Join PCSD tonight for a LIVE parent event – Snapchat & Instagram Risks
Is your child begging for, or already using, Snapchat and Instagram? If so, join PCSD Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency along with SmartSocial TONIGHT at 7:00PM for a LIVE virtual event, designed to help parents learn why their kids want to Snapchat or Instagram and hidden risks you need to know about!:
These apps can be fun and creative, but big risks are hiding behind features like disappearing chats or “spam” and “finsta” accounts. What feels private to your teen can actually fuel comparison, anxiety, cyberbullying, and risky behavior.
Register here: https://www.smartsocial.com/event/snapchat-instagram-teen-risks?org=putnamcsd
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We are incredibly grateful to Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and the Putnam Education Foundation for awarding our district a $7,183.04 grant through the EmPOWERing STEM Educators program!
With this investment in PCSD, our educators will gain peer-to-peer professional development, enhanced instructional resources, and opportunities to launch new, engaging STEM experiences for students. Together, we’re lighting the way for future engineers, scientists, innovators — and showing our students just how bright their future can be! 🌟
#ProudtobePCSD
Congratulations to the Palatka Jr.-Sr. High Junior High Volleyball Team on their incredible championship win! After tough battles with Lake City and Williston, the Lady Panthers fought back to claim the SMAC title in a thrilling three-set victory. Coach Woods shared, “They showed so much heart and mental toughness—I am so proud!"
We’re so proud of these athletes for their determination, growth, and teamwork—especially our seniors, who led with heart and left an unforgettable legacy on the court. 💙💛
#ProudtobePCSD
We’re so proud of these athletes for their dedication and teamwork—what an incredible accomplishment! 💙💛
#ProudtobePCSD
The Putnam County School District utilizes GovDeals to auction items that are no longer in use by the district — including furniture, vehicles, equipment, and more. Auction listings vary throughout the year, and all online sales remain open for bidding for a minimum of 7 business days.
We encourage the public to regularly check our GovDeals page for current items available for auction: http://bit.ly/47pbSEL
New users will need to create a GovDeals account by following the instructions on the website. Once registered and logged in, users can easily find PCSD’s listings by searching for “Putnam County School District, FL” under the seller filter.
For additional information, please visit our Purchasing Department webpage: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/purchasing
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Give your child the strongest start with PCSD’s FREE VPK program! 💙 Our classrooms are full of learning, laughter, and creativity — where certified, highly trained teachers help children explore STEM, art, early reading, and social skills every day.
✨ Why families choose PCSD VPK:
💙 FREE half-day program for every 4-year-old (includes breakfast!)
💚 Affordable full-day option — financial assistance available (includes breakfast & lunch and transportation!)
💙 Certified teachers with specialized early learning training
💚 Hands-on learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and social skills
💙 Students leave kindergarten-ready and more likely to stay on grade level!
If you know a child who’s 4 years old share this amazing opportunity! Learn more or register today at www.putnamschools.org/page/pre-k
Because strong starts happen here!
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture
Join PCSD for a LIVE parent event – Snapchat & Instagram Risks
Is your child begging for, or already using, Snapchat and Instagram? If so, join PCSD Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency along with SmartSocial on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00PM for a LIVE virtual event, designed to help parents learn why their kids want to Snapchat or Instagram and hidden risks you need to know about!:
These apps can be fun and creative, but big risks are hiding behind features like disappearing chats or “spam” and “finsta” accounts. What feels private to your teen can actually fuel comparison, anxiety, cyberbullying, and risky behavior.
Register here: https://www.smartsocial.com/event/snapchat-instagram-teen-risks?org=putnamcsd
#ProudtobePCSD
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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We’ll be sharing important updates and opportunities, including:
Building construction progress
Education Foundation initiatives
Attendance program efforts
21st Century Program
Can’t attend in person? Join us on Zoom:
🔹 Meeting ID: 705 941 2533
🔹 Passcode: 1234
We look forward to connecting with our families, staff, and community partners!
#ProudtobePCSD
🎉 It’s Gifted Education Week in Florida! 🎉
This week, we join schools across the state in recognizing the importance of identifying and supporting gifted learners. At PCSD, we’re proud to provide opportunities for every child to shine, including universal screenings for all 1st grade students happening this time of year (November 3rd – 14th).
A big thank-you to our incredible Gifted Education team and teachers who nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning every day. You help our students reach new heights!
#ProudtobePCSD #GiftedEducationWeek
🌟 It’s National School Psychology Week! 🌟
This week (Nov. 3–7), PCSD joins the National Association of School Psychologists in celebrating the incredible professionals who support our students, families, and staff every day.
This year’s theme, “Find Your Path,” reminds us how school psychologists help students discover their strengths, build confidence, and grow—both in school and in life.
