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March 10, 2025
August 5, 2024
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
BOARD ACTIONS
The Board approved the following agenda items:
Recommendation of employment of new personnel
and reassignments
Motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy EA – General Student Policies
Motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy ED – Grading, Promotion, Retention, and Graduation
Motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy EE – Admission, Residency, Placement, Transfer and Withdrawal.
Motion regarding Agreement with Yessica Deleon; Mauricio Uribe Loza; Samantha Uribe Loza; Juana Barrios; Eneli Macias Cerda; Robert Brent Jones; Paola
Motion regarding Putnam City Schools becoming a member of the Oklahoma Liquid Asset Pool
Motion regarding IEP Agreement between Western Heights Public Schools and Putnam City Schools to provide services to students with disabilities
Motion regarding the renewal of employment of the Superintendent's Cabinet for the 2025-2026 school year, which includes Nancy Ingle, Cory Boggs, Dr. Shbrone Brookings, Barbara Crump, Dr. Matthew Flinton, Dr. Diane Floyd, Dr. Keely Frayser, Dr. Jason Memoli, and Ryan Spilman
For a full list of Board meeting items and attachments, please view the full agenda on our website.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
STEVE BURGER congratulated the PCN basketball teams for making it to the state tournament. He also recognized the other PC teams that made it far in the road to the Big House.
JAY SHERRILL congratulated Alex Rivera on receiving the District Teacher of the Year award. He gave a shout-out to PCW for hosting a fantastic Japanese culture event. He is proud that our schools can host these enriching events. He ecstatically recognized the dedication to the arts in Putnam City Schools in response to the festivities of Youth Arts Month.
JUDY MULLEN HOPPER was proud of the Teacher of the Year ceremony and said it went perfectly. She encourages site administration to seek out the recently retiring teachers to partner with them for the teacher mentor program in our District. She encouraged the PC Cabinet to work on a virtual education program after touring a local district’s program.
CHARITY AVERY congratulated Alex Rivera on receiving the District Teacher of the Year award. She highlighted our student performers at tonight’s meeting in recognition of Youth Arts Month. She loved the bookmark winner and encouraged students to pursue their interests, especially in the arts. She encouraged parents to volunteer in schools.
GAIL LOPRESTO recognized all of the adults - teachers and volunteers - who work behind the scenes to help our students in all that they do. She congratulated the basketball teams that are traveling to the state tournaments. She recognized Michelle Hopper, PCACT, for helping organize a fantastic Teacher of the Year ceremony.
Meeting Date: Monday, March 10, 2025, 5pm
Location: PC Administration Building
In Attendance: Board Members: President Gail LoPresto, Vice President Steve Burger, Jay Sherrill, Judy Mullen Hopper, Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Board Clerk Stephanie Knox
Next meeting: Monday, March 24, 2025, 5pm
PC Student Leader Opens Board Meeting
At each Board Meeting, we incorporate high school student leaders to open the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence. This tradition is guided by our District's mission statement of empowering students to achieve personal success and enrich the community.
Tonight's student leader was Megan Copple. She is a dedicated high school senior at Putnam City North who serves as the Student Council President and has been an active member of Link Crew for two years and the National Honor Society for two years. With four years of involvement in Student Council, Megan has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to her school community. After high school, Megan plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and become a nurse.
Youth Arts Month
Youth Arts Month is a nationwide celebration of the arts! Our District's theme this year is "Peace Love Art" and represents the idea of spreading love and peace through creativity and expression.
Tonight's Youth Arts Month Board Meeting presentations included:
Silver Strings of Putnam City
Circle the State with Song performers
PC High Keytones
PC North Band Sax Quartet
Visual art student awards
PC Silver Strings
Circle the State with Song
PCH Keytones
Isabella Moore,
State contest bookmark winner
Visual Arts Admin Building Show Winners
PCN Sax Quartet
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
We always enjoy sharing outstanding achievements and recognitions from across the District. Our students, teachers, and staff continue to demonstrate excellence in various ways, and we are proud to highlight the latest successes tonight.
We would like to congratulate Nina Pickett of Windsor Hills Elementary, who was awarded $250 by the Oklahoma Educators Credit Union (OECU) to support her "Engaging Morning STEM Tubs" project. This funding will help bring valuable STEM activities to her students, fostering hands-on learning and engagement in the classroom.
Additionally, OECU has generously sponsored the recognition of our three latest Support Employees of the Month. Please join me in celebrating the dedication and hard work of Stephanie Russell from Coronado Heights, Roberta Mackenzie from Western Oaks Elementary, and Lance Corbett from our Maintenance Department. Their commitment to our schools plays a vital role in our district's success, and we appreciate their contributions.
In another significant achievement, PC West has met the criteria to become a Certified Healthy School, earning the highest certification level of “Excellence.” This recognition reflects the school's commitment to promoting health and wellness initiatives that benefit both students and staff.
