🎪 Step Right Up! PCSD VPK Enrollment Carnival; March 5 | 5:00–6:00 PM 🎪
The fun starts here — and so does your child’s future!
Bring your little learner and join us for a carnival-style evening where you can explore everything Putnam County School District VPK has to offer!
Come see what’s under the big top:
Meet our amazing teachers
Tour our classrooms
Ask questions about the program
Get hands-on help with registration and enrollment
Staff available to assist with the online portal. [Just bring these items with you: Child’s Birth Certificate, Proof of Residency (driver’s license, utility bill, lease, etc.]
Carnival Fun for the Whole Family:
Games
Popcorn
Cotton candy
Prizes
Come play, explore, and discover how PCSD VPK helps your child learn, grow, and get ready for kindergarten and beyond!
Learn more and start your enrollment:
https://www.putnamschools.org/page/vpk
#ProudtobePCSD
The fun starts here — and so does your child’s future!
Bring your little learner and join us for a carnival-style evening where you can explore everything Putnam County School District VPK has to offer!
Come see what’s under the big top:
Meet our amazing teachers
Tour our classrooms
Ask questions about the program
Get hands-on help with registration and enrollment
Staff available to assist with the online portal. [Just bring these items with you: Child’s Birth Certificate, Proof of Residency (driver’s license, utility bill, lease, etc.]
Carnival Fun for the Whole Family:
Games
Popcorn
Cotton candy
Prizes
Come play, explore, and discover how PCSD VPK helps your child learn, grow, and get ready for kindergarten and beyond!
Learn more and start your enrollment:
https://www.putnamschools.org/page/vpk
#ProudtobePCSD
At Kelley Smith Elementary School, Black History Month was celebrated with creativity, reflection, and inspiration!
Fifth-grade students created a powerful mural highlighting influential figures and defining moments in Black history, honoring the courage, achievements, and lasting impact of those who helped shape our world.
Students across all grade levels also reflected on their own dreams for the future. Through writing and artwork, they shared their goals and aspirations, then posed for photos in front of the mural, standing in the presence of history while looking ahead to the difference they hope to make.
It was a meaningful week that reminded us all: when students dream big, the future is full of possibility.
#ProudtobePCSD
Fifth-grade students created a powerful mural highlighting influential figures and defining moments in Black history, honoring the courage, achievements, and lasting impact of those who helped shape our world.
Students across all grade levels also reflected on their own dreams for the future. Through writing and artwork, they shared their goals and aspirations, then posed for photos in front of the mural, standing in the presence of history while looking ahead to the difference they hope to make.
It was a meaningful week that reminded us all: when students dream big, the future is full of possibility.
#ProudtobePCSD
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Black History Month 2026
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/GNrxHXywFRg
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Justin Campbell to reflect on five years of honoring Black History across Putnam County Schools. What began as a vision has grown into a meaningful districtwide effort that celebrates local history, cultural contributions, and the individuals who continue to shape our community.
This episode celebrates our shared history, the progress we’ve made, and the unity that strengthens Putnam County when we recognize and honor every story.
#ProudtobePCSD
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/GNrxHXywFRg
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Justin Campbell to reflect on five years of honoring Black History across Putnam County Schools. What began as a vision has grown into a meaningful districtwide effort that celebrates local history, cultural contributions, and the individuals who continue to shape our community.
This episode celebrates our shared history, the progress we’ve made, and the unity that strengthens Putnam County when we recognize and honor every story.
#ProudtobePCSD
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Strengthening School Communication with NEFEC
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/KDNWZfR3SJ8
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Northeast Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) to discuss how school districts are strengthening communication with families, staff, and the community. You’ll learn about the development of a regional communications network that supports district communicators by sharing resources, training, and best practices.
Topics include branding, two-way communication with stakeholders, ADA digital accessibility, and effective website and social media management. Most importantly, this episode highlights how strong communication helps share the positive stories happening every day in our schools.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the people, programs, and partnerships shaping education in Putnam County and across our region.
#ProudtobePCSD
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/KDNWZfR3SJ8
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Northeast Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) to discuss how school districts are strengthening communication with families, staff, and the community. You’ll learn about the development of a regional communications network that supports district communicators by sharing resources, training, and best practices.
