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To read this newsletter in your preferred language, click the translate button at the top right and select a language. If viewing directly within your email, click anywhere to view the full bulletin.
As we begin the new month of October, we embrace the fall season and all of the activities that come along with it. Just like the changing of the colors of the trees, our schools begin to take on a new look, as they transition from back-to-school, to the fall holidays.
One celebration this season is Hispanic Heritage Month which is September 15th to October 15th. Our teachers and administrators do a great job leading our students through creative Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Most recently, PC North students created a student-led Hispanic Heritage Club where they put on activities each day during lunch. It is inspiring to see students passionately take on the initiative to enrich their school and their friends with Hispanic culture. Rollingwood Elementary recently held their lift-off assembly which had students portraying famous Hispanic Americans as well as wonderful performances by two local Hispanic musicians. This Thursday, we look forward to the Hispanic Heritage Living History Museum put on by the District’s Student Life Department and the Seat at the Table student committee at PC West. This is an innovative and inspiring event where high school student actors bring to life notable Hispanic people for our District’s elementary students. I am constantly amazed and so proud of the activities all of our teachers, coordinators, and administrators do to make learning fun and innovative for our students, preparing them up for a bold future.
Last week, we were reminded of our incredibly accomplished graduates when the Putnam City Foundation officially inducted President Joseph Harroz, Jr. of the University of Oklahoma, as the newest Wall of Fame honoree. Mr. Harroz attended D.D. Kirkland Elementary, Hefner Middle School, and PC North and noted that it was his public school experience that prepared him for his incredible journey to success as a university president. He specifically mentioned that it was a public education that gave him the opportunity to interact with and become friends with people who are different from him. It was the diversity that taught him to respect and appreciate others. He is a living example of the incredible power of a public education. He stated that an educated society is what keeps a democracy thriving. Mr. Harroz’s induction into the Wall of Fame is not only a reflection of his personal achievements as a Putnam City alumnus but also a celebration of the values and principles of a strong public education system. And, as a side note, I must say he is one of the most entertaining speakers as he engages an audience. His passion, knowledge and wisdom was sprinkled with wit and humor.
We are all proud to be a part of Putnam City and proud to be a part of public education. Public education has transformative power working every day among our students and in our community. From President Harroz to our youngest pre-k students, the incredible potential that resides within the heart of our District and in every one of our schools is on full display. It’s a great time to Go Boldly and be Putnam City Proud.
STAFF REPORT
-Chief Secondary Officer, Dr. Flinton, presented the Board with a report on college readiness and drop-out information as well as all of the programs we currently offer to our high school students.
-Putnam City Foundation Director, Alyx Picard, presented the five Golden Apple recipients to the Board.
-Richard Bley
-Vandi Booth
-Sky Collins
-Tam Nguyen
-Amanda Williamson
Thank you for your service to our District and our students!
BOARD ACTIONS
Board Members approved the following items:
-One-time stipend for all site Homeless Liaisons
-Quarterly District Transfer Capacities
-Memorandum of Understanding partnership between Putnam City and Southern Nazarene University for Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Master of Arts in Teaching programs (no cost to the District)
-Agreement with NW Optimist Club of Oklahoma for field usage to accommodate practice needs of PCH soccer teams for 2023-2024 school year
-Board approval and appointment of Paige Krienke to Secondary Assistant Principal at Putnam City West
COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Judy Mullen Hopper
Mrs. Mullen Hopper thanked those who spoke during public participation. She gave a shout-out to the Putnam City Foundation for a fantastic Wall of Fame banquet. She is continuously impressed by all that we offer for students to get them ready for higher education and the workforce. She thanked the Communications Department for the recent increase in positive news coverage.
Jay Sherrill
Mr. Sherrill offered a couple of quick shout-outs, including the Putnam City High School cheer team for offering the kids clinic, the PCH band, and all of the participants that make football games all that they are, and to Rollingwood Elementary for a fantastic Community Engagement night. Lastly, he thanked Dr. Flinton for his honest presentation and encouraged District administrators to do what we need to do to find a solution to support our teachers and students. He also wanted to applaud the sportsmanship of the PCH band during Friday's game against Deer Creek.
Steve Burger
Mr. Burger thanked the Putnam City Foundation for their hard work on the Wall of Fame banquet, thanked Dr. Flinton for his presentation this evening, and congratulated the Golden Apple recipients. He also echoed Mr. Sherrill by encouraging the District administration to help find a supportive solution for teachers.
Gail LoPresto
Mrs. LoPresto expressed support to those who spoke during the public participation portion of the meeting and also encouraged District administrators to find a supportive solution for teachers. She recognized National Custodian Day and gave a huge shout-out to all of the custodians in our District. She loves the schools that put up decorations to support their custodians. She was also excited to see Mayfield Middle School's first pep assembly and was impressed by their student council. She loved seeing the new Putnam City West atrium that is nearing completion. She was very impressed by the Putnam City High School Performing Arts night. Lastly, she is so happy to see Putnam City West spirit squads visiting our elementary students.
Charity Avery
Mrs. Avery thanked everyone who spoke during public participation and also encouraged the District administration to find a solution. She talked about her support for public education and the tremendous impact public education has on our students, families, and future. She gave a shout-out for National Custodians Day and expressed how valued our custodians are throughout the District. Lastly, she applauded the Golden Apple Award recipients.
The libraries at Putnam City High and Putnam City West now have a new and modern look! From unique lighting to colorful shelves, comfortable seating to reset rooms – the new libraries are a hub for students to extend their learning, relax, and study.
Schools around the District have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in creative and innovative ways from assemblies, living history reenactments, dances, and musical performances.
October 5 – Bilingual Book Club, Grades 3-5
October 19 – No School, Fall Break (HS & District offices open)
October 20 – No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences (District offices open)
October 23 – District Professional Day, No School
Click graphic to sign up
Judson Keefer, Putnam City High Senior and Quarterback was voted The Oklahoman’s Player of the Week. Way to Go Boldly for the Pirates, Judson!
The performing arts are alive and well at Putnam City High School! Everything from band, choir, dance, drama, orchestra, and stage tech were on full display last night for their Performing Arts Showcase.
Coronado Heights students in Ms. Moss' 3rd grade class get a truly all-in extension to their curriculum through new VR headsets. Fully funded by a State Department of Education initiative with DonorsChoose, Ms. Moss obtained VR headsets for her students and now they take their science, math, and history concepts to the next level! Way to be innovative and engaging with your students, Ms. Moss!
The Putnam City Schools Foundation has inducted PC Alum and current University of Oklahoma President, Joseph Harroz, Jr, into the Wall of Fame! We are beyond proud of President Harroz and all of his accomplishments, and continuing advocacy for public education in Oklahoma.
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, Oct. 02, 2023 5pm | Location: Administration Building | Next meeting: Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 5pm | In Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Board Clerk Stephanie Knox, Judy Mullen Hopper, Steve Burger, Gail LoPresto, Jay Sherrill, 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.