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March 4, 2024
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Tonight, there is a lot to celebrate starting with our Teachers of the Year throughout the District. These educators have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their classrooms and beyond. Their contributions to our great District are truly commendable. Congratulations to this school year’s Top 5 Teachers of the Year (in no particular order) Cristy Gosset, Brittney Sims, Katelyn Stewart, Lauren Gilliam, and Samantha Hughes. Tomorrow night at our annual Teacher of the Year Banquet, we will celebrate all of our Site Teachers of the Year, honor our Top 5, and announce our District Teacher of the Year. This event holds a special significance as the Teacher of the Year selection process begins with nominations from peers – the individuals who work tirelessly alongside our Site Teachers of the Year every day. There is no greater honor than to be recognized by those who understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the teaching profession.
In addition to celebrating our top educators, March marks the beginning of Youth Arts Month. The arts are a deep-rooted part of our District, fostering creativity, expression, and cultural appreciation among our students. I want to extend my gratitude to the performers who showcased their talents at tonight’s Board meeting as well as our fine arts educators who share their passion for the arts every single day. The dedication of our students and our educators enriches our community and inspires us all.
Further, as a symbolic gesture of our commitment to the arts, the Oklahoma City Skydancer Bridge was illuminated in Putnam City colors on Friday, March 1st, to kick off Youth Arts Month. This vibrant display served as a reminder of the importance of arts education. Thank you to our district Fine Arts Coordinator, Brandy Musgrave, for her work in making that happen.
Finally, I am pleased to provide an update on our Putnam City Aviation program. Progress is underway with their transition to the program’s new home at Wiley Post Airport. This month they will be making finishing touches on the facility. The projected move-in date is April 1st. This relocation will provide our students with enhanced on-location learning opportunities and hands-on experiences in the field of aviation.
-Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
BOARD ACTIONS
Board Members approved the following items:
-Proclamation declaring the month of March Youth Arts Month in Putnam City Schools
-Quarterly District Transfer Capacities for the 23-24 school year
-Quarterly Open Transfers for the 23-24 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 thanked everyone for attending tonight's Board meeting for Youth Arts Month and for the public participation speaker. She acknowledged last week being National Public Schools Week and was excited to have Putnam City students at the State Capital. She mentioned attendance issues and hopes for a resolution.
Jay Sherrill congratulated the athletes competing at state championships. He thanked everyone for participating in Youth Arts Month. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to the fine arts teachers throughout the District.
Steve Burger thanked the speaker during the public participation portion. He expressed excitement for the progress of the Putnam City Aviation program. He thanked everyone for coming out to the Board meeting to perform for Youth Arts Month and being able to showcase their creative talents. He also highlighted the changes, graduations, and exciting events that this time of year brings for families and had a reminder to embrace this time of year with your loved ones.
Gail LoPresto expressed how much she loves this time of year with basketball and musicals - "it can't get much better than that." She reminded everyone to come out and support our girls' basketball teams playing in the state tournament this week in Norman. She mentioned Putnam City West's upcoming musical - Chicago: Teen Edition and how pleased she was with Putnam City High School's performance of Mamma Mia. She thanked the principals for their hard work with attendance.
Charity Avery thanked the students for performing tonight for Youth Arts Month. She congratulated the high school students for their high marks at recent competitions and expressed what an accomplishment it is to get superior ratings. She thanked the public participation speaker and encouraged open communication through public participation and email. She thanked the teachers for their hard work in putting together the musicals.
Youth Arts Month Performances at Tonight's Board Meeting
In celebration of Youth Arts Month, several student groups performed at tonight's Board Meeting. We are very thankful for these groups and their dedicated teachers for sharing their creative talents.
Putnam City Silver Strings
Putnam City High School Theatre
Hilldale Elementary Choir
Putnam City North High School Clarinet Choir
Additionally, the Putnam City Youth Arts Month Showcase Winners were recognized:
Elementary: Oseas Quich Giron
Middle School: Isaac Livingston
High School: Nour Qaddi & Ayden Yanda
PCN Clarinet Choir
Elementary Winner
Middle School Winner
High School Winner
DISTRICT EVENTS
March 15 -No School, District Offices Open
March 18-22 - No School, Spring Break, District Offices Closed
March 27- Pre-K Registration Closes
HAPPENING AROUND PC
PC Schools Junior College Day Hosted by SNU
Students learned about financial aid and how to prepare for the college process. They attended a question-and-answer session with an SNU student panel, which included PC alumni. Following that, they took a campus tour and participated in a college fair featuring over 25 universities. This marks the second year that SNU has hosted this event for PC Schools, with approximately 288 juniors from the district in attendance.
Track & Field at Putnam City West
It was the ultimate showdown as 1,200+ athletes from 24 high schools converged at Putnam City West this weekend to sprint, jump, and throw their way to victory. There's never a shortage of excitement at Track and Field events!
Indian Youth Career Day at UCO
A group of high school students from across the District traveled to UCO with the Native American Student Services Department to attend Indian Youth Career Day, joining schools from across the state! These students attended several workshop sessions, campus tours, and heard from keynote speaker, Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Mamma Mia at PCH
Putnam City High School delivered a captivating performance! Students shine in the sensational musical 'Mamma Mia,' delivering an outstanding production filled with energy, talent, and unforgettable moments. Bravo to the cast and crew for an incredible show!
PC PROUD
PCN Athletes See Hard Work Pay Off
From tackles to touchdowns, these star football players of Putnam City North High School stood out all season! Their relentless passion for the game was not only seen by spectators but also by collegiate scouts from Southwestern College Kansas and East Central University resulting in a letter of intent being placed in their hands. What a way to make all of us PC Proud!
THINGS TO KNOW
Introducing a fun new initiative to recognize standout PC Staff Members throughout the District! On the District's website and app, a new form has been published for any students, families, or community members to nominate any PC employee for a PC Applause! These will be short recognitions for our amazing staff members (Anyone! Teachers, support, operations, transportation, and more!) throughout the District that will be published on District social media and our internal staff newsletters.
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, March 4, 2024, 5pm | Location: Administration Building | Next meeting: Monday, April 1, 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.