CL Overturf, Jr. District Center Announces 2025 Staff of the Year!

Teacher of the Year: Lorena Dominey, Federal Program Department – STEM Resource Teacher
"Lorena works tirelessly supporting STEM initiatives throughout our schools. She provides professional learning and curriculum support to our STEM teachers as well as collaborating with our CTE Department to support our aerospace and computer science programs. Lorena brings high energy and enthusiasm to all she does ensuring our students are prepared for the STEM careers of the future!"

Support Related Employee of the Year: Neftali Rivera, IT Department – Assistant Computer Technician
"Nef provides IT support to our staff regularly. No matter the task, we can depend on Nef to assist quickly and professionally. But most importantly, he always shows up with a smile and kind word! CLO is blessed to have Nef on our team."

Congratulations, Nef and Lorena🎉
about 11 hours ago, Putnam County School District
CLO Employees
Yesterday, at Browning-Pearce Elementary, a student reported a threatening statement made by another student. Staff immediately took action, confiscated a pocket knife, and contacted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The threat was deemed credible, and the student was arrested.
We want to commend the student who came forward and the quick response of BPES staff. This swift action demonstrates the importance of “See Something, Say Something.”

The School District has zero tolerance for weapons on campus. We also encourage families and students to use the FortifyFL app, a free and anonymous way to report unsafe situations directly to law enforcement and school officials. Learn more at www.getfortifyfl.com

Working together, we can keep our schools safe.
1 day ago, Putnam County School District
Safety alert
🌟 October is National Principals Month! 🌟

In Putnam County, our principals do more than manage schools — they inspire futures. They guide teachers, encourage students, partner with families, and bring communities together so learning can thrive. Their leadership makes a lasting impact on every classroom and every child.

This month, and every month, we celebrate our PCSD principals for leading with heart, vision, and dedication. Thank you for helping us shape tomorrow, today. 💙💚

#ProudtobePCSD
1 day ago, Putnam County School District
Principals Month
Today, we celebrate and thank the incredible custodial staff across PCSD. Their hard work keeps our schools clean, safe, and welcoming places for students and staff every single day.

Custodians are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, quietly making sure everything is ready for learning. They are an essential part of the heart of our schools, and we are grateful for their dedication and care. At PCSD, we believe public schools and the people who serve in them are the BEST — and our custodians prove that true every day. 👏

#ProudtobePCSD
1 day ago, Putnam County School District
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PCSD administrators met with Everyday Labs (our Attendance partner) to dive into attendance data and support our district-wide push to combat chronic absenteeism. By reviewing last year’s patterns, leaders identified key timeframes where attendance dips and began developing targeted plans to better support families and students.

Our goal is simple but powerful: help every student get to school and stay in school. Together, we’re building a culture of showing up—for learning, for growth, for the future. 📚💙

#AttendanceMatters #ProudtobePCSD
1 day ago, Putnam County School District
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🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Judson Sapp – Florida House of Representatives, District 20

Watch now: https://youtu.be/_bBvx7O02jk
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse

In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Representative Judson Sapp, who serves Florida House District 20. Reflecting on his first year in office, Rep. Sapp compares the experience to “boot camp” where new legislators quickly learn the process and realities of public service. Tune in for an inside look at the challenges and victories of a freshman legislator, and how state decisions shape our local communities.

Be sure to follow The Pulse Podcast each week as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.

#ProudtobePCSD
2 days ago, Putnam County School District
Judson Sapp
Attendance Matters: FTE Week is October 6–10!

Every student counts–literally! During FTE Week, the state of Florida calculates school funding based on student attendance. If a student is absent, they are not included in the count, and our schools lose vital funding for teachers, programs, and services.

Make sure your child is in school every day October 6–10! Together, we can give PCSD students the resources they need to succeed.

Learn more about PCSD's Attendance Initiative: www.putnamschools.org/page/attendance

#ProudtobePCSD #AttendanceMatters
3 days ago, Putnam County School District
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At PCSD, we hold the same high expectations for our staff as we do for our students: showing up matters.

