Our annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration was filled with music, dance, cultural traditions, and incredible student performances; from our Jazz Ensembles and Mexican Dance to the Quinceañera Fashion Show, The Iguana Dance, and a special Hispanic Heritage Month Sing-Along!
A huge thank you to our amazing students, staff, planning committee, PCSD Food Service Team, and community supporters who helped make this celebration possible!
Read the full story, see the photos & rewatch the celebration: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/3166997
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🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Growing the Future: Agriculture, FFA & AICE at Q.I. Roberts
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/B5AXn6DmfLY
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
Agriculture is about much more than farming; and students at Q.I. Roberts Jr.–Sr. High School are discovering the many opportunities and careers within the field.
In this episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency talks with agriculture teacher Ms. Rogers and five FFA students about their experiences with FFA, 4-H, livestock shows, hydroponics, and the new AICE Agriculture course.
Students share how hands-on experiences in agriculture have helped them build confidence, develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and prepare for life after high school. They also highlight projects like growing lettuce through hydroponics and bringing their harvest to the school cafeteria.
The conversation looks at the future of agriculture and the role of technology, sustainability, precision irrigation, food production, and artificial intelligence. These students are learning that agriculture is not simply about where our food comes from—it’s also about science, innovation, leadership, and preparing to feed future generations.
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Led by Laura France, PCSD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, community leaders toured CTE classrooms, met with students and staff, and saw firsthand the incredible work happening across our programs.
Our students didn't just participate in the tour, they owned it. They confidently shared their programs, demonstrated what they're learning, and proudly represented PCSD.
One Leadership Putnam participant was so impressed by a student's skills and potential that she left the tour saying, “I want to hire him!” and immediately began reaching out to PJSHS staff about potential opportunities.
That is exactly why these connections matter.
When our schools and local businesses work together, we can help students discover where they belong, connect classroom learning to real-world careers, and open doors to future opportunities right here in Putnam County.
Thank you to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Putnam for investing in our community and taking the time to see the amazing things happening in our schools.
We are incredibly proud of our students, our CTE programs, and the educators who help our students see what is possible.
The future is bright in Putnam County. 💙💚
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We are so incredibly proud of the dedicated principals who lead our PCSD schools each day! 💚💙 Thank you for your unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion for our students and our schools. Your leadership plays an important role in shaping the future of every student we serve. Please join us in celebrating our amazing PCSD principals!
Yolanda Brady
Tim Adams
Amber Symonds
Mechele Higginbotham
Cathy Oyster
Tracy Taylor
Leah Lundy
Tiffany Scranton
Beth Leary
Michael Chaires
Joe Theobold
Paula Adams
Chris Lee
Mary Wood
Curtis Ellis
Jacqueline England
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STEM on the Lawn brings together students, families, educators, universities, and industry partners for a day of hands-on STEM exploration, interactive activities, demonstrations, and discovery. This event is designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.
Date: Saturday, October 24
Location: J. B. Coxwell Amphitheater, University of North Florida
Cost: Free
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step in applying for financial aid. To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, students are required to complete the FAFSA.
Attendees are highly encouraged to RSVP the event AND to apply for their student/parent federal student aid ID prior to the event to ensure prompt verification and completion of the application during the event. To create the FSA ID, visit: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
FAFSA Frenzy nights are scheduled for:
SJR State Palatka Campus
Monday, Oct. 5 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Viking Center (Last session begins at 6:30 p.m.)
SJR State Orange Park Campus
Tuesday, Oct. 6 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Viking Center (Last session begins at 6:30 p.m.)
SJR State St. Augustine Campus
Thursday, Oct. 8 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Library (Last session begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Filling out the FAFSA doesn't obligate students to a particular career track or college.
For more information, visit https://www.sjrstate.edu/finaid
Feed the Need of Putnam County is hosting a “What Does Hunger Look Like?” Art Contest & Community Gallery Sale and wants to see what our student artists can create!
Students can submit an original piece of artwork based on their grade-level theme:
K–5: What does Happy & Healthy look like?
6–8: What does hunger look like to you?
9–12: What does hunger look like to you?
