More than $27,000 is being distributed to eight Putnam City schools to increase student achievement and enhance educational offerings, thanks to grants awarded by the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation.

Each year, the Foundation awards grants to help schools meet goals in the district’s comprehensive local education plan and the No Child Left Behind Act. Below is information about the grants awarded this year:

Central Elementary School

At Central Elementary School, a $3,570 Foundation grant will purchase creative outdoor play equipment. This equipment will help young students develop language, imagination, creativity, problem-solving and social skills through dramatic play.

Lake Park Elementary School

At Lake Park Elementary School, $5,688 in Foundation funds will be used to enhance four classrooms by adding sound-amplifying equipment. Studies show that most students catch only 75 percent of what teachers say.  The amplifying system overcomes background noise that students struggle to block out, making it easier for students to concentrate on instruction.

Hefner Middle School

At Hefner Middle School, a $4,500 Foundation grant will be used to purchase a classroom performance system (CPS) which provides teachers and students with immediate feedback on student learning.

Kenneth Cooper Middle School

At Kenneth Cooper Middle School, $3,000 in Foundation funds will be used to purchase SuccessMaker, software that enables students to access individualized programs targeting their specific academic needs. Teachers will also be able to track weaknesses and strengths for immediate intervention.

Overholser Elementary School

At Overholser Elementary School, $4,752 in Foundation funds will be used to provide special education students with SuccessMaker modules.

Northridge Elementary School

At Northridge Elementary School, a $1,500 Foundation grant will be used to help incorporate nonfiction reading instructional programs into current reading instruction. Funds will be used to purchase a variety of National Geographic publications that address science and social studies content while also attending to students’ literacy development.

Putnam City High School

At Putnam City High School, a $1,500 Foundation grant will be used to help fund a summer camp for incoming ninth-graders. This camp is designed for freshman students to become acquainted with high school life. Campers will participate in cooperative team-building activities, perform skits, and engage in scavenger hunts to help them become acquainted with the layout of the school. They will also be able to pick up their schedules, visit with freshman teachers, explore the various clubs and extracurricular activities and participate in their first pep rally.

Windsor Hills Elementary School

At Windsor Hills Elementary School, $2,500 in Foundation funds will be used to create canvas bags filled with books and math manipulatives geared to students’ needs. Students will be able to take the bags home. A parent guide will be included as well as a journal for students to reflect on their work will also be included in each bag.

This year’s School Site Grants program is sponsored by Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma and First Bethany Bank & Trust.

The purpose of the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation is to enhance and enrich educational opportunities in Putnam City Schools. The Foundation provides grants, scholarships and awards to district schools, teachers and students. It also supports many other district activities, including the Teacher of the Year Reception, Golden Apple Awards, Outstanding Support Staff Awards and the Spring Celebration of Excellence Banquet.

Last year the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation awarded $109,399 to enrich and enhance education in the Putnam City school district. In its 17 years of existence, the Foundation has provided more than $766,000 in support.

For more information on the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation and its programs call 495-5200, ext. 1205, or visit the Foundation website.