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
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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.
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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!
PCSD has partnered with Health Hero to offer flu vaccines at your child's school. Register your child today! Complete the Flu Vaccine Consent Form and send it back to your school by September 19, 2025. The clinic will be held on September 24, 2025.
Today, we remember the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call on September 11, 2001. We honor their courage, their sacrifice, and their legacy.
We will never forget.
School Board Meeting (Final Budget) – 09/11/2025 at 5:05PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/lQ4IygrBh2E
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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Watch now: https://youtu.be/o7Y8mRHLc3U
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with our 2025 PCSD football coaches:
🏈 Lantz Lowery – Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School
🏈 Erik Gibson – Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School
🏈 Tim Ross – Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School
The coaches share their expectations for the upcoming football season and talk about the many facets of supporting student-athletes—from nutrition and hydration to mental preparedness. They also emphasize what matters most: academics first.
Join us in supporting our student-athletes this season and experience the excitement on the field!
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School Board Meeting – 09/09/2025 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/KTJLHF5CxEQ
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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We're excited to share an opportunity from the Education Foundation of Putnam County, Inc. to celebrate outstanding students in our community! The Foundation is now accepting nominations for the "Successful Citizen Award." This award recognizes students in grades 6–12 who demonstrate:
No disciplinary referrals
Respect, compassion, empathy, and community engagement
A meaningful “passion project” that positively impacts others
Award: $250 per recipient
Deadline: October 10, 2025
Submit a nomination here: https://form.jotform.com/243393156596063
Nominations may also be mailed to PO Box 402, Palatka, FL 32178 or emailed to Info@TEFPC.com
This is a wonderful chance to highlight a student making a difference. Please take a moment to nominate someone deserving!
Watch now: https://youtu.be/Uv_DWUcV0VI
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency speaks with Kendal Asbury, a Q.I. Roberts graduate now attending the University of Central Florida and pursuing a future in journalism. Kendal reflects on her journey through Putnam County Schools, shares the experiences that shaped her, and opens up about the choices she faces as she explores which path to follow in her career and life.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.
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Take a moment to screenshot or save our academic calendar to your phone. It’s packed with all the important dates you’ll need, helping you plan ahead for appointments, family time, and all of life’s busy moments.
Together, we can make this a wonderful year for our students and families! 🌟
📌 View & download the calendar: https://www.putnamschools.org/documents/students-%26-families/academic-calendar/469403
📌 Learn more about attendance: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/attendance
We will see everyone back on Tuesday, September 2nd!
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🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Recognizing the Signs of Bullying
Watch now: https://youtu.be/sBGIRKMvAek
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
This week, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency is joined by Hannah Silcox and Cindy David, District Mental Wellness Counselors, to take a closer look at the warning signs of bullying and its impact on students. Bullying often goes unnoticed, but it leaves both visible and invisible marks. Together, they explore the emotional, behavioral, and physical indicators—such as changes in mood, withdrawal from friends, unexplained injuries, or declining school performance and attendance. Recognizing these symptoms early allows parents, teachers, and peers to step in and provide critical support.
Call or Text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Mental Wellness Department: (386) 312-2286
FortifyFL App – Report safety concerns
Be sure to tune in weekly as we spotlight the people and programs shaping education and well-being in Putnam County.
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Ms. Burres, Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School’s new Health Science instructor, is already putting students’ skills to the test. Students recently took on the Surgical Supply Stack Challenge—a team-based activity where they had to carefully grip, move, and stack “sterile surgical cups” without ever touching them with their hands.The challenge highlights the same skills used in a real surgical setting: communication, precision, safety, and teamwork—all essential for success in the medical field. Hands-on learning like this is what makes our CTE programs so impactful.
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Haven Hospice invites families to join Camp Safe Haven, a free bereavement camp designed to support children, youth, and their families as they navigate the loss of a loved one. Camp Safe Haven is open to children and teens ages 5–18 who have experienced loss. Through encouragement, empowerment, and enlightenment, participants will gain tools to acknowledge and manage their grief, while discovering that healing and connection are possible.
Register today: Call the Healing Hearts Grief Line at 1.844.LIGHTEN (544.4836) or visit HavenHospice.com/Camp
This camp is offered at no cost thanks to the Haven Foundation.
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Fentanyl Awareness & Community Safety
Watch now: https://youtu.be/U4yxd1Nj-v0
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency is joined by:
Mike McCormick – Media Relations & Education Director, Florida Poison Control
T.J. Ward – Executive Director, Project Opioid North Florida
Nancy Castillo – Program & Outreach Director, Community Coalition Alliance (Putnam Health & Wellness Coalition)
Together, they discuss the growing dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit medications. Many fake pills—made to look like common prescriptions—are laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Just a tiny amount can be deadly.
The conversation highlights:
⚠️ How counterfeit pills are disguised as legitimate medications
⚠️ Why “one pill can kill”
⚠️ What steps students, families, and communities can take to stay informed and safe
Take the Lead. Speak Up. Stay Safe. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, awareness saves lives. Talk about it. Share the facts. Protect your future.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we spotlight the people and programs shaping education and community well-being in Putnam County.
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School Board Meeting – 08/19/2025 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/TZy-nNq0hb8
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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PCSD College & Career Night is Coming!
Plan your future with us on Thursday, September 18 at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School Commons Area!
When: 6:00–7:30 PM
Who: All PCSD 7th–12th graders & families
What: Over 50 colleges, universities, recruiters & industries
Whether you want to Enroll, Enlist, or become Employed — this is the place to start!
📖 Read more about the event here: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/2353844
Sponsored by: PCSD’s Department of Career and Technical Education
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🎉 This week, we officially opened the PCSD Employee Health Center — a new benefit providing free, convenient healthcare to employees and their covered dependents, thanks to our partnership with Marathon Health.
The ribbon cutting brought together school district staff, leadership, the insurance committee, school board members, and Marathon Health representatives. Superintendent Rick Surrency welcomed guests, and Andy Burnett and Mark Motl cut the ribbon to officially open the doors!
💙💚 The new center is a big win for our team’s health and well-being.
📍 700 Zeagler Drive, Suite 4, Palatka, FL 32177
More info: putnamschools.org/page/insurance
Podacast featuring PCSD's Wellness Clinic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-KcvZJp_RA
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