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. 👏
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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
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.
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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
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
✨ 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
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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
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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.
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🎙 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.
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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.
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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
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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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