Topics include branding, two-way communication with stakeholders, ADA digital accessibility, and effective website and social media management. Most importantly, this episode highlights how strong communication helps share the positive stories happening every day in our schools.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the people, programs, and partnerships shaping education in Putnam County and across our region.
#ProudtobePCSD
We are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Product of Putnam Awards, and we invite you to help us identify outstanding alumni.
We are looking for former PCSD students who:
Demonstrate leadership and success in their field
Give back to their community
Serve as positive role models for our students
If you know a former student, colleague, family member, or community leader who fits this description, please submit a nomination: https://putnamschools.org/forms/2026-product-of-putnam-nomination-form
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Every Product of Putnam once sat in a Putnam County classroom. Thank you for helping us celebrate the success stories that started here.
To learn more about the Product of Putnam Award and its history, visit:
https://www.putnamschools.org/page/product-of-putnam
#ProudtobePCSD
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💙💛 This week, we celebrated a milestone that was filled with excitement, laughter, and a whole lot of heart—the groundbreaking of Palatka Primary School! 💙💛
Our special guests of honor? Kindergarten students from our central area schools, the very children who will walk these halls when the school opens in August 2027.
With golden shovels in hand and smiles all around, these future students helped kick off a project that is truly being built for them.
Board members, city and county leaders, district staff, and our construction partners joined together to mark the moment. One of the most meaningful highlights was this: Two key members of the construction team are Putnam County graduates, including an engineer and the site operations manager. Students who were once shaped by our schools are now helping build the future of education for the next generation.
That’s the power of community. That’s the impact of PCSD. As we continue investing in safe, modern learning environments, we’re proud of the momentum happening across our district.
Because everything we do… is for our students.
We are #ProudtobePCSD and proud to be #ShapingtheFuture
Our special guests of honor? Kindergarten students from our central area schools, the very children who will walk these halls when the school opens in August 2027.
With golden shovels in hand and smiles all around, these future students helped kick off a project that is truly being built for them.
Board members, city and county leaders, district staff, and our construction partners joined together to mark the moment. One of the most meaningful highlights was this: Two key members of the construction team are Putnam County graduates, including an engineer and the site operations manager. Students who were once shaped by our schools are now helping build the future of education for the next generation.
That’s the power of community. That’s the impact of PCSD. As we continue investing in safe, modern learning environments, we’re proud of the momentum happening across our district.
Because everything we do… is for our students.
We are #ProudtobePCSD and proud to be #ShapingtheFuture
🤖 Innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving were on full display at Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Elementary as they hosted their first-ever VEX IQ Robotics competition, the RAMpage Robotics Rumble Rally, welcoming 19 teams from across North and Central Florida.
In their very first year of VEX Robotics, Jenkins’ RAMpage teams represented PCSD well:
• Team 32148A placed 16th
• Team 32148B advanced to the finals and earned an impressive 4th place finish
The event showcased the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking that STEM programs bring to our students. A special thank you to Coach Chris Gallagher, along with the many staff, student, and community volunteers who helped make this inaugural event a success.
The future of robotics—and our students—is bright at PCSD! 💚💙
#ProudtobePCSD
In their very first year of VEX Robotics, Jenkins’ RAMpage teams represented PCSD well:
• Team 32148A placed 16th
• Team 32148B advanced to the finals and earned an impressive 4th place finish
The event showcased the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking that STEM programs bring to our students. A special thank you to Coach Chris Gallagher, along with the many staff, student, and community volunteers who helped make this inaugural event a success.
The future of robotics—and our students—is bright at PCSD! 💚💙
#ProudtobePCSD
🇺🇸 In honor of President's Day, all Putnam County School District schools and offices will be closed Monday, February 16th. Have a safe weekend! 🇺🇸
#ProudtobePCSD
🚨 Survey Closing Soon!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
Presidential 1776 Award Registration Open for High School Students
High school students (grades 9–12) are invited to participate in the Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics and history competition celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Students will compete through an online exam, with top performers advancing to regional semifinals and a nationally broadcast final in Washington, D.C. Scholarship prizes include:
$150,000 (Grand Prize)
$75,000 (Second Place)
$25,000 (Third Place)
Important Dates
Registration: February 1–21, 2026
Online Test: February 22–28, 2026
Students can access a free digital study library to prepare.
