2004-2005 Highlights
For more than 90 years, Putnam City Schools has been known for excellence in education. Our students benefit from innovative programs taught by dedicated, passionate and experienced educators. Parents, local businesses and the community at large support the educational process at every turn. Many of our schools and educators have won national awards. Our awards and achievements for the 2004-2005 year include:
- Four district students were named Academic All-staters. In the 19 years in which the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has named Academic All-staters, 94 Putnam City students have been so honored. That’s more than any school system in the state. Selection of scholars for this honor has been described by University of Oklahoma President and Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Chairman and Founder David L. Boren as "Oklahoma’s most rigorous academic competition."
- For 12 consecutive years, Putnam City Schools has been selected as one of the top school systems in the nation as a recipient of the SchoolMatch "What Parents Want Award."
- This year, Putnam City Schools had 88 students named as Oklahoma Academic Scholars by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the third-highest total of any district in the state.
- In the last 20 years, 188 district students have been National Merit Finalists, one of the highest totals among state school districts.
- Average ACT scores of district students continue to be at or above national averages.
- Two district students were named Robert C. Byrd Scholars. The Byrd Honors Scholarship Program promotes academic excellence and recognizes exceptional high school seniors who show promise of continued achievement. Byrd Scholars receive $1,500 for the first year of study at an institution of higher learning.
- Universities continue to seek our students. Graduating seniors from Putnam City Schools this year received more than $5.58 million in scholarship from universities across the nation.
- Nine teachers earned National Board Certification this year, one of the top distinctions for quality in teaching that a teacher may earn. The district now has 49 teachers with National Board Certification. In addition, more than 30 percent of district teachers have advanced degrees, including five who hold doctorates.
- Students raised $123,567 for the district’s annual Cancer Fund Drive. Since the drive started in 1975, district students have raised more than $2.4 million for cancer research.
- The Putnam City Public Schools Foundation awarded $109,399 in 2004-2005 to enrich and enhance education in district classrooms. Since 1987 the Foundation has awarded $766,296. Foundation funds support revitalization of neighborhoods surrounding schools, grants for literacy and mathematics programs, recognition of excellence in staff, students and volunteers, and other programs.
- More than 150,000 volunteer hours were worked by Putnam City parents, grandparents and patrons this year, evidence of a community committed to excellence in education.
- More than 250 formal partnerships exist between Putnam City schools and local businesses. The businesses donate resources to help Putnam City schools carry out their mission.