Putnam County School District - Shaping the Future

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

This week one of our finest and longest standing teachers will take a bow! Ms. Patricia Sauls has been teaching our Health Science program at Crescent City Jr. Sr. High School for over 20 years after a long career in healthcare. She will celebrate her retirement with her last graduating class this Thursday. Recently she compiled a fun "by the numbers" for us that truly shows her impact on the students at CCJSHS and beyond. Students in her courses over the years earned 100 CNAs 2+ EMTs 9 EKG Techs 11 Phlebotomy Techs 67+ CMAAs Beyond graduation from CCJSHS, they earned: 10 LPNs 18+ RNs 3 NPs 1 NP Anesthesiologist 20+ Dental Assistants 2 Dental Hygienists 1 Pediatrician 1 ER Physician 2 Pharmacists 1 Pharmacy Tech 2 Sports Medicine 1 PT/Rehab 1 Biomedical Engineer 4 Teachers 1 Veterinarian 3 students currently in dental training 4 Teachers It is amazing to think about the impact she had on all of these students and how many lives they have gone on to impact. We will certainly miss her and her expertise!! Congratulations on your retirement Ms. Sauls! #HealthScienceEducation #crescentcityjrsrhighschool #makinganimpact #careerandtechnicaleducation #GetThereFL #futureofworkfl #ProudtobePCSD

✨ Our littlest learners are growing up! Today, we celebrate our Pre-K graduates as they take a big step forward — moving up to Kindergarten! Class of 2038, the future is bright, and it all starts here. The PCSD Pre-K Program lays the foundation for lifelong learning, helping our students dream big, grow strong, and get ready to shape the future. 💙💛 Want your child to start strong, too? 👉 Learn more about PCSD Pre-K and register your early learner today: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/pre-k Join us in celebrating these amazing kids and all they've accomplished this year! 🎉 #ProudtobePCSD

🎓 Congratulations to Mellon Learning Center's Class of 2025! Your journey, strength, and spirit remind us that every student’s success matters. PCSD celebrates your determination and the love that has surrounded you on your path. Keep showing the world what’s possible with courage, compassion, and community. 🎓 View 2025 Graduation Celebration coverage here: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

In honor of Memorial Day, all Putnam County School District schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, as we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are forever grateful. 🇺🇸 #ProudtobePCSD

🌞 PCSD Summer Opportunities 🌞 PCSD has a great lineup of summer programs and activities — including STEM camps NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS!🚨 From fun camps to community events, there’s something for every student. Explore all the options here: 👉 www.putnamschools.org/page/summer-opportunities Know of a local summer program or event PCSD families should hear about? Please share it with us! Email details and flyers to: 📧 info@my.putnamschools.org (subject: “Summer Opportunity”) Let’s help our students have a summer full of learning and fun! ☀️ #ProudtobePCSD

City Commissioner Rufus Borom presented a generous $500 donation from the Florida League of Cities to Project Praise, Putnam County School District’s program that serves over 500 students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. Accepting the donation on behalf of PCSD were Nathan Eddins, Homeless Education Coordinator, and Ashley McCool, Executive Director of Federal Programs. Also pictured and showing their support were Palatka Mayor and Commissioner Robbi Correa, Commissioner Anne Henderson Davis, and Commissioner Will Jones. Though not pictured, Commissioner Justin Campbell is a steadfast supporter of all students across the district and remains a strong advocate for programs like Project Praise. We are deeply grateful to Commissioner Borom and the Florida League of Cities for this meaningful contribution—and to all our city leaders for standing with our students and families. #ProudtobePCSD

🌴 New Teacher Institute (NTI) - End of Year Luau 🌴 The PCSD Mentor Team recently hosted our first annual New Teacher End of the Year Luau — a culminating celebration of a year spent mentoring, encouraging, and recognizing the dedication of our amazing first-year teachers. We shared a joyful afternoon filled with great food, fellowship, music, dancing, and games — including limbo (built by one of our talented new CTE teachers!), a cornhole tournament, and a hula hoop contest. We were honored to have members of our district executive team join in the fun, showing their support and sharing in the camaraderie with our new educators. To close out the event, our mentor team gave a heartfelt (and fun!) farewell by serenading our new teachers with Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” the unofficial theme song of this year’s NTI gatherings. A very special "THANK YOU!" to our generous sponsors who helped make this celebration possible: New York Life Burney Cattle Company Aqua & Outdoors of North East Florida, Inc. McClellan Construction Parrish and Son Electric Wishams Electric Douglas Law Firm Doane Transport, LLC 📸 Check out more photos from the luau: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0aT2eAVVy4AEpk1GaQjQ-j2nNO4oVwN?usp=drive_link #ProudtobePCSD

Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Colonel Daniel Lewandowski (AKA Colonel Ski), aerospace instructor at Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School and adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with two current aerospace students, to discuss the exciting growth of the PCSD Aerospace Program on this week’s episode of The Pulse. Together, they share how the program began at Q.I. Roberts in 2018 and has grown to be offered in all PCSD Jr.-Sr. High Schools. They dive into the expanded college-level courses, specialized teacher training, and unique flight lessons—offering 15–20 hours of flight time to 22 students this year alone. The students share firsthand their experiences and the impact the program has on their futures. This innovative initiative is part of the statewide Space Florida Academy Program, designed to equip students with high-demand skills in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and more. Be sure to tune in weekly as we engage employees, students, and community members in topics surrounding education in Putnam County. 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 📺 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEDp6I8lULg&list=PL-iIUMW7EW25zKU3kJS9ltKBpUHPAVpsv&index=1 #ProudtobePCSD

🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 Product of Putnam Honorees! 🎉 This morning, we proudly celebrated some of our most distinguished alumni at the Product of Putnam Awards Breakfast, sponsored by Georgia-Pacific. 🏆 Agriculture: Heather Deloach Pogue 🏆 Business: Jini McCool Robbins 🏆 Community Service: Yvette Jones 🏆 Education: Ron Whitehurst 🏆 Healthcare: Kayla McClain 🏆 Industrial Manufacturing: Jeffrey Cahan 🏆 Public Service: Charles Overturf III These incredible individuals exemplify the spirit and success of the Putnam County School District. 💙💚 Full article, video, and photos from the event can be found here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/product-of-putnam #ProudtobePCSD

We are SO proud of Mellon Learning Center's Principal, Tracy Taylor! She was honored today at the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Awards ceremony for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and positive impact on students and staff. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition! Read more about her achievement here: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/article/2048434 #ProudtobePCSD

Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Logen Cheatham: A Rising Star on this week’s episode of The Pulse. Logen is a true triple threat—gifted in dance, singing, and acting—whose journey inspires us all. A 2018 graduate of Palatka High School, Logen earned a full-ride scholarship to the Florida School of the Arts, where her passion for theater blossomed. She was later accepted into Syracuse University’s elite theater program, one of only 24 chosen from over 2,000 applicants. When COVID disrupted her plans, Logen made the brave decision to forgo Syracuse rather than take on debt for online classes. Instead, she pivoted to education, working as a paraprofessional at Browning Pearce Elementary while continuing to chase her artistic dreams. Her dedication paid off when a simple audition tape for a Hallmark Christmas movie led to a callback, a trip to Los Angeles, and a role in a film set for release in 2025. Alongside teaching, Logen has been an instructor at DanceWorkz Studio for five years and currently performs with the Alhambra Theater. Logen’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and pivoting—a shining example of following your dreams no matter the obstacles. Be sure to tune in weekly as we engage employees, students, and community members in stories and topics surrounding education in Putnam County. 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 📺 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3g9dTzQBsM #ProudtobePCSD

