🎨 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!
#ProudtobePCSD
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
#ProudtobePCSD
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.
#ProudtobePCSD
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
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Friday Night Lights: Meet Our 2026 Football Coaches
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/-jmYIL2XxS0
🎧 Listen here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
Friday Night Lights are back! 🏈
In this episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with PCSD’s 2026 football coaches to talk about the excitement and opportunities ahead this season:
🏈 Lantz Lowery – Palatka Jr.–Sr. High School
🏈 Erik Gibson – Interlachen Jr.–Sr. High School
🏈 Tim Ross – Crescent City Jr.–Sr. High School
Coaches discuss their goals for the season and their commitment to supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. From nutrition, hydration, and physical conditioning to mental preparedness, they emphasize the importance of developing the whole student. Most importantly, academics remain at the forefront, because education is the foundation for success long after the final whistle.
🎉 Come out, support our teams, and experience the excitement of Friday Night Lights across Putnam County this season!
Go Panthers! Go Rams! Go Raiders! 🏈
#ProudtobePCSD
PCSD schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope our students, families, and staff enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. Schools and offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.
Stay up to date on important dates and holidays by checking the PCSD Calendar: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/calendar
#ProudtobePCSD
What could your future look like?
PCSD's College & Career Fair gives students an opportunity to connect directly with colleges, businesses and industry professionals, ask questions, discover career pathways and start thinking about what comes after high school.
Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 6–7:30 p.m.
Location: Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School Commons
Together, we’re Shaping the Future.
The students were recognized by Goodwill of North Florida during New Student Orientation at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Through Take Stock in Children, these students will receive:
✨ A dedicated mentor
✨ College coaching and support
✨ A 60-credit-hour Florida Prepaid scholarship upon successful completion of the program
We’re excited to watch these students grow, reach their goals and prepare for bright futures beyond high school.
Congratulations to our newest Take Stock in Children scholars! We’re #ProudtobePCSD!
MORE OPPORTUNITIES. MORE POSSIBILITIES.
It isn’t too late to choose PCSD for your virtual courses!
Through our Putnam Flex program, students can choose from a variety of virtual courses designed to provide flexibility and expand learning opportunities.
This opportunity is available to Putnam County students participating in Home Education, FES-UA, or PEP programs
Explore your options and learn how to reserve your student’s seat: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/contractedservices
#ProudtobePCSD
School Board Meeting – 08/25/2026 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/uhvQgmQG7DI
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
#ProudtobePCSD
The sky isn’t the limit for PCSD students, it’s the classroom.
Today, we’re celebrating the opportunities our students have to explore aviation, technology, engineering and the careers that take flight through PCSD’s Aerospace Technologies program.
From hands-on learning to opportunities including FAA Ground School and FAA Private Pilot certification, students are building the skills, confidence and curiosity to pursue what’s next.
PCSD students are Shaping the Future.
Learn more about PCSD Career and Technical Education programs:
https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/career-technical-education
#ProudtobePCSD
Give your student more ways to learn, grow, and prepare for the future!
Putnam County students participating in Home Education, FES-UA, or PEP programs may have access to advanced course opportunities through contracted services, including:
🎓 Cambridge AICE
📚 Advanced Placement (AP)
🛠️ Career & Technical Education (CTE)
⭐ JROTC
Courses are available at Available at participating PCSD schools, including Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School, Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School, and Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School.
Seats are limited and subject to availability.
Explore your options and learn how to reserve your student’s seat: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/contractedservices
#ProudtobePCSD
Stay Connected with PCSD! 💚💙
We appreciate our PCSD families' patience as we worked through issues affecting access to the PCSD App and Rooms during the first week of school. We know families and teachers were eager to begin using Rooms to connect and communicate, and we appreciate everyone's patience as we worked to resolve this districtwide issue.
Download the PCSD App so you're ready to connect when your child's teacher's Room goes live! Please make sure your email address and phone number are current and accurate in Skyward Family Access to ensure you can access the app and connect to your child's Rooms.
Visit our website for information about getting connected, accessing Rooms, and updating your information through Skyward Family Access: www.putnamschools.org/page/pcsd-connect
Thank you for your patience and for staying connected with PCSD!
#ProudtobePCSD
Give your child the strongest start with PCSD’s VPK program! 💙
Our classrooms are full of learning, laughter, and creativity. Our certified, highly trained teachers help children explore STEM, art, early reading, and social skills every day.
✨ Why families choose PCSD VPK:
💙 FREE half-day program for every 4-year-old (includes breakfast!)
💚 Affordable full-day option — financial assistance available (includes breakfast & lunch and transportation!)
💙 Certified teachers with specialized early learning training
💚 Hands-on learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and social skills
💙 Students leave kindergarten-ready and more likely to stay on grade level!
Learn more or register today at https://www.putnamschools.org/page/vpk
Because strong starts happen here!
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture
🌟 Congratulations to Kirk Collier! 🌟
PCSD is proud to celebrate Kirk, who was recently named one of just six outstanding 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool professionals in Florida!
For the past four years, Kirk has played an important role in supporting the district’s 21st Century Community Learning Center programs. For the past two years, he has served as the sole coordinator overseeing the programs and site coordinators.
His dedication to creating meaningful afterschool opportunities for students and supporting the families who depend on them is making a difference across Putnam County.
This recognition comes at an exciting time for Crew Club, with more than 540 students participating across eight sites and Putnam County Schools recently securing two highly competitive 21st Century Community Learning Center grants.
We are #ProudtobePCSD and proud of the leadership and commitment Kirk brings to our students, families and afterschool programs every day! 💙
