Striving for a Better Future   Catherine Carnline, principal of Putnam City’s STRIVE Program, leads a staff of educators who help students who have not succeeded in traditional classrooms or are too ill to be in one. 10 4-year-olds, 10 Minutes, One Great Learning Experience   In just 10 minutes of class, pre-kindergarten students learn many important lessons. Features Putnam City Podcasts   Putnam City is in the early stages of creating podcasts. On our podcast site you can hear current podcasts and subscribe so that new podcasts will automatically show up in your computer. In weeks and months to come, staff and students at schools will begin to create podcasts, too. Listen in! Students with Merit   Eleven Putnam City students have been named National Merit semifinalists by officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, an honor placing them among the nation’s top high school students. High Achiever   A Putnam City West High School student is one of about 1,600 talented African American high school seniors across the nation and seven in Oklahoma to be named a National Achievement Program semifinalist. Students Named National Hispanic Scholars   Three Putnam City North High School seniors have been recognized as Scholars in the 2006 National Hispanic Recognition Program. Students Recognized as AP Scholars   Seventy-one students from Putnam City high schools earned the designation of AP Scholar from the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement program exams. Talk of the State  The state’s outstanding speech educator is a Putnam City drama teacher. Art Teacher Tops   A district art teacher has been named Oklahoma Secondary Art Educator of the Year by the Oklahoma Art Education Association. Accomplishments   District staff are honored for their outstanding work. Why You Should Tell the Good News   Tired of hearing bad news about education? You can do something about it. Swing By   Pull out your clubs for the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation annual golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 30, to help raise funds for district schools. Satisfy Your Curiosity   In a world that sometimes seems dominated by greed and dishonesty, the Putnam City North Drama Department production of The Curious Savage shows that kindness and affection can prevail. Especially for Parents Looking for a Good Book for Young Children? Jumpstart's Read for the Record has created lists of favorite and most often recommended books. No TV, It's a School Night   Parents now have backing when they say, "Turn off the TV. It's a school night." A study shows middle school students who watch TV or play video games during the week do worse in school, but weekend viewing and gaming doesn't affect school performance much. 14 Percent of Teens Have Face-to-Face Meetings with People They've Met on the Internet   Research by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Cox Communications reveals teens are engaging in risky behavior online but that parents and guardians can have an impact on that behavior. What You Need to Know If You Even THINK You Would Like to Attend a Private College or University   Find out what private universities have to offer. Hear Dr. Paul Carney, vice president of Enrollment Management at Drury University, in Putnam City North's Little Theater from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23. His presentation, intended for juniors and seniors and their parents, will cover topics such as the availability of financial aid (including merit scholarships) and the difference that private institutions can make in students' lives. Dr. Carney has served at several public and private universities including the University of Notre Dame and Oklahoma State University. Especially for Staff Let’s Hear Some Applause   This month's applause goes to a retired Putnam City nurse for the volunteer help she provides. Is there someone you want to publicly thank for the help they provided or the good things they do? Here’s your chance. Golden Apple Nominations Due Nov. 1   The deadline for nominations for the fall Golden Apple Awards is Wednesday, Nov. 1. The awards are presented twice a year to employees and volunteers who promote excellence in education. Excellence   The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is seeking nominations for its 2007 Academic All-State awards for students and its Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in Teaching and Administration.			Start Your Engines   Kenneth Cooper Middle School students began this school year revving up their engines and took off in the "Amazing Race to Excellence," which has already taken them down new roads in the world of academics and life. With a signicant decrease in disciplinary problems so far this year, administrators, teachers, parents and students are raving about the Amazing Race. Cheerleaders Take State   Putnam City North High School’s cheerleaders won first place at the State Cheerleading Championships in early October. The state cheerleading championship is the first in the school’s history. Photo by Jeff Behymer Dance Class   Students at Ralph Downs Elementary are among hundreds of students at six district elementary schools this year who are taking part in a dance program. The instruction is provided by visiting dance artists to students in physical education classes. As physical education, dance helps build strength, balance, coordination and flexibility, while as an art form dance help students use movement to communicate an idea or feeling. The cost of the five weeks of instruction is covered in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council. Winning the Write Way   Students at Lake Park Elementary School and Western Oaks Elementary School student were honored in late September by Texas Roadhouse restaurant (and the Texas Roadhouse armadillo) for winning first and second place in an essay contest. Toga, Toga, Toga   Competition in the early season football game between Putnam City High and Putnam City West wasn't limited to the field. The Latin Clubs from the two schools competed to see which group could get the most students to attend the game in togas. Send Us Your News   When you have news to share in Putnam City Now, please send information to slindley@putnamcityschools.org