Learn more and register: www.presidential1776award.org
High school students (grades 9–12) are invited to participate in the Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics and history competition celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Students will compete through an online exam, with top performers advancing to regional semifinals and a nationally broadcast final in Washington, D.C. Scholarship prizes include:
$150,000 (Grand Prize)
$75,000 (Second Place)
$25,000 (Third Place)
Important Dates
Registration: February 1–21, 2026
Online Test: February 22–28, 2026
Students can access a free digital study library to prepare.
Learn more and register: www.presidential1776award.org
Today, at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, a report was made to school administration regarding a firearm possibly being on campus. The information was immediately reported to the School Resource Officer, and the school was placed on lockdown as a precaution while law enforcement conducted an investigation.
During the investigation, one firearm was located. Four students were taken into custody and are facing charges. The students will also face consequences in accordance with district policy.
We want to commend the student who reported the concern and thank our school administrators and law enforcement partners for their swift action to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
PCSD has zero tolerance for weapons on campus. We encourage students and families to continue to follow the principle of “See Something, Say Something” by reporting concerns to a trusted adult or through the FortifyFL app.
Working together, we can keep our schools safe.
📊 PCSD Wants Your Feedback!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
🏈 Super Bowl Sunday… the PCSD way! 🏈
At James A. Long Elementary, Ms. Carpenter’s fifth graders brought championship energy to the classroom during their Science Super Bowl!
Students teamed up for fast-paced review rounds covering key science concepts from grades 3–5, including matter, energy, Earth and space science, life science, and scientific thinking. After each perfect round, teams had the chance to score a field goal or touchdown, adding a game-day twist to their academic challenge.
The excitement built as the top teams from each class advanced to the championship round on stage. After an intense final competition, the Titans claimed the Science Super Bowl title, followed closely by the Blue Nuggets.
Every student earned a Super Bowl “ring” (Ring Pop!) to celebrate their hard work and teamwork.
A student from the winning Titans team was asked what she planned to do next after winning the Super Bowl, she proudly replied, “Get a 5 on my Science FAST test!”Now that’s a championship mindset! 💪
#ProudtobePCSD
At James A. Long Elementary, Ms. Carpenter’s fifth graders brought championship energy to the classroom during their Science Super Bowl!
Students teamed up for fast-paced review rounds covering key science concepts from grades 3–5, including matter, energy, Earth and space science, life science, and scientific thinking. After each perfect round, teams had the chance to score a field goal or touchdown, adding a game-day twist to their academic challenge.
The excitement built as the top teams from each class advanced to the championship round on stage. After an intense final competition, the Titans claimed the Science Super Bowl title, followed closely by the Blue Nuggets.
Every student earned a Super Bowl “ring” (Ring Pop!) to celebrate their hard work and teamwork.
A student from the winning Titans team was asked what she planned to do next after winning the Super Bowl, she proudly replied, “Get a 5 on my Science FAST test!”Now that’s a championship mindset! 💪
#ProudtobePCSD
💙💚 Last week, Putnam County School District proudly celebrated National School Counseling Week! We recognize and appreciate the critical role our school counselors play in supporting the academic success, well-being, and future goals of our students every day.
Our PCSD school counselors:
• Help students discover their strengths, interests, and talents
• Partner with families to support academic, social, and emotional growth
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to create positive learning environments
• Promote resilience, mental health awareness, and whole-child support
• Guide students in setting healthy, realistic, and optimistic goals for the future
With their expertise, compassion, and dedication, our counselors make a lasting impact on our schools, families, and community. Thank you, PCSD school counselors, for the difference you make in the lives of our students each and every day. We appreciate you! 💙💚
#ProudtobePCSD
Our PCSD school counselors:
• Help students discover their strengths, interests, and talents
• Partner with families to support academic, social, and emotional growth
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to create positive learning environments
• Promote resilience, mental health awareness, and whole-child support
• Guide students in setting healthy, realistic, and optimistic goals for the future
With their expertise, compassion, and dedication, our counselors make a lasting impact on our schools, families, and community. Thank you, PCSD school counselors, for the difference you make in the lives of our students each and every day. We appreciate you! 💙💚
#ProudtobePCSD
📊 PCSD Wants Your Feedback!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
🎉 February is Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month! 🎉
We are proud to celebrate the incredible impact of our CTE programs—preparing students for high-skill, high-demand careers and real-world success. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting our outstanding programs, dedicated teachers, and valued business and industry partners who make these opportunities possible for our students.