We’re proud to recognize the following employees for their outstanding attendance last month:
Maintenance Department: Jim Constantineau
IT Department: George Matchett
William D. Moseley Elementary: Lindsey Roberts
Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High: Elizabeth Wells
Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary: Patricia Arrington
Mellon Learning Center: Nicole Rogers
James A. Long Elementary: Sarah Constantineau

Transportation Department:
Central – Latoya Beauford, Daryl Clark, Sharon Hardy, Kim Mack, Cynthia Marshall, Bridgett Perry, Samone Thomas, Cerafina Williams, Ingrid Williams, Latisha Wright
South – Jessica Brown-Warren, Ayda Morales, Malcolm Wilkerson, Marykay Williams
West – John Cooper, Leah Crittenden, Melissa Dawalt, Connie French, Linda Hickman, Cynthia Melendez, Hollis Oliver, Linda Shiver

👏 Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and for being present every day for our students and schools. Your example helps us build a culture of showing up—for learning, for growth, and for success. 💙💚

#AttendanceMatters #ProudtobePCSD
3 days ago, Putnam County School District
Perfect Attendance 24-25 (3)
Perfect Attendance 24-25 (2)
Perfect Attendance 24-25 (1)
Perfect Attendance 24-25

✨ Career & College Night Success! ✨

Relive the energy from the night here: https://youtu.be/qsTnbPFFcwk

What a night! More than 750 students and families joined us for PCSD’s Career & College Night, hosted by our CTE department. The room was filled with opportunity and inspiration as colleges, career pathways, military branches, and community partners came together to support our students. 💙💚

Special thanks to the local organizations and higher ed partners who dedicated their time to connect with families. And thanks to PCSD’s transportation department, students from across the county were able to attend—no barriers, just opportunities!

Together, we’re not just preparing students for college and careers—we’re shaping their futures.

Read more about this event here: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/2457658

#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture

3 days ago, Putnam County School District
College & Career Fair 2025-26
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Superintendent Rick Surrency, Associate Superintendent Thomas Bolling, and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Odom joined other small, rural district leaders in Tallahassee to meet with Senator Corey Simon and discuss funding for special facilities. These conversations are about more than buildings—they’re about investing in opportunities, resources, and safe learning environments that will directly impact our students, families, and community for years to come. By working together at the state level, PCSD is committed to shaping a stronger future for Putnam County and ensuring every student has access to the tools they need to succeed. #ProudtobePCSD #ShapingtheFuture
3 days ago, Putnam County School District
Special Facilities Discussion
On National Coffee Day, our Assistant Superintendents, Laura France and Tonya Whitehurst, rolled out carts of coffee, cakes, and cookies to surprise district staff and school administrators. It was a great time to connect, share smiles, and serve the people who serve our students every day. A special thank you to Tracy Piscitello for baking the delicious coffee cakes and keeping everyone fueled with coffee! 💙💚 #ProudtobePCSD
4 days ago, Putnam County School District
Coffee Day
Coffee Day
Coffee Day
Coffee Day
Coffee Day
Coffee Day
PCSD schools will release 2 hours early tomorrow! View the early release schedule here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-times

#ProudtobePCSD
5 days ago, Putnam County School District
Reminder Early Release

Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program

Did you know that a simple, low to no-cost blood test can identify children at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes—even before symptoms appear?

Early detection can:
Reduce the risk of life-threatening complications
Help families plan ahead for treatment and care
Learn more and access resources from the Florida Department of Health: http://FloridaHealth.gov/Diabetes

#ProudtobePCSD

7 days ago, Putnam County School District
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PCSD's fourth graders had the opportunity to experience history outside the classroom during The Union Occupation of Palatka reenactment, organized each year by the Putnam County Historical Society.

Students learned how Union troops traveled up the St. Johns River to take control of the town, how Palatka changed hands during the Civil War, and how local citizens contributed by caring for the wounded and donating household items for supplies. They also discovered how landmarks like St. Mark’s Church were used as shelters and how quilts were stitched with hidden messages to help guide enslaved people to freedom.

