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April 15, 2024

We are preparing to embark on another important chapter in the rich history of Putnam City Schools. Our District’s 111-year tradition of strongly supporting our bond programs speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of our patrons, to the betterment of our schools. Looking ahead, the next bond election for Putnam City is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025. While this may seem distant, the preparation for a bond package is a detailed process that demands months of planning and careful consideration. As a District that highly values community input, we invite you to participate in shaping the future of Putnam City Schools by completing a brief, two-question survey. Your feedback will play a pivotal role in determining the priorities for the upcoming 2025 Bond. Please take a moment to share your thoughts at putnamcityschools.org/feedback.

 It is an honor to announce that Ashley Hoggatt, Principal of Kirkland Elementary, has been selected as one of the top three finalists for the prestigious State Elementary Principal of the Year award, presented by the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals. Ashley's exemplary leadership is a source of inspiration, and we wish her the best of luck in the final selection process.

 Today, we had the privilege of recognizing a hardworking group of PC educators, our Super Star Teachers. The District, PCACT, and the Foundation proudly recognize first or second-year teachers in PC each year for going above and beyond as early career educators. The recipients were honored today with a reception to say just how proud we are of the dedication they have exhibited to our students, their school, and our District. Thank you, Super Star Teachers! You can see the full list of names in tonight’s Go Boldly Bulletin. 

Also being recognized tonight are the high school students who have earned the esteemed Seal of Biliteracy. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their dedication and will undoubtedly serve them well throughout their lives. Congratulations! We also extend a big congratulations to PC High School senior, Jacob Bettencourt, for his official acceptance into West Point! This is such an honorable achievement for a bright scholar.

 As many of our students will soon be involved in the annual state testing. We wish them all the very best. We also want to remind families about the importance of partnering with us at home to ensure our students can do their absolute best on these tests by prioritizing student attendance, making sure students get plenty of rest, and checking that student devices are fully charged. We appreciate our dedicated teachers for their tireless efforts in preparing our students for these assessments.

 And finally, I’d like to encourage everyone in our community to come out and witness the outstanding artwork and performances by students from across the District at the upcoming 41st Annual Putnam City Arts Festival on April 27th at Putnam City North. This event is a testament to the exceptional fine arts education that our District provides, and it serves as a celebration of our students' talents and creativity. Similarly, I would also like to encourage our community to participate in the Putnam City Cancer Classic 5K and Fun Run on April 20th. All of the proceeds from this event go toward our longtime partnership with OMRF for medical research. Those interested can sign up at putnamcityschools.org/cancerclassic.

-Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent

April 19 - No School - High School & District Offices Open

April 20 - Cancer Classic 5K & Fun Run, @Eldon Lyon Park (details below)

April 27 - PC Arts Festival, 9am-3pm @PCN

May 17 - Last Day of School

🛑Save a spot for your kiddos! Registration is now open! 🛑

Contact your student's school counselor for more details on all of the benefits of Summer Recharge.

Register links and more information: 🔗 Putnamcityschools.org/recharge

We want your feedback! Family and community feedback is important to making decisions for our District.

Please visit our community feedback page on our website to provide input regarding the next Bond and what you feel our schools need!

🔗putnamcityschools.org/feedback

Students across our District were immersed into infinity as they watched the shadows of the moon overcome the sun during the rare celestial spectacle that is called the Great Solar Eclipse. Thank you to our teachers for going above and beyond in prepping our students for this special event.

The Pirates at D.D. Kirkland Elementary have been working hard to level up their reading and grow as a learner with help from some nearby community volunteers at Lakeside United Methodist Church. In addition to providing the new bikes to these lucky winners, the community volunteers have been actively mentoring, encouraging, and reading with our little Pirates to help them achieve new skills. Next, we think they'll achieve some land speed records with these new wheels! We can't thank our community partners across the District enough for all they do.

These students have demonstrated the ability to understand, speak, read, and write fluently in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese. For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy, contact Michelle Hopper with the PC World Languages Department.

After an amazing season, the Hefner Vikings took home the 3rd place trophy at the state Science Olympiad tournament!

Additionally, multiple teams medaled:

• Jane Green and Olivia Bainbridge 

  • 1st place - Forestry

  • 2nd place - Dynamic Planet

  • 2nd place - Ecology

• Athena Brothers and Raya Simpson

  • 3rd place - Crime Busters

• Zion Wahlgren and Michon Wiggins 

  • 3rd place - Road Scholar 

• Isaiah Ahmad and Ashton Smith

  • 3rd place - Wind Power 

• Raya Simpson and Eowyn Hickey

  • 3rd Place - Write it Do it

Way to Go, Vikings!

Students from all three high schools were recognized as Oklahoma City Community Foundation Scholars - each receiving a $3,000 scholarship to the college of their choice! Way to go!

Jacob Bettencourt is 1st in his class at Putnam City High School, in a leadership role within Air Force JROTC, a member of NHS, and now he's officially heading to West Point in July! We are beyond #PCproud!

Special Meeting Date: Monday, April 15, 2024, 5pm | Location: Administration Building | Next meeting: Monday, May 6, 2024, 5pm | In Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Deputy Board Clerk Chantil Baldwin, Board Members Judy Mullen Hopper, Steve Burger, Jay Sherrill, Gail LoPresto, and Charity Avery.

Putnam City Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, identity, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, or disability. Translations are completed by Google Translate.