Let’s show our appreciation for the school psychologists who make a difference across PCSD! 💙💚
#ProudtobePCSD #FindYourPath
This week, the Putnam County BOCC proclaimed November 3–9 as World Interact Week in honor of the Interact Clubs at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High, Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High, Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High, and Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High.
Several County Commissioners reflected on the powerful influence of Rotary—both in their personal and professional growth—and how the organization continues to shape the future of our community. Our PCSD Interact students are recognized as emerging leaders who are already making a difference locally and beyond!
Want to learn more about Rotary’s impact in Putnam County?
Our Superintendent, Dr. Rick Surrency, recently sat down with Rotary members Gina Sims and Yvette Jones for a special podcast episode spotlighting the incredible community work of the Rotary Club of Palatka and its youth programs.
Watch now: https://youtu.be/0DiroeE6rHI
Listen here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingtheFuture #WorldInteractWeek
Students, staff, and community members came together for the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Celebration – “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future” – honoring the culture, traditions, and achievements of the Hispanic community.
From student performances and traditional fashion to lively Mexican dance and the Quinceañera Fashion Show, our celebration highlighted the pride, talent, and creativity of PCSD students. A huge thank you to all student participants, staff, and community supporters who made this event possible!
Read more about this incredible celebration and see more pictures from the event here: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/2491985
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Watch now: https://youtu.be/Mp0ZMnQh7Ow
Listen here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
Superintendent Rick Surrency recently sat down with cheerleaders from Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School and QI Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School to share their excitement about being selected as All-American Cheerleaders, a top honor recognizing dedication, teamwork, and character. They talk about their intense training, representing Putnam County, and the unique opportunity to experience Hawaii’s culture while honoring veterans.
Join us in celebrating their achievement and helping them reach their goal!
#ProudtobePCSD #ThePulse
Chef Walker and his students have been busy transforming fresh produce into nutritious meals and ingredients for future use. Recently, the class cooked down donated tomatoes into sauce, diced and froze celery, and prepared donated sweet potatoes to cook down and store for future meals — all examples of how they make the most of what they have and ensure nothing goes to waste. The team also plans to bake 3,000 cookies for the upcoming Interlachen Christmas Parade — a sweet contribution to a beloved community event.
Staff and students highlighted the importance of limiting food waste and making the most of available ingredients, turning classroom lessons into meaningful, real-world impact.
Representatives from Feed the Need visited the IJSHS campus to celebrate Chef Walker’s leadership and partnership. Renee Hough, PCSD's Career and Technical Education Director, presented Chef Walker with a certificate of appreciation, and Feed the Need treated the Culinary Arts students to a well-deserved pizza party.
Congratulations to Chef Walker and his Culinary Arts students for using their talents to make a difference and showing how education and community service can work hand-in-hand.
#ProudtobePCSD #FeedTheNeed
This week we celebrated our incredible PCSD Employees of the Year! Administrators, teachers, support staff, and department employees from across the district came together for a special breakfast honoring their dedication, compassion, and daily commitment to our students.
Each of these honorees represents the heart of our schools — inspiring learning, supporting others, and helping our students shape their futures every day. Please join us in congratulating our our Principal of the Year, Mechele Higginbotham, our Assistant Principal of the Year, Belinda Taylor, and all of our amazing School and Department Employees of the Year! 🎉
Teacher of the Year Nominees:
Lakeshia Rayburn
Lorena Dominey
Stephanie Rife
Jourdan Craig
Jessica Arnold
Gingi Elsagga
Taylor Helms
Cardinal Collins
Sharlecia Langford
Katrina Thompson
Kristopher Williams
Qatresha Champagne
Veda Crosland
Matthew Bergen
Support-Related Employee of the Year Nominees:
Mikisha Brown
Neftali Rivera
Charles McGuire
Joann Kirkpatrick
Lorie Eubanks
Catherine Fudo
Gabrieal Brewer
Melissa Whittington
Odell Ford
Dakota Brock
Casi Hinton
Reginald Allen
Kristen Davis
Beth Jeffers
Tiswanda Banks
Kimberly Edwards
Brittany Rosado Rivera
Steven Holmes
Brandi Prothero
Christopher Gaylord
Ana Lebron
Crystal Cady
💚 💙
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture
Give your child the strongest start with PCSD’s FREE VPK program! 💙 Our classrooms are full of learning, laughter, and creativity — where certified, highly trained teachers help children explore STEM, art, early reading, and social skills every day.
✨ Why families choose PCSD VPK:
💙 FREE half-day program for every 4-year-old (includes breakfast!)
💚 Affordable full-day option — financial assistance available (includes breakfast & lunch and transportation!)
💙 Certified teachers with specialized early learning training
💚 Hands-on learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and social skills
💙 Students leave kindergarten-ready and more likely to stay on grade level!
If you know a child who’s 4 years old share this amazing opportunity! Learn more or register today at www.putnamschools.org/page/pre-k
Because strong starts happen here!
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture
#ProudtobePCSD
