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September 22, 2025

I want to begin tonight by recognizing three outstanding students from PC North who have been named National Merit Semifinalists: Omar Hassan, Avery Stone, and Ava Tu. They are among more than 16,000 students nationwide recognized in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Over 1.3 million juniors from about 20,000 high schools entered the program by taking the PreSAT/National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test last year, and the Semifinalists represent less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors.

Omar, Avery, and Ava now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for nearly 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth close to $26 million that will be offered in the spring. About 95 percent of Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing, and roughly half of those students ultimately earn scholarships. We are very proud of these three Panthers and look forward to supporting them as they move forward in this rigorous and prestigious process.

Tonight also carries some special meaning, as this is the last time we will hold a Board Meeting in this space. Board meetings have been held here for 47 years.  When we gather again on October 6, it will be in the new Putnam City Centennial Center. This move is an exciting step forward for our District, giving us a space designed to bring people together, host events, and showcase the work and accomplishments of our students and staff.

And finally, as we reach the one-month mark of the school year, there is a real sense of energy and momentum across Putnam City. Our athletics programs are well underway; students are fully engaged in events and activities; and our campuses are alive with school spirit. It’s always a great feeling in education when routines finally settle in; when classrooms are running smoothly; students are finding their rhythm and when the focus shifts from transition to growth. However, all of that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of countless hours our teachers, support staff, and administrators put in to create stability, consistency, and a welcoming environment for every student. Thank you to all of our professionals throughout the District and to our families for the trust you put in us for your children to ”Go Boldly.”

-Dr. Fred Rhodes

October 16-20 - Fall Break, No school

Central Elementary 3rd graders started their day recently with a forces and motion review game. Team Kangaroo, Team Polar Bear, and Team Owl battled it out, and they’re all ready to ace that test!

In Mrs. Banks’ 2nd-grade class at Dennis Elementary, students are doing the hard work, and loving it! With just pencils, paper, and number lines, they’re figuring out equations and celebrating every win. Moments like these show how Putnam City helps students grow into independent thinkers

Cooper and Capps lit up the court recently in a true nail-biter, with both teams giving every ounce of effort. With this much talent already on display...what if we have the future stars of volleyball right here in Putnam City?

Western Oaks Middle School celebrated Friday with a Dodgeball Day during electives! We thought the students would be the ones having the fun, but our teachers also got to dodge, dip, duck, and dive as the students let the dodgeballs fly! It was a great way to make new friends, enjoy a little competition, and burn off some energy to head into the weekend.

Northridge Elementary channeled Lightning McQueen at their annual PTO Fun Run! Putnam City High School students volunteered as lap trackers, parents cheered from the sidelines, and each lap came with a fun theme to keep spirits high. Our favorite part? Watching parents join their kids for the final celebration lap.

Family Picnic Day at Apollo Elementary looked a little different this year - the rain moved them indoors, but they had a blast! Blankets spread across the gym and cafeteria made for the perfect backdrop to food, laughter, and connection. Thank you to our families for taking the time to make the day so special for our Apollo Eagles!

From Pre-K through 5th grade, students explored hands-on demonstrations with Mad Science. From the look on their faces, the best way to learn is by doing!

On Teacher Collaboration Day, Putnam City teachers came together to share strategies and strengthen instruction for every student. CareerTech teachers also explored the new Centennial Center, planning creative ways to integrate the space into upcoming student events!

Congratulations to Omar Hassan, Avery Stone, and Ava Tu, National Merit Semifinalists!

These Putnam City North students have earned National Merit Semifinalist honors - one of the highest academic achievements a high school student can receive! They scored in the top 1% of PSAT test takers nationwide, paving the way for scholarships to top-tier universities.

From spirited assemblies, to awarding scholarships and naming the game's MVP, the Battle of the Expressway (BOTE) was one for the books. We are so proud of both teams - and congratulate this year's winners, the Putnam City Pirates!

Putnam City City West Marching Band placed 3rd this weekend at the Moore Outdoor Music Festival
under the direction of Johnny Raposa. Great job, Patriots!

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.