Putnam City Board of Education Meeting Minutes
April 2009
REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, April 6, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, April 3, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Gail LoPresto, president; Julie Jenison, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Mark Bledsoe, and Tammy West, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – KENNETH ATTEBERY.
Kenneth Attebery, Putnam City West Assistant Principal, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION/ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENTS INCLUDING PUTNAM CITY ACADEMY AND STRIVE – CATHERINE CARNLINE, ELISE KAUFFMAN, AND JANET ODEN.
Catherine Carline, principal of Putnam City STRIVE, told board members about the services the program provides. STRIVE’s services include:
• Homebound services to students who are physically or emotionally ill
• Credit recovery programs for special education students 17 and older to complete credits for
graduation
• An elementary program for qualifying students in grades 1 through 5 whose needs can’t be
met in a regular school setting
• A middle school program for middle school students who qualify
• Evening classes for students in grades 6 through 12 who need smaller class sizes and a very
structured environment in order to succeed
• Off-campus instruction for students who have been adjudicated for a violent offense, or for
qualifying students who were removed from their home school due to behavior or failure to
thrive
• Behavior interventionists who help elementary classroom teachers throughout the district
with making behavioral and social plans for struggling students.
Qualifying students may also take advantage of counseling, speech services, occupational therapy, physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation services. Forty-two students graduated from high school last year by taking advantage of STRIVE’S homebound, off-campus, credit recovery and evening services.
Janet Oden principal of Putnam City Academy, said the focus of the Academy is dropout prevention and dropout recovery. Students are referred to the school for reasons such as academics, attendance, behavior and problems adjusting to school.
The Academy offers advantages such as low student-teacher ratios, strong counseling and social services programs, individualized instruction, arts integration and a graduation plan for every student. When students come to the Academy, absences drop, behavior improves, grades improve and attitudes get better. About 85 percent of Academy students graduate each year.
Elise Kauffman, Program Coordinator, told the board about the district’s middle school alternative program. The self-contained alternative education program provides core classes for students in middle school. Students may be referred to the program by a classroom teacher, counselor or principal. In the alternative program, students receive individualized curriculum to make sure they are engaged and challenged. Studies include arts education. In addition, students receive both individual and group counseling services, life skills training such as money management and career education, and a graduation plan for high school and beyond.
ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
Kimberly Rashid spoke on the topic of food allergies. She asked to remove peanut and nut products from Putnam City Schools because of the concerns they pose for students with allergies.
Craig Keith, Donna Powell, Susan Miller, and Diane McConnell spoke in support of the Putnam City High School principal stressing that he is a good leader who cares about students.
ITEM #4 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT
CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, abstain; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
a. Minutes for regular board meeting March 9, 2009.
b. Minutes for special board meeting March 26, 2009.
c. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 907098110
through 914542126 inclusive for time period from March 23-31, 2009 with
the exception of purchase order numbers 913673710, 914218710 and 91436570
for Triangle A & E for the 2008-09 school year.
d. Additional purchase order numbers:
913382092 to Midstate Security, ($4,500.00 from 37-191)
913011092 to Architecture, Inc. ($9,599.00 from 24-182)
912482092 to M. A. Wells ($150,400.00 from 24-182)
e. School Activity Fund Summary.
f. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Kirkland Elementary, Cooper Middle School,
and Putnam City West High School.
g. Declaration of obsolete/surplus items.
h. Appeals for Deviation from Activity Absence rules.
i. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY FUND-RAISERS
Board of Education Meeting
April 6, 2009
APOLLO
Activity / Subaccount Spring pictures / Pictures $ 800.00
Date: April (teaching materials and field trip)
ARBOR GROVE
Activity / Subaccount Spring book fair / Media Center $ 400.00
Date: April (books for classrooms)
CORONADO
Activity / Subaccount Sell bracelets for Special Olympics / Special Ed. $ 150.00
Date: April (Special Olympics)
DENNIS
Activity / Subaccount Sell yearbooks / Yearbook $1,000.00
Date: April - May (curriculum, student awards/incentives, school improve-
ment, teacher/office supplies, furniture & equipment)
LAKE PARK
Activity / Subaccount Jump Rope for Heart / General $ 600.00
Date: April - May (American Heart Association)
WESTERN OAKS
Activity / Subaccount Sell sno-cones school-wide / STUCO/Cancer $ 150.00
Date: April (cancer fund)
CAPPS MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Sell candy and lollipops / Tech Ed $ 500.00
Date: April (State TSA Convention fees, transportation, and
national convention fees)
j. Overnight Travel Requests.
k. Out of state trips:
1. Putnam City High School DECA/BPA students to Dallas, Texas May 8, 2009.
2. Putnam Cit North Key Club students to Dallas, Texas April 16-19, 2009.
l. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.
