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.
May 5, 2025
August 5, 2024
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
RECOGNITIONS & REPORTS:
Recognition of Retiring Personnel
Seal of Biliteracy Student Recognition
BOARD ACTIONS
The Board approved the following agenda items:
recommendation of employment of new personnel and
reassignments
motion regarding renewal of employment for support personnel
motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy BR – Third Party Data Use Agreement.
motion regarding revision(s) of District Policy EB – Curriculum.
motion regarding the following job descriptions:
Centennial Campus Manager
Human Capital Manager
Director of PC at Home (PC Virtual School)
For a full list of Board meeting items and attachments, please view the full agenda on our website.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
STEVE BURGER remarked how he saw the same “look” in the retiree's eyes as he presented their gift tonight, as he does when he presents diplomas at graduations. He expressed how happy a time this is for retirees, how we wish them well, but at the same time pointed out how much talent we lose in the District. Next, he wished our athletics luck in their state tournaments. He recognized Teacher Appreciation Week and how hard our teachers work. Lastly, he recently attended the PC Youth Powwow and remarked on how vibrant an event it was.
JUDY MULLEN HOPPER recently celebrated the 50th reunion of Harvest Hills Elementary. She gave a special shout-out to current Harvest Hills music teacher, Jessika Prucha, for her incredible work in helping pull together the reunion celebration in such a creative and passionate way. Lastly, she congratulated the District’s Golden Apple recipients and said how much the award represents our hardworking teachers and staff.
COLLETTE SHEPARD-MCINTIRE congratulated the District retirees and wished them well in their retirement. She expressed how impressed she was with our PCW student, Jimmy Escobar Mendez, who opened the Board meeting tonight.
Meeting Date: Monday, May 05, 2025, 5pm
Location: PC Administration Building
In Attendance: Board Members: President Steve Burger, Judy Mullen Hopper, Collette Shepard-McIntire; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Board Clerk Stephanie Knox
Next meeting: Monday, May 19, 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 Jimmy Escobar Mendez a current senior at Putnam City West High School. Jimmy is involved in numerous activities at West such as Student Council President, Valedictorian, Math Club President, Symphony Orchestra, Patriot Partners, National Honors Society, Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, 2025 OKMEA All-State Orchestra, 2024 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, OSU-OKC Upward Bound, Cross Country, Seat at the Table, and was a 2025 Senate Page. Jimmy is a Gates Scholarship Finalist and a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Finalist. Jimmy was involved in raising $19,238 for OMRF cancer research this past year during their CFD week. In the fall, Jimmy plans on attending the University of Oklahoma, double majoring in Political Science and Music Performance on the pre-law track with a minor in Spanish.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
As we step into the final month of the school year, it’s a time for both celebration and reflection. I want to begin by extending a big congratulations to Western Oaks Elementary health teacher, Madalyn Harper, for winning the Women’s Quarter Marathon at the OKC Memorial Marathon. Her accomplishment is inspiring to many, but I cannot help but also think about just how much her students must look up to her. We’re also incredibly proud of all the Putnam City employees who participated in this meaningful event.
May is a month filled with opportunities to recognize the extraordinary people who make our District so successful. This week, we are proudly celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to thank our educators for the passion and purpose they bring to their classrooms every day. I encourage our families to reach out this week to thank our hardworking PC educators. Additionally, we're also recognizing those who often work behind the scenes, yet play essential roles in student success: Bus Drivers Day (April 22), Principals Day (May 1), School Nurses Day (May 7), School Communicators Day (May 9), and our Speech-Language Pathologists (May 18). We are proud to shine a spotlight on their work. Your service changes lives.
This past Friday, the Putnam City Native American Student Services hosted a powerful and vibrant Powwow, honoring tradition, culture, and student achievement. The event brought together families, students, and community members in a celebration of identity and education. Similarly, our annual Putnam City Arts Festival was a resounding success, highlighting the creativity and talent that flourishes throughout our District. From visual arts to live performances, it was a proud showcase of what makes Putnam City students and staff exceptional.
We also want to take a moment to recognize and honor our students across the District who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy. This distinction reflects not only academic achievement but also a deep cultural awareness and commitment to communication across multiple languages. These students represent the global mindset we encourage in all learners, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
And now, we look ahead to the momentous milestone of graduation season. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the Class of 2025, our young adults who have shown dedication, growth, and potential. As they prepare to step into the next big chapter of their lives, we send them forward with encouragement to go boldly, impact their communities, and strive for personal excellence. We are proud of who they are and excited about who they will become.
-Dr. Fred Rhodes
DISTRICT DATES & EVENTS
May 16 - PCH Graduation, 7:30pm
May 17 - PCN Graduation, 10:00am | PCW Graduation, 7:00pm
May 22 - Last Day of School!