Cash prizes will be awarded in each category & student artwork will be featured in a community gallery and silent auction. 50% of the proceeds will support Feed the Need of Putnam County, and 50% will go directly to the student artist.
Deadline to enter: Friday, October 30, 2026
Gallery & Awards: Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 5:00PM at The Larimer Arts Center, Palatka
Read the rules and submit your artwork information here:
https://form.jotform.com/262676561934064
Share this with a student artist you know!
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Special School Board Meeting – 09/30/2026 at 8:00AM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/3216vVGm0og
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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📣 PCSD schools will release 2 hours early tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29.
Need to know your child's dismissal time? View school dismissal times: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-times
Want to see upcoming early release days? View the Academic Calendar: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/calendar
#ProudtobePCSD 💚💙
School Board Meeting – 09/22/2026 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/47X6Tg8oy94
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
#ProudtobePCSD
🎨 It’s Arts in Education Week! What better time to celebrate 50 years of creativity, talent, and excellence at the Florida School of the Arts (FloArts)?
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Celebrating 50 Years of Florida School of the Arts
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/6Z6bj-9TvCs
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Michelle Sjogren and JoLynn Carter of St. Johns River State College to celebrate FloArts’ 50th season and discuss the impact of arts education on students and the community. The conversation explores FloArts’ beautifully renovated facilities, its upcoming ribbon-cutting, and the capital campaign supporting state-of-the-art technology and enhanced learning opportunities. They also discuss scholarship opportunities, upcoming performances, and the lasting impact that arts education can have on students as they pursue their passions and prepare for their futures.
Arts education gives students more than an opportunity to create, it gives them a place to discover their voice, build confidence, and imagine what’s possible.
Be sure to tune in this week as we celebrate the arts and the amazing students, educators, programs, and opportunities that make PCSD special.
Together, we’re Shaping the Future.
#ProudtobePCSD #ArtsInEducationWeek
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Stronger Together: Building Foundations for Success
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/c98-coXpCvc
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode of The Pulse, Putnam County School District leaders discuss the priorities guiding the new school year and the work underway to build strong foundations for student success.
The conversation focuses on strengthening K–2 instruction, improving student attendance, supporting students with disabilities, and building strong school communities. District leaders also share the importance of collaboration, intentional leadership, and working together to meet the needs of every student. These efforts are all part of creating the strong academic and community foundations students need to thrive.
Together, we’re Shaping the Future.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we spotlight the amazing students, staff, programs, and stories that make PCSD special.
#ProudtobePCSD
September 15th is National IT Professionals Day!
We are so thankful for our amazing IT Department and all they do to support us!
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This month also offers our students an opportunity to learn, create and share through the 2026 Florida Hispanic Heritage Month Art and Essay Contests, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
🎨 Grades K–3: Student Art Contest
✍️ Grades 4–12: Student Essay Contest
🏆 Educators: Excellence in Education Award nominations
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.”
We encourage PCSD students and families to explore their own communities, histories and experiences—and consider sharing their work in this year’s statewide contests.
👉 Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and the 2026 contests: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/3134413
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Today, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the spirit of unity and resilience that followed.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
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Special School Board Meeting – 09/11/2026 at 5:05PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/I9Dwpyei0WQ
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
#ProudtobePCSD
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Find Your Future: Putnam’s 49th Annual College & Career Fair
🎧 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHe_q3e47nc
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
What could your future look like?
In this episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency highlights Putnam County School District’s 49th Annual College & Career Fair and the opportunities waiting for students across Putnam County.
Students in grades 7–12 and their families will have the opportunity to connect with more than 70 colleges, universities, technical schools, military branches, local businesses, and industry leaders. The episode also features tips for making the most of the fair, inspiring student success stories, transportation information, and a reminder that it’s never too early to start planning for your future.
📅 Monday, September 21, 2026
🕕 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 Palatka Jr.–Sr. High School Commons
Come explore your options, ask questions, make connections, and start thinking about where your future could take you.
Together, we’re Shaping the Future.
#ProudtobePCSD
School Board Meeting – 09/08/2026 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/568QeqwtUHo
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
#ProudtobePCSD
