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February 5, 2024
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
We are super excited to announce that the District Career Fair is this coming Thursday, February 8th, from 4:00-7:00 pm, here at the Administration Building. In a school system this size, there are numerous opportunities for employment. For those who are interested in a career with Putnam City, this Thursday, you will be able to talk with principals and department heads, fill out an application, and begin a bold new career with Putnam City Schools. The greatest compliment a current employee can provide to the District would be a referral. Invite a friend or family member to come to the career fair and join our premier District. We are looking forward to growing our team of torchbearers.
The Black History Month Showcase is another event that will soon be coming up, next week on February 15th. This in-house event will allow middle school students to enjoy performances by high school students, portraying notable Black figures of our history. Our thanks to Tyrea Craig, our District’s Student Life Coordinator, the high school student volunteers, and our secondary administrators for supporting and coordinating such a great educational opportunity for our students.
Next, I want to thank and commend the student and staff volunteers who participated in the Oklahoma City Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade recently. The parade had a big turnout of spectators and was a fantastic experience for our community. Another big thank you to Ms. Craig as well as the Putnam City Schools Foundation for the sponsorship and coordination of our District’s representation at this event.
In closing, I am always so proud of our teachers and staff who wholeheartedly demonstrate their commitment to being a lifelong learner. The dedication it takes to pursue advanced degrees and certifications is no small feat. Last week, our Chief of Operations, Shbrone Brookings, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation and earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Oklahoma. Congratulations, Dr. Brookings, on this notable personal and professional achievement!
-Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
STAFF REPORTS:
No Staff Reports
BOARD ACTIONS
Board Members approved the following items:
-Renewal of Agreement with Employee Evaluation Systems for the '24-'25 school year
-Summer School and Extended Year Programs for 2024
-Revisions to District Negotiating Team with the Putnam City Association of Classroom Teachers and Educational Support Professionals for the 2024-2025 school year
For a full list of board meeting items, please view the full agenda on our website.
COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Judy Mullen Hopper talked about the great turnout for the MLK Day parade. She also talked about all the cool things she sees on Facebook and the Putnam City app and highlighted the communications department and site communications reps for showcasing all the great events happening in the District. She mentioned a PCN incentive to have a cookout for good attendance and how these incentives will drive momentum for students to be present.
Jay Sherrill congratulated Dr. Shbrone Brookings on his ED.D. He mentioned National Counseling Week and gave a shout-out to our counselors and everything they do for our District. He also talked about Friday assemblies and how he remembered Rollingwood assemblies called “lift-off”, and thanked all of our staff and teachers who coordinate fun Friday assemblies.
Steve Burger congratulated Dr. Shbrone Brookings on his ED.D. He also talked about recent tragedies in Mustang schools and the need to have important conversations about mental health.
Gail LoPresto congratulated Dr. Shbrone Brookings on his ED.D., and talked about the Be Present Be Bold attendance campaign and was wondering if the efforts from the District are working. She also talked about going to Capps vs Mayfield basketball game and the fun she had. She asked if the District had anything lined up about the aviation program and questions regarding what plans the program has for the future.
Charity Avery congratulated Dr. Shbrone Brookings on his ED.D. She talked about the attendance campaign and encouraged the idea of coming to school. She said her grandson looks forward to going to school and talked about how it may not be easy to encourage kids to be present, but we must find ways to motivate kids back into the classroom.
DISTRICT EVENTS
February 8 -District Career Fair, PC Administration Building, 4-7pm
February 19 - No School, Presidents Day
February 22- Poetry Night, Western Oaks Middle School Cafeteria, 5:00PM
HAPPENING AROUND PC
Hilldale Elementary and OKC Philharmonic
Hilldale Elementary got a visit from four talented musicians of the OKC Philharmonic. The Tigers learned about the orchestra and the instruments while embarking on a musical journey hearing everything from Mozart to Taylor Swift. We love welcoming our local community into our schools to enrich our students' educational experiences further!
OKC Thunder Teacher of The Game
Our District Teacher of the Year, Patrick Runnels of Putnam City North High School, made it on the big screen! Mr. Runnels was recognized at the Oklahoma City Thunder game last week as the Teacher of the Game. Way to go, Mr. Runnels!
STUDENT SUCCESS
PCH Student Appointment to West Point
Congratulations to Jacob, a senior at Putnam City High School, who is first in his 2024 graduating class with a GPA exceeding 4.0. Additionally, he is enrolled in all Advanced Placement courses, holds leadership roles in JROTC, is a member of National Honor Society (NHS), will letter in Track and Field, is a member of the nationwide JROTC Academic Bowl team, has recently received an appointment to West Point. Putnam City Schools is beyond proud of Jacob and we can’t wait to follow his journey in life.
PC PROUD
Putnam City North Men's Swim Team
Putnam City North Women's and Men's teams competed at regionals on February 3rd in Edmond at the YMCA Mitch Park.
Bobby Cunningham finished second place in the 50 Yard Men’s Freestyle and 100 Yard Men’s Breaststroke at the Big 8 Conference Meet.
4 x 200 Medley Relay placing third at the Big 8 Conference. (Left to right) Luke Englemann, Colin Turbayne, Bobby Cunningham, and Brody Cunningham
4 x 200 Freestyle Relay placing third at the Big 8 Conference. (Left to right) Noah Goggs, Colin Turbayne, Bobby Cunningham, and Brody Cunningham
THINGS TO KNOW
Our Districtwide attendance is currently at 61%*. Our District goal is 90%. By sharing this data, we hope to spark conversation and encourage all of Putnam City to work together to pave the way for a bolder future for our students. #BePresentBeBold
*percentage measures students in good attendance standing
Check out our online District store for fun graphic tees, jackets, and polos!
Once your items are ready, they will be delivered to the school site of your choice for pick-up. You can also pay to have items directly shipped to you.
Questions? Email: info@putnamcityschools.org
Be PC Proud! Have a story of an amazing achievement by a PC student teachers, group or team? Share it with us, and we’ll spotlight their accomplishments in our next edition!
Meeting Date: Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, 5pm | Location: Administration Building | Next meeting: Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, 5pm | In Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Deputy Board Clerk Stephanie Knox, 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.