HAPPENING AROUND PC
Earth Day at Will Rogers Elementary
In a magical Earth Day moment, Will Rogers Elementary students released butterflies into nature! After watching them grow from caterpillars to butterflies this month, 3rd grade students gathered at Putnam City North’s Outdoor Classroom to say goodbye and watch their pollinator friends settle into their new homes.
19th Annual Tulakes Elementary Track Meet
Schools across Putnam City are wrapping up the school year with field days, track meets, and well-earned celebrations, and we got to catch one in action! Tulakes Elementary held their 19th Annual Track Meet at Putnam City High, and the atmosphere was electric! Students ran hard, played harder, and showed the community what they were made of.
Author Michael Korenblit Visits WOMS
8th graders at Western Oaks Middle School heard from author Michael Korenblit, who shared his parents' powerful story of survival during the Holocaust. His parents were just teenagers - making it especially powerful and real for students hearing it today. His visit encouraged students to reflect on the past, and the impact we each can make on our world.
2nd Annual PEAK Robotics Showcase
Fourth grade students from across Putnam City gathered at Dennis Elementary for the 2nd Annual PEAK Robotics Showcase! Teams raced through challenges, showing off their coding, problem-solving, and collaboration skills for their friends and family. Whether or not they go into tech, these early skills build confident, future-ready thinkers.
PCH Lab Discovery
Labs at Putnam City High likely gave some future doctors, scientists, and researchers their start! Hands-on brain dissections helped students explore anatomy in a way no textbook can. We're proud of our Pirates for stepping boldly into discovery!
WOMS Discovering Music and Community
At Western Oaks Middle School, orchestra students are discovering just how powerful music (and community) can be. During their monthly Music Matinee, students from all three grades gather after school to share snacks, watch a film featuring music they’re studying, and connect through sound and story. They’re uncovering the ‘why’ behind the music in film - while also building new friendships.
Annual Putnam City Arts Festival
The annual Putnam City Arts Festival showcased incredible student performances, cute crafts, and stunning art displays from across the District. It was truly a celebration of creativity and community! Bonus, a group of PC music teachers pulled off a heartfelt surprise award for former longtime Board member, Gail LoPresto, honoring her enduring contributions to the arts in Putnam City.
Native American Youth Powwow
Students and community members filled the gym at Putnam City High for the Native American Youth Powwow. From gourd dancing to the traditional art on display, the night was a powerful celebration of heritage and tradition.
Harvest Hills Elementary 50th Reunion
This past weekend, Harvest Hills Elementary celebrated a special 50th reunion. What a special event for special people who helped build and shape the school our current Hawks attend today.
PC Proud
Oklahoma Education Awards
Fine arts are alive and well in Putnam City Schools thanks to the limitless creativity of our students, the tireless dedication of our educators, and the countless hours of support from our School Board! Three of our students and our School Board were honored at the Oklahoma Education Awards, including a wonderful monologue performance by Samantha Parker.
Congratulations to our students, Gail LoPresto, and the PC School Board for this incredible recognition!
PCH Esports State Champions
PCW TSA State Conference Placer
Putnam City High Invitational Track Meet
Putnam City High hosted the annual PC Invitational Track Meet, and our Pirates swabbed the deck with the competition!
Every Mile Tells a Story
Members of the Putnam City Schools community ran to remember, to honor, and to hope. We’re proud of our students and staff who showed such heart in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
PCH Baseball's Senior Night
Rainy weather paved the way for Putnam City High Baseball's Senior Night! While the final score didn’t fall our way, the support in the stands and the heart on the field said everything. PCH sparked a late-game rally in the 4th and played with grit until the final out. We’re proud of their season, their hustle, and the way they represented Putnam City.
Seal of Biliteracy recipients
PCH JROTC Honor Guard at OKC Thunder
The PCH JROTC Honor Guard presented the Colors at OKC Thunder games this year! Way to represent PC Schools in front of thousands!
INFORMATION & REMINDERS
Registration Happening Now!
Putnam City Families,
Registration for current PC students is open for the 2025-2026 school year!
To receive a class schedule or to be placed in a class, all returning students must complete registration by July 31, 2025.
Steps to Complete Registration:
Complete your registration using the link sent to your email.
NEW! Provide Proof of Residency – Upload a current utility bill (water, gas, or electric) with your name and address. You can submit a screenshot, scanned copy, PDF, or photo of your bill.
If you have any questions, please contact the Putnam City Enrollment Office.
Summer Learning Activities and Resources
Check out these summer learning activities and resources!
From elementary to middle school, here are some fun activities and resources to keep the brains in gear between splashes in the pool and fun on the playground.
For high school students in need of credit recovery, click here to enroll. More information can be gathered from your school counselor.
Download the Putnam City Schools App!
Download the Putnam City App for an all-in-one stop on all things Putnam City Schools!
Check out this video to learn more!
Available in the App Store and in Google Play. Just search Putnam City Schools OK!
Be Present. Be Bold!
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.