Putnam County School District - Shaping the Future

All 2025 graduation ceremony videos are now edited and uploaded—and we’re thrilled to share the moments that made each celebration unforgettable. 📸 Graduation photos from Cameryn Jewel Photography are also available! 🎥 Watch each ceremony here: 🔹 PJSHS: https://youtu.be/Sjd4ZooJPTE?feature=shared 🔹 IJSHS: https://youtu.be/tsWB9N6qJ7k?feature=shared 🔹 CCJSHS: https://youtu.be/auhCh8PqIDc?feature=shared 🔹 QIRJSHS: https://youtu.be/J20IKuxhmNc?feature=shared 🔹 Putnam Virtual School: https://youtu.be/FraMNXRwEPQ?feature=shared 🔹 Mellon Learning Center: https://youtu.be/xp4MCHdJidk?feature=shared ✨ Visit our Graduation Hub for full photo galleries, ceremony recaps, and more: 🔗 https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

☀️ Summer Hours ☀️ All PCSD schools and district offices are operating on a revised summer schedule from June 2 through July 31: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM We will return to regular hours beginning Monday, August 4. #ProudtobePCSD

New Episode! The Pulse; PCSD Podcast 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/x5VUw1ZUgJc Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Charles Overturf III, longtime community leader and one of this year’s Product of Putnam honorees, to talk about the positive impact of the Terrific Kid Program, proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Palatka. Charles shares how the Terrific Kid initiative celebrates students who demonstrate positive behavior, kindness, and strong character—qualities that build a brighter future for Putnam County. Tune in to learn more about the program, its history, and why Charles continues to invest in the students of PCSD and be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the stories and people shaping education in Putnam County. #ProudtobePCSD

Join Us for Our June Superintendent’s Community Engagement Session! 📅 Monday, June 23rd at 6:00 PM 📍 Melrose Elementary School Auditorium (401 SR 26, Melrose, FL 32666) Can’t make it in person? Join us via Zoom: Meeting ID: 227 750 3147 Passcode: 3fT8qW Topics of Discussion: Building Construction Updates Federal Funds for the 2025–2026 School Year Q&A Session Staff, families, and community members are encouraged to attend! We’d love your participation and input. For more information, contact Michelle Mikell at mmikell@my.putnamschools.org. #ProudtobePCSD

Superintendent Rick Surrency—our very own 2023 Florida Superintendent of the Year—joined education leaders from across the state at the Commissioner of Education’s Summit in Miami! Florida superintendents, along with college and university presidents, came together to focus on one powerful mission: preparing students for success after high school. Superintendent Surrency’s ongoing dedication to post-secondary readiness ensures that Putnam County students are equipped to thrive—no matter where their journey takes them. He was proud to stand alongside fellow state honorees, 2024 Superintendent of the Year Russell Hughes (Walton County) and 2025 Superintendent of the Year David Moore (Indian River), as they work together to shape a brighter future for all Florida students.

On June 3rd, following the School Board meeting, we had the honor of welcoming Product of Putnam recipients from 2019 through 2025 to a special reception at The River Center. This event brought together years of honorees—individuals who represent the very best of Putnam County and continue to lead, serve, and inspire in their respective fields. Attendees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cake, reconnected with fellow honorees, and heard from Superintendent Rick Surrency and Charlie Douglas. The evening served as a reminder of the legacy and impact that Putnam County School District has on our community. A special thank you to Charlie Douglas and Douglas Law Firm for sponsoring this incredible evening and for always believing in the power of public education and community recognition. To all of our Products of Putnam—you make us proud every single day. 💙💚 #ProudtobePCSD

We’re proud to share that our very own Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency has been named one of District Administration’s Top 100 Education Influencers for 2025! This national recognition reflects not just his incredible leadership—but the bold vision, innovation, and hard work happening every day across our schools, classrooms, and community. Together, we’re shaping the future of education in Putnam County—and others are taking notice. 📖 Read the DA Magazine feature here: https://lsc-pagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=847025&p=12&view=issueViewer 🔗 Learn more about the DA Top 100: https://districtadministration.com/da-100-2025/ #ProudtobePCSD

Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Sandy Hurst, Brittani Phillips, and student artist Lewis Legere to reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, observed last month, in this week’s episode of The Pulse. To raise awareness and spark conversation, PCSD hosted a districtwide student poster contest with the theme: “Grow Through What You Go Through.” The initiative invited students to share powerful messages through art, focusing on resilience, empathy, self-care, and the importance of seeking help. The winning poster was created by Lewis Legere, who joins the conversation to share his inspiration and perspective. This episode celebrates student voice, creativity, and the supportive efforts within our schools to normalize mental health conversations and promote well-being across Putnam County. Be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the stories that matter in education. 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 📺 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBv4ZDTbhZg #ProudtobePCSD

