PCHS Community,
Happy May!
We'd like to provide another update about the 22-23 school year. In addition to shifting away from the block schedule to a 7-period day (which you can read more about in our April 14 newsletter), we are in the process of revising our student handbook. We'd like to share the rationale for and a brief overview of some of the revisions in progress now so that our students, staff, and families can prepare well in advance for the adjustments these will require.
The Rationale for Student Handbook Revisions
At Pinckney Community High School, we are committed to preparing students to thrive in whatever it is they want to do after high school. We aim to do this through meaningful learning experiences in an environment where every student is known and valued. To achieve such a place, it must be supported by policies and structures that help teach our students the habits that will set them up for success: organization, digital citizenship, healthy boundaries, and professionalism. The handbook revisions below aim to do just that. These handbook revisions are also a hopeful move beyond the past two years of uncertainty and change, which required great flexibility. Moving forward, these simple and clear expectations will help clear the path for every student to become the best version of themselves.
Brief Overview of 2022-23 Student Handbook Revisions
Lockers & Backpacks - Students will be assigned lockers for their belongings including backpacks and cell phones. No backpacks in the classroom.
Cell Phones - Cell phones should be left in your locker. They must be turned off in all instructional settings (classrooms, labs, outdoor classrooms, etc.) unless a teacher has directed otherwise. School personnel reserve the right to confiscate cell phones when they interfere with instruction. Cell phones may be used before and after school hours, during hall passing in between classes, and/or during lunchtime.
Dress Code - At Pinckney Community High School, our school is a professional learning environment. We believe that a student’s attire and mindset are directly related and a student who is professionally and appropriately attired for school is also more apt to treat their education as a professional endeavor and is suited to do their best work. As a result, it is our intent to support our students as they progress by maintaining expectations for professional and appropriate school attire.
1. Undergarments must not be visible.
2. Shirts and/or tops must not expose the midriff area in the front, back, or side
3. All tops must have straps or sleeves.
4. No see-through or clothing that exposes private parts.
5. Hoods may not be worn on the head in the school building
6. Shirts, pants and shorts must be school appropriate and not expose undergarments.
7. Any attire that is deemed inappropriate by school administration, ie alcohol, drugs, gangs, sexually suggestive, discriminatory, etc.
We know these handbook revisions will require significant adaptation for some, yet we as school staff, led by our Building Leadership Team, agree these moves are essential for tending to the learning environment we are striving to create.
Thanks, and have a great weekend! And Happy Mother's Day, Moms!
Mrs. McBride & Mrs. Woods