Join us as we celebrate hands-on learning, career readiness, and the bright futures being built every day in PCSD!
Learn more about CTE at PCSD: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/career-technical-education
#CTEMonth #ProudtobePCSD 💙💚
Attention: Melrose Elementary School Families, 02/06/2026 8:00 AM
Due to a residential fire near Melrose Elementary School, there is smoke in the area. All students are safe. Students who were in classrooms closest to the smoke have been relocated away from that area as a precaution.
State Road 21 is currently closed. If you choose to pick up your child, you may do so; however, please note that State Road 21 is not an available route to the school at this time. Please use an alternate route.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
Due to poor visibility and road closures in the Interlachen area, the following updates are in effect today:
Road Closures
• CR 315 South from SR 20 to CR 310
• Keuka Road from SR 20 to SR 21
• Strickland Road
Robert H. Jenkins Elementary School
• Closed today
Ochwilla Elementary School
• Limited bus service
West-end Bus Transportation
• Buses will not travel on affected or closed roads listed above
• Please do not leave students at any bus stops unattended, as buses may not be able to access all areas
Interlachen Junior-Senior High School
• A decision will be made later this morning as we continue to monitor conditions
• Families will be updated as soon as a decision is made
Safety remains our top priority. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work closely with local authorities and continue to monitor road and visibility conditions. Please continue to watch for updates.
02/05/2026
At Palatka Jr.–Sr. High School school administrators were made aware of a video posted on social media in which a student made threats to harm other students. The matter was immediately reported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, who began an investigation.
That investigation concluded with the student being arrested. There was no immediate threat identified on campus. Appropriate disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with district policy. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
We want to thank our school administrators and law enforcement partners for their swift response. This situation reinforces the importance of “See Something, Say Something.” PCSD has zero tolerance for threats or violence on campus. We encourage families and students to report concerns to a trusted adult or through the FortifyFL app, a free and anonymous reporting tool for unsafe situations. More information is available at www.getfortifyfl.com
Working together, we can keep our schools safe.
At Palatka Jr.–Sr. High School school administrators were made aware of a video posted on social media in which a student made threats to harm other students. The matter was immediately reported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, who began an investigation.
That investigation concluded with the student being arrested. There was no immediate threat identified on campus. Appropriate disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with district policy. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
We want to thank our school administrators and law enforcement partners for their swift response. This situation reinforces the importance of “See Something, Say Something.” PCSD has zero tolerance for threats or violence on campus. We encourage families and students to report concerns to a trusted adult or through the FortifyFL app, a free and anonymous reporting tool for unsafe situations. More information is available at www.getfortifyfl.com
Working together, we can keep our schools safe.
February 4, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Important Updates Regarding Smoke Conditions, Transportation, and Attendance: The District continues to closely monitor smoke conditions and road accessibility related to the Pace Fire in West Putnam County. Decisions regarding school operations are being made on a day-by-day basis as conditions can change rapidly.
*As of this message, school is scheduled to operate as normal on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
However, if conditions deteriorate, bus routes on the west end of the county may remain impacted for several days due to smoke and road closures. In some cases, this may result in limited bus service or student drop-off at certain schools, meaning regular bus routes may not run. These conditions could also lead to adjustments in school start and end times or, if necessary, additional school closures.
Please be assured that students who are absent due to smoke or road conditions, or other related circumstances, including road closures, will have their absences excused.
The District will continue to communicate updates as quickly as possible through official channels, including social media, text messages, and phone calls. Families are encouraged to monitor these communications closely, particularly in the early morning hours when smoke conditions can be more severe.
We appreciate the patience, flexibility, and cooperation of our families, as these conditions are evolving minute by minute. Our priority remains the safety of students and staff, and we thank you for partnering with us as we navigate these circumstances together.