PCSD's Department of Career and Technical Education proudly met with our District Advisory Board for CTE. This incredible group serves as a vital sounding board, offering valuable expertise and real-world insight into business and industry to support and guide our CTE programs. The meeting was filled with meaningful discussion, innovative ideas, and a shared passion for preparing students for the future of work. We are truly excited to collaborate with this outstanding group of partners in the years ahead as we continue to strengthen opportunities for students across Putnam County. Represented at today’s table were leaders from: * St. Johns River State College * Wilkinson Automotive * Ameris Bank * Country Feed and Farm Supply / Palatka Cattle Company * First Coast Technical College * Vallencourt Construction * HCA Florida Putnam * Armstrong Roofing Inc. * Palatka Municipal Airport * VyStar Credit Union * Airgas * Capital City Bank * Beck Automotive Group * Putnam County Chamber of Commerce * Florida Power & Light * Douglas Law Firm * Florida Department of Health – Putnam County * Veritas Steel * Summit Holdings * Putnam County Government We are grateful for their commitment to the future of our students and our workforce. #ProudtobePCSD

We’re proud to share that Putnam County School District was invited to present at the Southeast Conference on School Climate in Savannah, GA! Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent, along with Diana Drew, Director of Student Services, and Kimberly Simmons, Mental Wellness Clinical Supervisor, shared insights on the district’s innovative mental health programs in a session titled: “Innovative Approaches to Mental Health: Promoting Resilience and Engagement Through Unique Interventions” This powerful presentation highlighted real-world strategies we use in PCSD—like animal-assisted therapy, experiential therapy, tele-health therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques—to support student well-being and create stronger, healthier learning environments. “The PCSD mental health team provides an essential service for our students,” said Dr. Surrency. “Students are dealing with major issues that must be addressed before they can learn in the classroom. Thanks to Kimberly Simmons and Diana Drew for their leadership.” We are #ProudtobePCSD and grateful to be recognized for shaping the future through our commitment to student mental health.

🚨 Please note the EARLIER time! 🚨 School Board Meeting 06/03/2025 at 2:30PM Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/DPafmAWmQic #ProudtobePCSD

🎓 Congratulations to the Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School Class of 2025! Your bold curiosity, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to growth have set you apart. The legacy you leave behind is one of leadership and academic distinction. Go forward and shape the world! 🎓 Celebrate the Class of 2025 all over again with photos, videos, and highlights: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

🎓 Congratulations to the Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School Class of 2025! You’ve led with Panther pride—rising above challenges and lifting each other up. Your grit, creativity, and heart will take you far. Once a Panther, always a Panther! 🎓 Celebrate the Class of 2025 all over again with photos, videos, and highlights: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

🎓 Congratulations to the Putnam Virtual School Class of 2025! Your flexibility, independence, and persistence prove that success doesn’t follow just one path. You’ve shown us how to thrive in a world without walls—and the future is wide open! 🎓 Celebrate the Class of 2025 all over again with photos, videos, and highlights: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

🎓 Congratulations to the Crescent City Junior Senior High School Class of 2025! Your determination, spirit, and Raider pride are shaping the future. You are dreamers, builders, and changemakers - go forward and continue to shape the world. 🎓 Celebrate the Class of 2025 all over again with photos, videos, and highlights: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

1/2 DAY! All PCSD Schools will release early today for... 🎉 THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! 🎉 View the early release schedule here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-times We hope everyone has a fun and safe summer break! #ProudtobePCSD

🎓 Congratulations to the Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School Class of 2025! Your perseverance, heart, and teamwork have left a lasting mark. Take pride in your journey—you’ve built something strong, and the best is yet to come. 🎓 Celebrate the Class of 2025 all over again with photos, videos, and highlights: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

🌞🥪 Summer Feeding Starts June 3rd! 🥪🌞 Putnam County School District is offering FREE meals for kids 18 & under this summer! 📍 Find BreakSpot feeding locations and PCSD drive-thru & mobile routes — all details here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/summer-feeding-program Keep kids fueled and healthy this summer! 💙💚 #ProudtobePCSD

Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Top Scholar Madalene Hodge, recipient of the prestigious Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence, on this week’s episode of The Pulse. Madalene was recently honored with PCSD’s top academic award, presented by Douglas Webb, in recognition of her exceptional character, academic excellence, and community involvement. As the daughter of Stacy and Stanley Hodge, Madalene has demonstrated a tireless commitment to service, logging over 210 hours of volunteer work with DK Therapy Boot Camps, Night to Shine, and PCSD’s STEM Camps. A standout at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, she has been involved in National Honor Society, Interact Club, Phi Theta Kappa, HOSA, BETA, sideline and competitive cheerleading, and tennis—all while maintaining stellar academics as an Early College student, set to graduate with her Associate in Arts degree from St. Johns River State College in May 2025. Madalene is PCSD’s Sunshine State Scholar, was awarded the PJSHS Top Scholar Award all four years of high school, earned the Scholar Athlete Award, and has made the President’s List at SJRSC. She also holds a CMAA Ready to Work Certification. Madalene plans to attend the University of North Florida to major in Health Science, followed by graduate school at the University of St. Augustine to become an Occupational Therapist. Be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the incredible stories of our students, staff, and community across Putnam County. 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/Br-Eq1aMJrk #ProudtobePCSD

1/2 DAY! All PCSD Schools will release early tomorrow and Friday! View the early release schedule here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-times #ProudtobePCSD