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November 27, 2023
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
This evening, I want to start by welcoming everyone back from Thanksgiving Break. I hope everyone had a wonderful time with family and friends and was able to relax before we near the end of this first semester. This time of year is always filled with holiday celebrations, performances and concerts, and the start of winter athletics.
I am excited to share some news and achievements from our District starting with a heartfelt congratulations to all of our Site Teachers of the Year! Your dedication and commitment to excellence in education are truly commendable, and I am grateful for the positive impact you make on our students and your school every day.
Just before the break, Wiley Post Elementary had some notable guests at their Early Beat assembly that made the morning memorable for all. Colonel Ruscetta from Tinker Air Force Base presented signed lithographs from the US Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Team to Wiley Post and Mayor Holt, and then surprised each student with a Blue Angels photograph. The assembly also had a touching moment when Kathlyn Reynolds, the writer of the school song “Wiley Post is Flying High” and creator of Early Beat returned to lead the entire student body in song. This memorable moment highlighted the decorated and collaborative history of Wiley Post Elementary.
Another memorable moment from before the break was having the privilege of attending the world premiere of Dr. Kenneth Cooper's four-part documentary series at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. Dr. Cooper is rightfully the namesake of Kenneth Cooper Middle School as his work has transformed the world and now continues to inspire and contribute significantly to the field of health and wellness. It was great to talk with him about his time in Putnam City and hear about how his Putnam City teachers, who he still remembered by name, laid the foundation for his interest in science.
And finally, a couple of accomplishments to celebrate starting with PC West senior, Caya Smith, for her commitment to play basketball at the University of Oklahoma next year. Caya's achievement is noteworthy, as she is not only the top Oklahoma recruit but also ranks in the ESPN Top 100 nationwide. We are immensely proud of her and eagerly anticipate watching her accomplish great things as a Sooner. Also, in the realm of sports, PC High football demonstrated exceptional skill and determination by making it to the quarterfinals this year. Congratulations to the team on a successful season, and I commend all our high school football programs for their hard work and dedication this year making it to the playoffs.
As I mentioned earlier, there are many musical performances, as well as athletic events, during these next few weeks as we kick off the holiday season. Let’s all show our support for our students by attending as many events as possible.
-Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
BOARD ACTIONS
Board Members approved the following items:
--Approval of a lease agreement between the District and The Oklahoma City Airport Trust (Wiley Post Airport) for the Aviation Education Program.
For a full list of board meeting items, please view the full agenda on our website.
COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Judy Mullen Hopper
Mrs. Mullen Hopper talked about the State Report Card and focused on the attendance portion of the report cards. She encouraged all to contact state legislators regarding changes to the attendance reporting on State Report Cards. She was excited for the work the District is doing to hopefully show improvement in our overall attendance rates.
Jay Sherrill
Mr. Sherrill had no comments.
Steve Burger
Mr. Burger welcomed everyone back from Thanksgiving Break and reminded us about the winter activities and games. He was excited about Wiley Post being recognized by the Blue Angels, as they are the only school in the nation having the Blue Angels as their official mascot. He reminded everyone to be mindful of the diversity in the District during this upcoming holiday season and stressed love and tolerance for all and to be extra aware of potential bullying in schools.
Gail LoPresto
Mrs. LoPresto pointed out the efforts that are currently in place at Windsor Hills for attendance improvement. She is also excited for the District’s efforts to improve attendance rates. She offered a wish for our teachers and staff for the next 3 weeks to go by smoothly for all.
Charity Avery
Mrs. Avery welcomed everyone back and echoed what Mr. Burger said regarding the holiday celebrations and being mindful of all. She reminded everyone how serious bullying is and the extreme consequences it can have. She encouraged everyone to just smile and say “Hi” to everyone! She also mentioned for everyone to be mindful of school zones, and pointed out how the crossing guard at Western Oaks Middle/Elementary goes above and beyond to remind everyone about their speed. Lastly, she thanked the teachers and the operations team for keeping our buildings running smoothly.
DISTRICT EVENTS
December 6- Diversity Night: Celebrating our Diversity at PCN Commons
December 21 -Jan 3 - Winter Break No School; District/School Offices Closed
Cyber Monday Shopping? Check out our online store!
Check out our online District store for fun graphic tees, traditional outwear, 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
HAPPENING AROUND PC
Native American Heritage Night
At Native American Heritage Night, family and friends were able to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of tribal dances, regalia, and explore the wealth of resources that Oklahoma City has to offer. Interested in more? Check out our Putnam City Native American Student Services to find out just how Putnam City Schools will continue to support our Native American students.
Rollingwood Elementary
These tiny adventurers saved Thanksgiving! Last week the Turkey in their storybook ran away. They collected feathers down the hallways of Rollingwood Elementary to ultimately find the Thanksgiving turkey!
STUDENT SUCCESS
Putnam City North Cross Country received a plaque from OSSAA for Outstanding Academic Achievement! 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨!
Homeland and KFOR honor this week's Scholar-Athlete of the Week, Bali Botkin of Putnam City High School. 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨!
PC PROUD
Site Teacher of the Year
Here's to the teachers of our district who believe in fusing passion with purpose. To the teachers who clearly inspire minds, shape futures, and help support our students every day without hesitation. Thank you for being the heartbeat of your school community. We see you, and we genuinely thank you! 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧!
Caya Smith is officially an Oklahoma Sooner!
Oklahoma's #1 recruit and ESPN Top 100 in the nation, Caya Smith of Putnam City West, will soon trade her blue and gold for crimson and cream as she has committed to play for Oklahoma Women's Basketball!
New representative of the Mister Guatemala Oklahoma title
During the month of September, Brian De León Morales was named Mr. Guatemala-Oklahoma 2023-2024, a title that makes him feel very proud of his roots and encourages him to continue striving to be a great example for his community.
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, Nov. 27, 2023, 5pm | Location: Administration Building | Next meeting: Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, 5pm | In Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, Deputy Board Clerk Chantil Baldwin, Board Members Judy Mullen Hopper, Steve Burger, Jay Sherrill, 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.