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November 18, 2024

August 5, 2024

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

BOARD ACTIONS

The Board approved the following agenda items:

Recommendation of employment of new personnel
and reassignments
Agreement with Connected Kids for a series of professional development and follow-up sessions for Ralph Downs Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year
Agreement with Books by Dennis for services provided during a Title I Family Engagement Night at Ralph Downs Elementary
Motion regarding the Contract with Modern Manhood Foundation for social emotional growth and development services at Putnam City West for the 2024-2025 school year
Motion regarding the Contract with Wyjuana Speaks Consulting, LLC. for social emotional growth and development services at Putnam City West for the 2024-2025 school year
Motion regarding increase contract amount on previously approved renewal of contract with Alison Hayes, Speech Language Pathologist/Independent Contractor
Motion regarding increase contract amount on previously approved
renewal of contract with Talking Tots Speech Therapy, Speech Language Pathologists

For a full list of Board meeting items and attachments, please view the full agenda on our website.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

STEVE BURGER had no comments. He wished everyone a safe and restful Thanksgiving.

JAY SHERRILL echoed Mr. Burger and wished everyone a great break.

JUDY MULLEN HOPPER attended the Transportation Department’s silent auction benefiting the PC Foundation’s CareShare program. She said the employees worked very hard putting so much time and effort into the event and it was fantastic. She said she won an item and was very excited about it.

CHARITY AVERY wished everyone a safe and wonderful holiday. She thanked the administration for all of the hard work and thoughtfulness in making the hard decisions for cancellations.

GAIL LOPRESTO thanked Board Member Judy Mullen Hopper for gifting her an item she won at the silent auction.

Meeting Date: Monday, November 18, 2024, 5pm
Location: PC Administration Building
In Attendance: Board Members: President Gail LoPresto, Vice President Steve Burger, Jay Sherrill, Judy Mullen Hopper, and Charity Avery; Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Board Clerk Stephanie Knox
Next meeting: Monday, December 9, 2024, 5pm

PC Student Leader Opens Board Meeting

At each Board Meeting, we will 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 Queen-Esther Henderson, a senior at PC North. She has been involved all four years in softball, soccer, advanced choir, NHS, Link Crew, Zoo Crew, DECA, Student Council, attended LDI, and was a Special Olympics helper. She is also currently a nominee for Mrs. Panther!

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

First, we want to extend our gratitude to our community for your patience and understanding during the recent weather-related cancellations. These decisions are never made lightly, and we appreciate the flexibility and grace shown by our families, students, and staff as we prioritize safety.

On a sunnier note, we are thrilled to celebrate the success of the 16th Annual Cancer Classic 5K and Fun Run this past Saturday. With over 300 participants, this event not only brought our community together but also supported an important cause through fundraising for cancer research at OMRF. Thank you to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, or cheered – your participation made this event truly special.

A special congratulations goes out to PC High School and PC North High School for advancing in the 6A-2 football state tournament after thrilling home victories on Friday! Your hard work, determination, and sportsmanship continue to make us proud, and we’re excited to see your journey continue into round two. Go Pirates and Panthers!

To our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators, I want to take a moment to recognize your unwavering commitment to our students. Amid the noise of mandates and the constant flood of news headlines, your steadfast focus on impacting lives is both inspiring and essential. Please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed, and the difference you make is profound. Let’s keep our eyes on what matters most – the success and well-being of every child in our care.

Lastly, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to wish all of you a safe and restful break. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as it allows time for reflection, gratitude, and connection with loved ones. I want to express my gratitude to the Putnam City Schools community, our Board of Education, our teachers and staff, students, and families. Everyone together makes our District grow and thrive and for that, I am thankful.

-Dr. Fred Rhodes

DISTRICT DATES & EVENTS

November 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break- No School, District Offices Closed

December 23-January 3 - Winter Break - No School, District Offices Closed

January 6 - Staff Work Day, No School, District Offices Open

HAPPENING AROUND PC

Thanksgiving Spirit in Action!

Sodexo at Putnam City Schools Child Nutrition prepared all the fixings, and then high school leaders stepped up to serve the delicious Thanksgiving lunch to our elementary students, spreading joy and setting an example across our District.

Making Pumpkin Pie

Elementary students made their own pumpkin pies while learning about all the vitamins and healthy benefits of a pumpkin from our District's amazing Registered Dietitian at Sodexo of Putnam City Schools Child Nutrition! Fun fact, did you know a pumpkin is a fruit?

PC Cancer Classic

It was a great morning for a run with over 300 fellow cancer research supporters! The 16th Annual Putnam City Cancer Classic 5K & Fun Run benefiting OMRF went off without a missed step. Congratulations to our top placers!

Madalyn Harper, Greg Kipf, Sawyer Edwards

Sparking Creativity at Overholser Elementary

Overholser Elementary students created plays based on the books they read in class. These Oilers had a blast acting out their plays, showing their understanding and creative imaginations!

PC PROUD

Central Oklahoma Choral Directors Association (COCDA) Honor Choir

We'd like to celebrate these students for being accepted as members of the Central Oklahoma Choral Directors Association (COCDA) honor Choir! The festival was held on Monday, November 11th and students from every PC middle and high school were selected. Way to go!

Playoff Football

The PCH Pirates and the PCN Panthers hosted round 1 of the 6A-2 Football State Championship on Friday night and both teams came out on top. Beating Bartlesville 26-14 and Southmore 21-0, on to round 2.

National Signing Day

We had three PCN Panthers officially make their marks to play at the collegiate level.

Brandie Harrod - Basketball at Auburn

Kylee Smith - Softball at OKWU

Harper Phillips - Golf at SNU

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

The 2025 Innovation Bond Special Bond Election is set for February 11, 2025.

Please mark your calendars to vote and boldly invest in our future of PC Schools the week of Valentine's Day!

To learn more about the exciting projects included in the Bond for each school and districtwide, visit our 2025 Bond website at putnamcityschools.org/2025bond

PC Foundation is looking for gift adopters through CareShare!

care share image — Click the photo above to sign up!

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.