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June 17, 2024

While many are taking a break during the summer months, our District remains a hub of excitement and enrichment. I’d like to share some of the great happenings around our District this summer.

Many students are participating in the Summer Recharge program. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn in different ways and in small groups. From science experiments and art projects to team sports and group activities, students are thriving with new friends and teachers. I’m thankful to our hardworking teachers for creating this perfect balance of education and recreation for our students.

Speaking of hardworking teachers, it’s heartwarming to see our dedicated educators throughout the District and beyond engaged in professional development during their summer break. I love witnessing the sights and sounds of bright minds learning new skills and strategies that they will then implement in their classrooms this Fall. Professional development opportunities are invaluable for our teachers as it ensures they are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of our students.

I want to specifically acknowledge our Academic Services Department for organizing and hosting an incredible professional development opportunity for teachers across the state to learn more about literacy. The Reading League Oklahoma Symposium was hosted by Putnam City Schools at Capps Middle School this last week and featured a nationally renowned keynote speaker, Dr. Danielle Thompson. With breakout sessions, many hosted by our own Putnam City Educators, and a panel featuring national, state, and local literacy leaders, teachers were able to hear a wealth of experience and knowledge on such a vital topic right here in Putnam City. In all, our professional educators’ continuous commitment to learning and growth is truly inspiring.

We have some exciting news regarding one of our support employees in Transportation. Charles Holt has been named Mechanic of the Year for the Oklahoma Association of Pupil Transportation! This is a huge honor where Charles was nominated and then voted on by the association’s board of directors from around the state. Congratulations, Charles! 

Tonight, on behalf of the District, Dr. Balenseifen presented a check to OMRF totaling over $106,000.00.  We appreciate his work coordinating the annual Cancer Classic Run and we appreciate all of our schools for their involvement in raising funds for OMRF.  Our partnership dates back to the 1970’s when a teacher at PC High decided to start a campaign to raise funds for cancer research because of the loss of fellow teachers who had passed away due to cancer.   While we raise funds that are donated to OMRF, it is a two-way partnership with our own students benefiting from Junior Scientist Day and the Fleming Scholars program.  This past year, our District was involved in piloting the science experiment that was then duplicated by schools across the State, in each of the 77 counties, as part of OMRF’s 77 for 77 Campaign. We congratulate OMRF as they celebrate their 77th year and thank them for allowing our students to be a part of the research to save lives.

-Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent

June 19 - No Summer Recharge Classes

June 27 - Last day of Summer Recharge

July 4 - High School and District Offices Closed

August 14 - First Day of School for 2024-2025

Looking to beat the rush and get those school supplies for next year? Elementary supply lists are now available on our website under the Families tab.

Middle School supply lists will be updated soon! High Schools do not have general schoolwide supply lists. Please be prepared with the essentials of paper, pens/pencils, folders, notebooks. Teachers will provide the specific supplies needed for each course via syllabi.

Viking Pride Summer Workouts for Hefner Middle School students is off to a great start! Looking to put in the work during the off-season, so you can be great during the in-season?

If so, reach out to saveni@putnamcityschools.org or kbuckles@putnamcityschools.org

Summer Recharge has been a blast this month! It's so fun seeing our students and teachers take creative and interactive ways to review and learn summer-themed lessons - inside and outside!

Congratulations to Charles Holt, PC Transportation, for being named the Oklahoma Association of Pupil Transportation Mechanic of the Year! This is such a big honor and we are beyond #PCproud! Charles was first nominated and then voted on by a panel of the Board of Directors from around the state. Charles and his colleagues work year-round making sure our large fleet of buses are always running and safe for our students. Thank you and congratulations, Charles!

More than 300 student-athletes were honored last Friday night at the 2024 OKC Metro High School Sports Awards show, one of 20 regional shows held across the United States.

Putnam City West Girls Basketball was honored as the Integris Health Girls Team of the Year!

'23-'24 Putnam City West Girls' Coach, Ja'Ron Jefferson, was honored as USA Today Sports Girls Team Coach of the Year!

The District also had several nominees for the Player of the Year award in their specific sports. The nominees were:

Offensive Football Player of the Year:

Adam Owdetallah, Putnam City North High School — SR

Girls Wrestler of the Year:

Alexis Ahtone, Putnam City High School — SR

Tessalynn Goodner, Putnam City High School — FR

Ashley Maldanado Gamas, Putnam City High School — SR

Girls Basketball of the Year: 

Caya Smith, Putnam City West High School — SR

Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year: 

Caya Smith, Putnam City West High School — SR

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.