This hands-on learning experience connects national history to our own community, showing students how events of the past shaped both our nation and Putnam County.

A special thank you to our student Interact volunteers who helped with crowd support and to the Historical Society for continuing to provide this unique educational opportunity.

#ProudtobePCSD
8 days ago, Putnam County School District
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Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 12

🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Resilient Roots: Strengthening Families Through Therapy

Watch now: https://youtu.be/mETk_TzIhlQ
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse

In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency speaks with Kim Simmons and Brandon Willingham about Resilient Roots: Family Therapy Initiative—a program designed to help families heal and grow stronger together.

About Resilient Roots:

  • Launched in response to a significant increase in referrals involving grief, divorce, and challenges of blended families.

  • Built on the belief that no family is “perfect” or “normal”—every family has unique strengths and struggles.

  • A five-week program that creates intentional opportunities for families to come together, be fully present, and strengthen their connections.

  • Engages both parents and caregivers, fostering healthier communication and providing a safe space for healing.

Be sure to tune in weekly as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.

#ProudtobePCSD

9 days ago, Putnam County School District
resilinat roots
Join Us for Our October Superintendent’s Community Engagement Session!

Thursday, October 2nd at 10:00 AM
C.L. Overturf, Jr. District Center (1100 South 18th St. Palatka, FL 32177)

Can’t make it in person? Join us via ZOOM!
Meeting ID: 705 941 2533
Passcode: 1234

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.

Stay involved! Plan to attend our future sessions!
November 13, 2025 - 6:00PM - Kelley Smith Elementary School
February 5, 2025 - 6:00PM - Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary School
March 31, 2025 - 6:00PM - Middleton-Burney Elementary School

For more information, contact Michelle Mikell at mmikell@my.putnamschools.org or (386)329-0543.

#ProudtobePCSD
10 days ago, Putnam County School District
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School Board Meeting – 09/23/2025 at 3:30PM

Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/8UGBnhH_6Mk

Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board

#ProudtobePCSD

11 days ago, Putnam County School District
School Board Meeting

The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Why CPR Matters: Saving Lives Through Preparedness

Watch now: https://youtu.be/oKk3Ou3dDOc
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Toni Strickland, Jake MacGibbon, and Caren Drew. Together, they discuss the life-saving importance of CPR and why everyone should be prepared to act in an emergency. Caren also shares her personal story on why knowing CPR is vital.

Why CPR matters:

  • Immediate response in emergencies saves critical seconds.

  • CPR doubles or triples survival chances.

  • Anyone can do it with basic training.

  • Emergencies can happen at home, school, work, or in public.

  • Skills empower bystanders to help loved ones and community members.

Free Hands-Only CPR Training
Friday, September 19, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Physique Lab Fitness, 105 N SR-19, Palatka, FL 32177
Cost: FREE with Gym Tour

Be sure to tune in weekly as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.

#ProudtobePCSD

15 days ago, Putnam County School District
CPR Caren Drew & Toni S
Happy IT Professionals Day! 💙💚 Behind every Chromebook login, every Wi-Fi connection, and every digital lesson in PCSD is our amazing IT team. From classroom tech support to network security, data systems, and instructional technology — their work powers teaching and learning every single day. We’re committed to giving students and teachers the tools they need to succeed. Our IT professionals make that possible, keeping Putnam classrooms connected, innovative, and ready for the future. Because of their dedication, PCSD truly is the best choice for Putnam.
17 days ago, Putnam County School District
IT

We’re excited to share a special opportunity for students and families to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)!

STEM on the Lawn
📍 Reitz Union North Lawn, University of Florida
📅 Saturday, September 27th | ⏰ 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
💲 FREE for all K-12 students and parents!

Students will enjoy hands-on experiences with exciting STEM activities while learning about science, technology, engineering, math, and more.

📲 Learn more here: https://fsi.institute.ufl.edu/stem-on-the-lawn-presented-by-uf-fsi/

We hope to see many of our families there!

18 days ago, Putnam County School District
STEMOnTheLawn-FSI