We are also excited to share that the PC North Orchestra will be traveling over Spring Break to Atlanta, where they will compete in the prestigious American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival. They will be performing in the top string orchestra division against some of the finest orchestral programs in the nation. This is a remarkable opportunity, and we wish them the best in their performances. I am excited to be able to travel to support them.
Next, we want to congratulate both the girls and boys basketball teams at PC North for making it to the state tournament. This is the last year the state tournament will be held in the historic “Big House” and we are thrilled that two PC teams will be represented. We wish them the best of luck in the tournament!
We extend a bold congratulations to our District Teacher of the Year, Alex Rivera, Music Teacher at Hilldale Elementary. His dedication to music education and his passion for inspiring students exemplify the excellence we strive for in our District. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments, the impact he makes on our students, and the way he will represent our District to the fullest.
Lastly, March is Youth Arts Month, a time to celebrate and promote the importance of arts education in our schools. We are incredibly fortunate to have outstanding arts programs in Putnam City Schools. The arts play a crucial role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills. We commend our talented art educators and students throughout the District for their efforts in creating a more beautiful and thought-provoking world.
-Dr. Fred Rhodes
DISTRICT DATES & EVENTS
March 14- No School
March 17-21 Spring Break - No School (District Offices Closed)
March 28- Pre-K Lottery Registration Closes
HAPPENING AROUND PC
Putnam City has celebrated over 20 years of all-day Pre-K and we can't wait to welcome your little one to the fun for next year!
Learn more here: http://putnamcityschools.org/prek
March 28th - Lottery Registration Closes!
Mock Trial of Andrew Jackson
8th grade honors students at Hefner Middle School put their critical thinking and public speaking skills to the test in the mock trial of Andrew Jackson. By analyzing evidence, forming arguments, and presenting their case, students gained hands-on experience in debate, law, and teamwork. Great job to all our future leaders!
Shrek The Musical at PCW
Shrek the Musical at Putnam City West was a SMASH hit! From the incredible performances to the jaw-dropping sets, our talented cast and crew brought the swamp to life in the most magical way. Huge shoutout to everyone who made this production unforgettable!
The Little Mermaid at PCH
Look at this show, isn't it neat? Putnam City High School's Performing Arts students left us speechless from stunning vocals to mesmerizing costumes, the cast and crew brought this underwater adventure to life in the most magical way.
Overholser Elementary Support for OMRF
Overholser Elementary students have been jumping at the chance to support OMRF with a Friday Fun-Day, and the weather finally cooperated! As a reward for their fundraising efforts, students enjoyed a day full of inflatables, treats, and fun! Thank you to everyone who helped make this day a success!
PC Proud
District Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Alex Rivera, our 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year! As an elementary music teacher at Hilldale Elementary, Mr. Rivera fosters creativity, inclusivity, and student success through the power of music. His goal is to "cultivate an environment where it is safe to create, make mistakes, ask questions, and be your truest self." We are proud to honor his passion, leadership, and commitment to our students and excited to have him represent out great District!
PCN Baseball at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
PC North baseball got a big-league feel under the bright lights at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark! Our Panthers stepped up to the plate and made the most of the moment.
Annual Patriot Track & Field Invitational
PC West hosted the annual Patriot Track & Field Invitational with 14 schools from across the state, including PC North and PC High! Great job to all of our athletes!
History In The Making
Putnam City North’s new Girls Powerlifting team competed at regionals for the first time, and Breonna Timmons brought home GOLD in her weight class!
OAAE Bookmark Contest
The OAAE Bookmark contest looks to inspire the minds of young artists in Oklahoma in creating an artistic bookmark design in response to the theme. Congratulations to Isabella Moore from Harvest Hills Elementary.
The winners will have their design printed on bookmarks, distributed to libraries across Oklahoma, and presented to the Governor and other elected officials.
INFORMATION & REMINDERS
Happening Now! Pre-Enrollment
Check your email for the link to complete your pre-enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a critical step in ensuring your students are ready to go for next year!
Join us for Diversity Night
Save Our Number
Are you receiving all District Communications? If you missed any of the communications regarding inclement weather weather last week, it is time to check your contact information in PowerSchool.
Also, the phone number for calls from the District has changed! You will now see 405-470-3979 on the caller ID when it is an important call from Putnam City Schools. Make sure you have this number saved and listed to bypass any Do Not Disturb status so you don't miss a critical call.
Be Present. Be Bold!
Check out our new online District Store for fun graphic tees, jackets, hats, backpacks, and polos!
🔗 https://putnamcityadmingear.secure-decoration.com
FOR PICK UP OPTION PLEASE ENTER SCHOOL NAME IN THE NOTES SECTION AT CHECK OUT
Be PC Proud! Have a story of an amazing achievement by a PC student teachers, group or team?
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.