March 2, 2006

Donna McMullen Named Teacher of the Year Lake Park Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Donna McMullen was named Putnam City Schools’ "Teacher of the Year" during the district’s annual celebration of teaching excellence. Exhibiting Greatness   Six district students have artwork hanging in the Tulsa's Philbrook Museum this month as part of the Young Talent in Oklahoma competition. Features Bond Election Just Days Away   Putnam City voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, March 7, to consider a $16 million bond proposal. Here are details. Teacher Job Fair   On Tuesday, April 25, Putnam City will host a teacher job fair. It's an important event for the district, since 46 percent of new teachers the district hired last year were people we talked to at our job fair. Read the details and then talk it up to everyone you know! Technology in Schools   How is Putnam City doing in providing technology for students? Here's a state-of-technology report on Putnam City.  Events Astronaut to be Honored at Foundation Banquet   Putnam City Public Schools Foundation’s Celebration of Excellence on April 11 will feature Commander Neil Woodward III, a 1980 graduate of Putnam City High School.  Three Days of Broadway   In a three-day period, you can see Annie is at Putnam City North, Fiddler on the Roof at Putnam City High and Beauty and the Beast at Putnam City West.  Just the Ticket   The deadline is quickly approaching for purchasing tickets to the April 7 Hornets game. District high schools and the Oklahoma City Hornets are teaming up for a night of NBA action that will also benefit the schools’ cancer fund drives.  Special Needs Resource Round-Up   Families with special needs students may attend an information fair at Putnam City West High School on the evening of Tuesday, March 28. Clowns of the Court   One of basketball’s most enjoyable teams, the Harlem Entertainers, will play benefit basketball games on March 22 at Putnam City West High School gymnasium to benefit the school's Multicultural Society. Achievements National Merit Finalists Announced   Four Putnam City North High School students have been named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Student Accomplishments   Students are writing essays, playing music and taking photos – and receiving recognition for their efforts. Teachers Awards   Our teachers are distinguished in science and worthy recipients in social studies. Foundation Awards Scholarships   One student and two teachers will receive scholarships from the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation.  For Those Outstanding Volunteers   If you know an adult who is an extraordinary volunteer with youth, now is the time to nominate him or her for an award sponsored by the Youth Leadership Exchange.

Student of the Year   Putnam City High School senior John Gharet (pictured with principal Dr. Don Wentroth) has been honored by the Oklahoma Federation of the Council for Exception Children with the 2006 Student "Yes I Can!" Award. Gharet, who has been identified with Asperger’s Syndrome, maintains a high grade point average at Putnam City High, is historian for the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter, and is a member of the Outdoor Club. The award is given yearly to acknowledge the achievements or children and youth with disabilities and to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations and personal qualities of people with disabilities. Going for Gold   Harvest Hills Elementary first-graders and second-graders took part in their own version of the Winter Olympics in mid-February. Students competed will be in the two-man bobsled (above), speed skating, ice hockey and more. The events took place during students' regular physical education classes, but teachers added an Olympics focus in order to teach young students about other countries and events of the world.  We Got the Grant?    Northridge Elementary School library media specialist MIchelle Scheffe (right) is surprised by Caroline Gist, Putnam City Public Schools Foundation director, with news that the school will receive a grant to assist with reading instruction. The Foundation distributed more than $27,000 to eight Putnam City schools to increase student achievement and enhance educational offerings, thanks to grants awarded by the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation.   Principals for a Day Like What They See   Mike Thomas of KWTV (above, with Hilldale principal Patricia Balenseifen) was one of 26 community leaders who visited district schools in late February. What they saw left them impressed. Send Us Your News   When you have news to share in Putnam City Now, please send information to slindley@putnamcityschools.org