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October 16, 2023

IN THIS EDITION

Group photo of board members — *Board Highlights*

Hispanic heritage month — *District Events*

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

As I reflect on the current school year, one overarching theme stands out – dedication. The sheer commitment of our employees, whether within the classrooms or beyond, is truly remarkable. They exemplify resolute tenacity and dedication, wholeheartedly embracing the essence of what it means to be PC Proud and to Go Boldly. Among these remarkable individuals, I would like to spotlight one exceptional group: our school principals.

During National Principals Month, we cannot overlook the indispensable contributions of our principal leaders throughout the District. The role of a principal is multifaceted, encompassing duties ranging from custodial to counseling and from playground supervision to providing professional development. The principal is the cornerstone that sets the tone and culture of our school sites, and we are profoundly grateful that our principals are committed to achieving excellence, consistently going above and beyond for our staff and students across the District.

I’d also like to shine a spotlight on one exceptional head principal, Renita White of James L. Dennis Elementary. Mrs. White has recently received well-deserved recognition by being nominated for the prestigious Oklahoma Medal of Excellence in Elementary/Secondary School Administration. This is among Oklahoma's most distinguished educator awards presented by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. It is awarded to educators who exhibit extraordinary passion and innovation, a tireless commitment to professional development, and a remarkable impact on student growth and learning. We wish Mrs. White the best of luck in completing the application process for this award and we are grateful for her unwavering dedication to the Dennis Dolphins and to our District.

Finally, I invite everyone to join us this month in dedicating a moment to celebrate and express gratitude to our remarkable principals for their exceptional contributions to our schools and our District.

-Dr. Jason Memoli, Chief of Staff

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

STAFF REPORT

--Chief Financial Officer, Ryan Spilman, presented the amended budget report to the Board

BOARD ACTIONS

Board Members approved the following items:

--an amended Operating Budget for FY 2023-2024 pursuant to the School District Budget Act of OK

--established terms and conditions for a Memorandum of Understanding with C.A.R.E for Change for districtwide counseling services

--revisions to the Gifted Education Plan

COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS

Judy Mullen Hopper

Mrs. Mullen Hopper thanked those who spoke during the public comments section of the meeting. She expressed her understanding over the mentioned concerns and will continue to seek out assistance in finding solutions. She also mentioned her admiration for all of the wonderful evening events throughout the District. Last, she offered her sincere condolences to those who have recently lost loved ones in multiple schools.

Jay Sherrill

Mr. Sherrill thanked the teachers, the PTOs, and all those from the community who have helped with parent/teacher conferences.

Steve Burger

Mr. Burger thanked Mr. Spilman for the financial information and for keeping us on the right track. He also thanked the PCN students for courageously and passionately speaking at the Board meeting. Lastly, he thanked and recognized the principals during National Principals Month.

Gail LoPresto

Mrs. LoPresto gave a shout-out to James Page, Director of Transportation, for his dedication and consistent hard work for our District. She also thanked Mr. Spilman for the financial reporting. She thanked the Putnam City North Orchestra for expressing their concerns and also expressed her support to the teachers. She is eager to see resolutions to the concerns.

Charity Avery

Mrs. Avery thanked the Putnam City North orchestra students for speaking at the Board meeting and commented on their professionalism. She asked and clarified information about the library book cataloging. She recognized National Principals Month by recognizing two of her former principals who have had a profound impact on her life. She reiterated her support to our principals and teachers.

HAPPENING AROUND PC

Hispanic Heritage Living History Museum

Elementary students from across the District got to attend a Hispanic Heritage Living History Museum at Putnam City West sponsored by the District Student Life Department! "Seat at the Table" students from all three high schools brought prominent Hispanics, past and present, to life as a unique and innovative way to celebrate and teach Hispanic Heritage.

Putnam City West HS Building Projects Nearing Completion

The new "Patrium" is opening soon for the Patriots at PCW! We are thrilled for this new and modern collaboration space along with all of the new additions to the band rooms, JROTC areas, and dance studio.

DISTRICT EVENTS

October 19 – No School, Fall Break (HS & District offices open)

October 20 – No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences (District offices open)

October 23 – District Professional Day, No School

October 24 - Classes Resume

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Fall Break - No School October 19, 20, 23

STUDENT SUCCESS

The All-City Orchestra Concert, featuring our combined middle school orchestra students, was filled with beautiful music and a lot of growth. Thank you to the guest clinicians and conductors from Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma State University!

Congratulations to all of our high school Cross Country athletes for their spectacular athleticism that was on full display during the Oklahoma Seven Conference Championship.

PC PROUD

We are in LOVE with the new accessible sandbox at Lake Park Elementary! Thank you to Special Education Teacher, Laura Caruthers, for her dedication and hard work in recognizing a need for her students, applying for the grant through the Putnam City Schools Foundation, and seeing the project through to completion. The new accessible sandbox is super popular, bringing students of all abilities together for enrichment, sensory help, and increased opportunities for learning through play.

Happy National Principals Month to all of our PC Principals! We are beyond thankful for your dedication to our students, teachers, schools, and District.

help children hold onto their hopes around the holidays by being an adopter for careshare.

Putnam City Schools Foundation CareShare Program

It's that time of year again! CareShare connects low-income Putnam City students with generous holiday gift adopters. We expect to serve more than 1,000 students this year and we need your help! Share with friends, family, coworkers, or community members and help us get the word out!
Last day to register is Oct. 31st.

For more information & to register visit https://pcf4kids.org/programs/careshare/holidaygiving

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, Oct. 16, 2023 5pm | Location: Administration Building | Next meeting: Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 5pm | In Attendance: Chief of Staff Dr. Jason Memoli, Deputy Board Clerk Chantil Baldwin, Judy Mullen Hopper, Steve Burger, Gail LoPresto, 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.