start to high school, including earning a 4.0 GPA in his first semester, reflects his commitment to learning and personal growth. We are proud to recognize Justin for his leadership, humility, and ability to brighten the day of everyone around him.

Mr. Jason Carpenter

Mr. Carpenter demonstrates unwavering leadership, kindness, and perseverance. Whether in the classroom or on the football field, he is dedicated to his students, always bringing a positive attitude and a passion for teaching. Even on tough days, he walks into school with a smile, ready to uplift and inspire those around him. He connects with his students, offering both academic support and life lessons. His ability to make math enjoyable speaks to his commitment and patience. Beyond the classroom, his leadership in the football program has transformed the team’s culture, instilling determination and resilience in his athletes. Despite challenges, he never makes excuses—only works harder to improve. His dedication to balancing school, coaching, and family makes him a true role model. He is not just a great teacher and coach—he is a mentor, a motivator, and a pillar of our school community.

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.


No Seminar this week due to the Winterfest pep assembly.

🎓 SENIOR CLASS CORNER! 🎓

Interested in helping to coordinate the Senior All Nighter?

Contact Tennille Sharp at tsharp@pinckneypirates.org to get connected with the planning committee! This annual event is an entirely parent-planned event with guidance provided by PCHS. Thank you for considering joining the fun!

What does "deferred" or "waitlisted" mean?

For those college-bound students anxiously awaiting the BIG news...see the link below for information about what it means to be "Deferred" or "Waitlisted" by your university of choice in the event this is the news you receive in the coming weeks.

ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN NOW!

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.


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 31: Winterfest Basketball Games (Girls 5:30pm, Guys 7:00pm)
  • February 1: Winterfest Dance - 8-10pm in PCHS Commons
  • February 7: 2nd Semester Progress Report 1
  • February 14 & February 17: No School - Mid-Winter Break
  • February 20: Early College Parent/Student Info Night (For 9th & 10th graders) - 5:30pm @ LESA
  • February 22: Annual Pinckney Music Booster Spaghetti Dinner & Business Expo- 1:00-5:00pm
  • 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
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