Gail LoPresto asked to remove Barbara Jordan from the hire list. Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A and remove Barbara Jordan from the list. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #6 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE RE-EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve re-employment of certified employees for the 2009-2010 school year. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS 913673710, 914218710, AND 914365710 FOR TRIANGLE A & E.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve purchase order numbers 913673710, 914218710, and 914365710 for Triangle A & E. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, abstain.
ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION TO DATES FOR SUMMER 2009 DRIVERS’ EDUCATION TO JUNE 1-29 FOR SESSION I AND JULY 1-29 FOR SESSION 2.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve revision to dates for Summer 2009 Drivers’ Education to June 1-29 for Session 1 and July 1-29 for Session 2. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR MAPS’ FUNDS TO PURCHASE 78 EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS. ($123,810)
Tammy West made a motion to approve the request for MAPS’ funds to purchase 78 External Defibrillators. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND REQUEST FOR MAPS’ FUNDS FOR THE ATHLETIC FACILITY AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL. ($689,000 FROM 24-280)
Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the second request for MAPS’ funds for the athletic facility at Putnam City North High School. ($689,000 from 24-280) Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH THE FLIPPEN GROUP FOR CAPTURING KIDS’ HEARTS TRAINING JUNE 23-25, 2009 AT FRANCIS TUTTLE RENO CAMPUS. ($24,800 FROM 311)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve the contract with The Flippen Group for Capturing Kids’ Hearts training June 23-25, 2009 at Francis Tuttle Reno Campus. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
Due to scheduling conflicts, this conference will be held at the Francis Tuttle Rockwell Campus instead of the Reno Campus.
ITEM #12 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• Katherine Bishop from Lake Park Elementary was recently recognized as Oklahoma’s NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence recipient. She will represent Oklahoma at the national level. Congratulations to this fine educator.
• Putnam City West High School has been awarded a Gear Up Grant of $25,000. Half of this amount will be dedicated to training and professional development activities including Capturing Kids Hearts and Ruby Payne’s framework for understanding and working with children of poverty. The balance of the grant will be utilized to implement a CollegeEd curriculum to all sophomores and related materials that promote college readiness. This is an excellent opportunity for the students at PCW and congratulations go to Mr. Meeks, Ms. Pealor, and Ms. Killam for their work on this grant.
• Congratulations to Putnam City Academy teachers Jim Coffman and Rick Harvey who were recently awarded a 2009 Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Fund grant in the amount of $8049. The funds will allow these teachers to pursue their team fellowship project to travel to Europe to investigate the European areas of conflict during WWI and WWII.
• The Fund for Teachers program is committed to celebrating and supporting teachers who demonstrate great passion toward providing students exceptional learning opportunities.
• Sixty five district students have been named Oklahoma Academic Scholars by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The requirements are:
1. A minimum grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale or rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class;
2. The expectation of completing graduation requirements for a high school diploma in the spring of 2009; and
3. Achieve a minimum composite score of 27 on the ACT or a combined verbal and mathematics score of 1220 on the SAT.
The district ranks third in the number of all-time Oklahoma Academic Scholars.
• We have had a personal note from Sam Vladovich, Executive Director of Spiritful Voices Community Choir, Inc., thanking the district and specifically Putnam City High School for hosting the recent performance by the U.S. Navy Sea Chanter Chorus. In his note he mentions many accolades from the public regarding the performance including high praise and appreciation for the quality of the high school’s exceptional auditorium.
• We recently received correspondence from the State Department of Education commending our English Language Learners and all of the staff that works with this population for the success achieved on the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAO). The three factors on which we are gauged are yearly progress in learning the English language, attainment of English language proficiency via assessment, and Adequate Yearly Progress in English language arts and mathematics. Congratulations to all involved!
• Putnam City West High School Business Professionals of America Chapter attended the state leadership conference in March. Sylvia Tran and Molly Holiday took first place in the web application team event. Kasey Wilcox placed in the top ten in fundamental word processing skills, and Sylvia Tran placed in the top 20 in integrated office applications.
