Dec. 18, 2007

Centennial Celebrations Schools in Putnam City celebrated Oklahoma's centennial in style. See photos from some of the observances! Main News List of Nationally Board Certified Teaches Grows 12 Putnam City teachers have earned National Board Certification, one of the top distinctions for quality in teaching that a c. Golden Apples Awarded In December, the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation presented Golden Apple Awards to five people in recognition of their service and dedication to district students. School Board Members Make a Difference ... And January is the month to tell them. That's when school districts across the country salute the work of school board members as they observe School Board Recognition Month. Yearbooks, Students Win Honors District students and yearbooks came away as winners from the recent fall convention of the Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association. Student Achievements District students are honored for their outstanding accomplishments. Podcasts Math Matters Hundreds of Oklahoma students compete against each other in a math game known as "TIVY." It’s a game that requires strategy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Hear Hefner Middle School students talk about the benefits of the game. "Oklahoma" Better than OK Putnam City High School students celebrated the state’s centennial with gusto, competing to see which classroom could best sing the state song, Oklahoma. Putnam City High senior Collin Mastbrook created a video to highlight the students’ efforts. Teacher Features Gail Tillett, Mayfield Middle School Gail Tillett has 30 years of teaching experience. Her experience and ability shows as she teaches students their country's history and their civic rights and responsibilities. Jennnifer Pasillas, Putnam City West High School Jennifer Pasillas knew when she was in high school that she would one day be an English as a Second Language teacher. Her dream has been realized at Putnam City West. Charlotte Garriga, Lake Park Elementary School At 5 years old, Charlotte Garriga was given the book "Charlotte's Web" by her aunt, a teacher. That gesture and the example of others created in Garriga an infectious spirit for teaching. Debbie Eastman, Harvest Hills Elementary School Over the years Harvest Hills Elementary students, parents and staff have considered 3rd-grade teacher Debbie Eastman as the heart of the school. That's no surprise, since Eastman began her career at Harvest Hills 32 years ago. Especially for Staff From the Family of Lauren Barnes My family and I would like everyone in the Putnam City district to know how much we appreciate your continued support and prayers through this very difficult time in our family's life. Thank you very much. —Jeff Barnes and family Send Us Your News When you have news to share in Putnam City Now, please send information to slindley@putnamcityschools.org

Overholster Elementary 1st-graders Use Computers to Become Digital Authors Students in Beth Bley’s class at Overholser Elementary School wrote a story and then turned it into a movie. (The movie is available on this site as a podcast.) Above, students see for the first time images of themselves reading the story. Spread the Word, Not the Germs A group of Northridge Elementary School students is teaching classmates how to avoid getting colds. Students have developed a schoolwide "Cold Busters" campaign that includes teaching students the correct way to sneeze or cough (above), Cold Buster hoodies (also above), posters, songs and a video. Debonair Dance 5th-graders at Will Rogers Elementary School this year are taking part in "Life Change Ballroom," a program that uses ballroom dance lessons to teach students teamwork, sportsmanship, social awareness, confidence, self-esteem, goal-setting, the value of hard work, manners, etiquette, trust and mutual respect. Students are learning dances such as Swing, Salsa and Foxtrot. According to Principal Pam Miller, students were initially apprehensive about dancing but quickly fell in love with it. Serving Others Putnam City West football players assisted with holiday lunches at Lake Park Elementary School in November and December. Their efforts were part of the football squad's new "Good Works" team that help in feeder schools and the community. Teacher has the Magic Touch Kenneth Cooper Middle School Spanish teacher Junel Morris was named a "Magic Teacher" by KMGL 104.1 on Dec. 18. Morris was recognized for her creative lessons, hard work, kindness, dedication, compassion and ability to build strong relationships with students. Morris won dinner for two and gift cards for school supplies, groceries, spa treatment and more. Especially for Parents OKcollegestart.org This site is the state's official website to provide information about higher education in Oklahoma for students and parents. It is designed to be the most comprehensive and current source for college planning for Oklahoma students, beginning as early as middle school. Students can plan find out how to prepare for college and even make applications online. Parents can learn about how to finance their child's education with informatino on scholarships, loans, and the Oklahoma College Savings Plan. Winter Weather Warning With winter weather comes the need to prepare your home, car and family to deal with the colder temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice. Here are some tips.

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