Last night, Georgia-Pacific sponsored the Johnny Theobold All-County Softball and Baseball Banquet, where 32 students were honored as the top players from across Putnam County. These athletes were recognized for their exceptional performance during this season. The selection of these teams was made by the high school coaches, based on factors such as player statistics, performance in key games, and overall contributions to their teams. The girls’ softball honorees included: Zophia Clark, Brooklyn Davis, Haleigh Faulkner, Hannah Faulkner, Caylee Goff, Charla Griffin, Skylar Hall, Emma Hansford, Allie Peacock, Lexi Peacock, Ashlynn Poole, Baileigh Riddley, Whitney Seebacher, Lilyann Smith, Cali Taylor, and McKenzie Zurn. The boys’ baseball honorees included: Tanner Akers, Layne Bagnall, Giancarlo Baylon, Rodney Blackwelder, Preston Fields, Miles Hoffman, Brayden Johns, Mason Malloy, Holden Moore, Luke Oberman, Andrew Roosa Jr., Ryan Surrency, Paxton Sweat, Cason Thomas, Cason Turner, and Devon Williams. A special congratulations to Haleigh Faulkner of Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School and Devon Williams of Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School, who were named this year's Most Valuable Players. We extend our gratitude to all the coaches throughout the county for their dedication and commitment this season. Thank you, Georgia-Pacific, for sponsoring this event and celebrating the athletic achievements of our students. #ProudtobePCSD

School Board Meeting 05/13/2025 at 3:30PM. Join us in person or tune in LIVE via Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/KtVLT_2HJqg #ProudtobePCSD

🚨 FREE STEM SUMMER CAMPS! 🚨 Putnam County students—don’t miss out on exciting opportunities to learn, explore, and build this summer! ✅ No cost to attend ✅ Breakfast & lunch provided ✅ Open to PCSD and PVS students *Rising 6th–8th Graders* Goldberg Gator Engineering Explorers (GGEE) 📅 June 16–18 🕗 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 📍 Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School 🔗 Register Here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6mK9O7wWr0RY9Wm *Rising 5th Graders* 5th Grade STEM Camp 📅 June 23–26 🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Moseley Elementary School 🔗 Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2Q8xTVUzMYeJW0OHMfcU36tWQ8dKdIGBkfjT5AMhElh140Q/viewform *Rising 7th–12th Graders* Putnam Society of Future Engineers & Scientists 📅 June 25, 26, 30 & July 1, 2, 3 🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School 🔗 Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZG1Bmx58D5ymkvHgg5Rv-37Fq22DzXW9d_0GNbH3ivD_z8Q/viewform *Rising 9th–12th Graders* Rural Scholars SMART Farm 📅 June 30 – July 3 🕗 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 📍 Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School 🔗 Register Here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6mK9O7wWr0RY9Wm Please contact Lorena Dominey (Ldominey@my.putnamschools.org) with any questions.

Introducing Resilient Roots – A Family Therapy Group Hosted by the Mental Wellness Department Starting May 27th | 6:00–8:00 PM This group is designed to strengthen family bonds, improve communication, and build emotional resilience—together. If your child is a student in the Putnam County School District from the age of 12-17 and your family could benefit from group therapy, we invite you to join us. This program is offered at NO COST to you and is a 5 week commitment. The group will meet every Tuesday evening and food will be provided! Spaces are limited—call 386-312-2286 to sign up today!

Girls Scouts would like to invite you to a fun and inspiring afternoon filled with hands-on activities, creativity, and new friendships! Open to all girls in grades K–12 and their caregivers, this special event will include: -Make your own airplane -Explore exciting STEM activities -Design friendship bracelets -Create your own "sit-upon" craft Saturday, June 7, 2025 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET Jenkins Community Center – Multi-Purpose Room 1900 Napoleon Street, Palatka Come see what Girl Scouts is all about—adventure and connection await!

The Pulse: PCSD Podcast Superintendent Rick Surrency sits down and discusses Work Based Learning, which allows students to gain hands on experience in a career field of their interest, on this week's episode of The Pulse. Be sure to tune in weekly as we engage employees, students, and community members in topics surrounding education in Putnam County. Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse Watch here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qUNBL-W7PPo #ProudtobePCSD

We are thrilled to share that Renee Hough, Director of Career and Technical Education for Putnam County School District, has been honored as a 2025 Workforce Education Innovator at the FCAN Talent Strong Florida Summit in Orlando! This prestigious award celebrates Renee’s tireless commitment to creating opportunities that prepare our students for real-world success. Under her leadership, PCSD continues to align career and technical programs with the evolving needs of our local workforce—empowering students and strengthening our community in the process. Congratulations, Renee! We are #ProudtobePCSD and proud of YOU!