• PEAK students from Overholser Elementary and Western Oaks Elementary School took part in the recent Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl for 5th and 6th grade students in Oklahoma. Overholser placed 5th in the state and Western Oaks took 7th place in this event. This scholastic competition is one in which students, as a team, answer 100 multiple choice questions in the areas of mathematics, geography, government, spelling, science, literature, and history.
• Congratulations to Putnam City North drama and debate students whose performance at regional competition qualified them for state competition this month at the University of Oklahoma. Kelsey Fisher and Katie Eissenstat took first place in Humorous Duet, Kelsey Fisher placed second in Poetry, Katie Eissenstat finished second in Monologue, Grant Wood earned first alternate in Monologue, and Jacci Owens placed third in Foreign Extemporaneous. Congratulations to these fine students.
• Also, congratulations to all involved in Putnam City North’s recent production of “Bye Bye Birdie”. It was most entertaining.
• Ralph Downs elementary is pleased to announce the recognition of three students who excelled in the Reflections contest at the state level. The students are Amanda Eaton, Award of Excellence for Music, Jex Gaffney, Award of Merit for photography, and Hannah Harberson, Award of Merit in Visual Arts. These students will be formally recognized at a banquet to be conducted at Westmoore High School on April 25th.
• Congratulations to the 7th grade PEAK Quiz Bowl team consisting of Evan O’Brien, Kieona Cook, Daniel Almueti, Ryan McCoy, Mason McLemore, and Drew Cranford for their excellent performance and fourth place finish at the State Quiz Bowl Tournament this past weekend. There were approximately 40 teams competing at this grade level. Great job!
Superintendent Paul Hurst reported to board members information he has learned regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the federal government’s economic stimulus plan. He said three main funds – Title I Part A funds, IDEA Part B funds and the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund make up the stimulus package. The funds are available until September 30, 2011.
The U.S. Department of Education released 50 percent of Title I Part A funds and 50 percent of IDEA Part B funds at the end of March 2009. The remaining 50 percent of funds will be available after July 1, 2009.
For Putnam City, estimates of the amount of Title I part A funds the district will receive before July 1 is $1.7 million, and after July 1 another $1.7 million. For IDEA Part B funds, it’s estimated the district will receive about $2.5 million before July 1 and another $3 million after July 1.
The stimulus package also creates the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. An estimated $578 million will be sent to Oklahoma for this fund and 82 percent ($73 million) must be spent on education. The funds may be expended at the K-12 level, higher education, the career tech area or some mix of the three.
ITEM #13 – BOARD COMMENTS.
Julie Jenison thanked Mr. Hurst for his Superintendent’s Report and Stimulus Plan information. She said she enjoyed Bye Bye Birdie and said it was well attended. Mrs. Jenison said she enjoyed the Wiley Post Elementary send-off for Bill Pierce, the school’s assistant principal, calling it a wonderful and emotional event. She thanked Kenneth Attebery for his inspirational message. Mrs. Jenison also thanked Janet Oden, Catherine Carnline, and Elise Kauffman for their presentation on Alternative Education.
Becky Haliburton congratulated Putnam City High School boys for winning the State Basketball Championship. She said she appreciates the good sportsmanship displayed by the students in attendance at the game. Mrs. Haliburton congratulated Putnam City North for the great presentation of Bye Bye Birdie. She thanked Janet Oden, Catherine Carnline, and Elise Kauffman for their informative presentation. Mrs. Haliburton also thanked Dr. Joe Pierce for answering questions about mastery report cards at a recent PTA meeting.
Mark Bledsoe thanked Kenneth Attebery for his inspirational message. He thanked Janet Oden, Catherine Carnline, and Elise Kauffman for the Alternative Education presentation. Mr. Bledsoe congratulated Katherine Bishop on her recent NEA teaching excellence award. He also congratulated Xavier Henry for making the Parade All-American Basketball Team.
Tammy West echoed congratulations already mentioned. She thanked Janet Oden, Catherine Carnline, and Elise Kauffman for their presentation. Mrs. West said Janet Oden was her hero. She said she enjoyed being at the well-attended Windsor Hills arts and literacy night. Mrs. West said she also enjoyed attending the Kids’ Culinary Contest at Wiley Post Elementary.
Gail LoPresto said she appreciated the Alternative Education report. She said she also attended Windsor Hills arts and literacy night. Mrs. LoPresto encouraged board members to attend Putnam City Academy’s Senior Salute.
ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Julie Jenison made a motion at 7:30 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
____________________________________________________
Putnam City Board of Education Meeting Minutes
May 2009
REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, April 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, April 17, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Gail LoPresto, president; Julie Jenison, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Mark Bledsoe, and Tammy West, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – MICHELE SANDERS.
Michele Sanders, Administrative Intern at Capps Middle School, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #2 – RECOGNITION OF PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL BOY’S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAM.
The Boy’s State Championship Basketball Team could not be present at the meeting due to schedule conflicts.
ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
There was no public participation.
ITEM #4 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, abstain; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
a. Minutes for regular board meeting April 6, 2009.
b. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 912398708
through 915726094 inclusive for time period from March 31 - April 14, 2009
with the exception of purchase order numbers 914712705, 914722705,
914729705, 914735001, 914747001, and 914750001 for Triangle A & E for
the 2008-09 school year.
c. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Windsor Hills Elementary, Putnam City
High School, Putnam City North High School, and Putnam City West High School.
d. Declaration of obsolete/surplus items.
e. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
SECONDARY FUND-RAISERS
Board of Education Meeting
April 20, 2009
CAPPS MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Cancer Carnival / Leadership $ 800.00
Date: May 1 (Cancer research)
Activity / Subaccount Family game night / General $ 50.00
Date: May 7 (Consumables and resources for students & teachers)
f. Overnight Travel Requests.
g. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.
Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #6 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS 914712705, 914722705, 914729705, 914735001, 914747001, AND 914750001 FOR TRIANGLE A & E.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve purchase orders numbers 914712705, 914722705, 914729705, 914735001, 914747001, and 914750001 for Triangle A & E. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, abstain.
ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL MAPS FUNDS TO BE USED TO UPGRADE THE MAIN ELECTRICAL SERVICE AND RELOCATE HARDWARE AT PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL. ($374,500 FROM 24-241)
Tammy West made a motion to approve request for additional MAPS funds to be used to upgrade the main electrical service and relocate hardware at Putnam City High School. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL MAPS FUNDS TO BE USED TO UPGRADE THE MAIN ELECTRICAL SERVICE AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL. ($235,400 FROM 24-242)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve request for additional MAPS funds to be used to upgrade the main electrical service at Putnam City North High school. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.
ITEM #9 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• The community is invited to attend the 28th Annual Putnam City Visual and Performing Arts Festival Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The festival will be conducted in the commons area at Putnam City North High School and will feature hundreds of pieces of art created by students in kindergarten through 12th grade from all 27 schools in the district. Performances from the district’s vocal music groups, dance troupes, orchestras, and bands are also part of the day. We hope that many of you are able to attend.
• A number of our young people will be participating in the Trashion Fashion Show at the Festival of the Arts Café Stage on April 24th at 1:00 p.m. The participants have created fashions of a high quality utilizing recycled materials. Students at Putnam City North High School have been preparing projects for this show for several weeks. Some of the garments are made of corn shucks, newspapers, shredded office paper, snack wrappers, and trash bags. I want to thank Ms. Orza and Ms. Esser for their work in this regard.
• It is my pleasure to announce that former Hilldale Tiger, Mayfield Trojan, and PCW Patriot Danielle Gant was the 16th pick in the recent WNBA draft. Ms. Gant was selected by the Chicago Sky. Congratulations to this former student.
• Four additional district students have been named Oklahoma Academic Scholars which brings the district total to 69. Again, the Putnam City District ranks third in the number of all-time Oklahoma Academic Scholars.
• Congratulations to the members of the Putnam City High School symphonic band for the superior rating earned at the state contest last week.
• The Putnam City West High School concert and jazz bands earned superior ratings at the San Antonio contest this past weekend.
• Congratulations to Nathan Holiday, a senior at PCW, who competed in the finals of Oklahoma’s Poetry Out Loud contest conducted in late February, Nathan was one of six Oklahoma high school students who earned the right to compete in the finals of this event.
• Congratulations to Summer Fast, fourth grade student at Rollingwood Elementary, for her award winning poster in the Oklahoma Council on Economic Educations’s Drawing for Dollars poster competition. Summer will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. Her teacher is Susan Yback.
• Congratulations to the following Putnam City High School students who recently competed in the state speech tournament. Jamie Stetler received 7th place in poetry, Graham Hudson placed 4th in standard oratory, Lindsay Pittman received 2nd place in dramatic interpretation, and the team of Zak Miller and Ryan Jones took first place in dramatic duet.
• The PCW Student Council has been named a 2009 National Gold Council of Excellence Award winner by the National Association of Student Councils. Also winning the Gold Council of Excellence Award was the student council of Putnam City High School. Congratulations to these fine groups of student leaders and their sponsors. Traits considered for the award include leadership training, staff and student recognition programs, school and community service projects, spirit activities, goal setting, financial planning, and active participation in state and national student council associations. The schools will be recognized at the national conference this June in Denver, Colorado.
• 54 Putnam City 7th graders took part earlier this year in the Duke University Talent Identification Program by taking either the ACT or the SAT. Of the 54 who tested, eighteen qualified for state recognition. Western Oaks Middle School had three tested with one state recognition, Capps Middle School had 12 tested with 2 recognitions, Cooper Middle School had 14 students tested with 9 state recognitions, and Hefner Middle School had 21 students tested with 6 state recognitions. Congratulations to all 54 of these fine scholars who participated in this program.
• Six Kenneth Cooper Middle School students left for Washington, D.C., this morning to participate in the People-to-People World Leadership Forum which begins today and goes through Friday. The students are networking with students from all over the world, visiting some of the nation’s most storied historical sites, and witnessing our lawmakers in action. The students are all former students at Tulakes Elementary School. Four Tulakes teachers have raised enough funds in the past five years to send 15 students to People-to-People leadership activities. Students participating are Guymon Bowens, Jamee Moore, Vanessa Lewis, Davion Fuller, Ashley Johnson, and Tony Mitchell. This is a wonderful opportunity for these students.
• Congratulations to KiJana Carter and Zhong Thai, students at Capps Middle School, for their performance at the State Tournament of Champions Academic Contest conducted at Redlands Community College. KiJana placed third in language arts and science. Zhong placed fourth in social studies, science, and mathematics.
• The Putnam City North High School Speech team won 3rd place in Academic Achievement for having the 3rd highest grade point average of the 6A schools competing in the state speech tournament. Individual winners from PCN were Kelsey Fisher who took 2nd place in poetry and Katie Eissenstat for her 3rd place award in monologue.
• Two of our schools have qualified to compete in the National Science Olympiad Competition next month in Augusta, Georgia. The team from PCN, coached by Celeste Taylor, won the Division C competition at the 5th annual Oklahoma State Science Olympiad Tournament conducted at PCH on April 11. Mayfield Middle School, coached by Vanessa Berry, won their 5th straight state tournament title in Division B. Congratulations to these students and their coaches.
• The Hefner eighth grade Quiz Bowl Team captured third placed at the state tournament on Saturday at the University of Oklahoma. The team members celebrating success include: Matthew Leake, Tate Roberson, Charlotte Mitchell, John Barritt, Travis Jacobs, Jonathan Ballew, and Tyler Watson. Congratulations to these students and their sponsors, Mrs. Chesney and Mrs. Fowler.
• Congratulations to Brenda Chapman, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, and the district for having recently been awarded a $7,000 grant for the project “What Does Geography Have to Do with History?” The grant will provide funding for materials, professional development, and lesson design. This will be another wonderful opportunity for our learners.
ITEM #10 – BOARD COMMENTS.
Julie Jenison thanked Michele Sanders for the inspirational message.
Becky Haliburton said she enjoyed serving as a test monitor at Northridge Elementary School and Hefner Middle School. She said students were respectful and well-prepared. Mrs. Haliburton thanked Dr. Brian Chastain and the Putnam City North staff for staging an art show that featured student talent. She also thanked the parents and staff who put on the Downs Elementary silent auction, saying it was a great event that drew attendance from both school parents and community patrons.
Mark Bledsoe congratulated administrators and staff for a good job of putting on the teacher job fair. He said he heard a lot of compliments from people impressed with Putnam City Schools.
Tammy West thanked Dr. Joe Pierce for coordinating a recent meeting regarding elementary report cards. She said there was good progress and parents were listened to. Mrs. West said she appreciated Mr. Hurst being at the report card meeting.
Gail LoPresto said she is looking forward to Tuesday night’s Foundation Banquet and to the upcoming State Superintendent’s Arts Awards event. She said she was sorry to see that Patricia Hocker, Windsor Hills principal, was retiring, and said Mrs. Hocker had been a great principal. Mrs. LoPresto thanked PCACT president, Eric Winkle, for help getting teachers to volunteer at the Oklahoma City Arts Festival.
ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM #12– CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Julie Jenison made a motion at 6:25 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.