📵🌱 Digital Wellness Week Tip!
Raising digitally smart kids starts with conversation. Preparing students for the digital world means talking openly about online safety, digital footprints, and responsible choices — especially as they grow.
As part of this important conversation, we invite families to revisit a past podcast featuring Superintendent Rick Surrency, where he discusses online safety and supporting students in today’s digital environment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBRnEe367Y
Thank you for participating in Digital Wellness Week. Let’s continue building healthy, safe digital habits together. 💚 💙
#DigitalWellnessWeek #ProudtobePCSD
📵🌱 Digital Wellness Week Tip!
Screens are everywhere — so balance matters. Too much or low-quality screen time can impact sleep, behavior, and social development, especially for younger children. Think of screens as a tool — not a babysitter.💚💙
#DigitalWellnessWeek #ProudtobePCSD
🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – PCSD Wellness Center & Health Benefits Update
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/Kfi9QIIysJc
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency welcomes Mr. Burnett, Mr. Motl, and special guest Dr. John Milanick, Chief Medical Officer of Express Medical Group, to share important updates focused on employee wellness, healthcare access, and preventive care in Putnam County Schools. The conversation highlights the continued success of the PCSD Wellness Center, which opened at the start of the school year and has already seen strong employee participation, high satisfaction, and zero out-of-pocket costs for many services—including sick visits, wellness checks, coaching, lab work, and select prescriptions.
This episode reinforces PCSD’s commitment to making Putnam County Schools a great place to work—by prioritizing health, access to care, and the well-being of both employees and students.
#ProudtobePCSD
🎉 National School Choice Week | January 26–30 🎉
At Putnam County School District, we know that learning looks different for every student — and we embrace that. 💙💚 From college prep and career pathways to accelerated coursework and personalized learning experiences, PCSD offers a wide range of choices designed to meet students where they are and help them thrive.
🔗 Explore all of the school choice options available in PCSD:
https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-choice
✨ Want to experience those choices in person? ✨
Join us TONIGHT for our Pathways to Success: Family Night, where families can explore the many opportunities available to students right here in Putnam County.
📅 Thursday, January 29, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 C.L.O. District Center
ALL Putnam County families are welcome — including PCSD students, homeschool families, and private school families. This event is especially helpful for 6–8 grade families.
The evening will begin with a speaker presentation, followed by an interactive showcase where families can speak directly with school leaders, teachers, and students to learn about programs, pathways, and real-life experiences on our campuses.
Schools represented include:
• Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School
• Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School
• Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School
• QI Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School
• Putnam Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Putnam Virtual School
Your pathway. Your choice. Your future — at PCSD. 💙💚
📵🌱 Digital Wellness Week Tip!
Healthy screen limits help kids thrive. As children grow, screen rules should grow with them — focusing on balance, sleep, and family connection. Bonus reminder: kids notice adult screen habits, too. 👀💚💙
#DigitalWellnessWeek #ProudtobePCSD
Quality over quantity matters when it comes to screen time. Educational, age-appropriate content — especially when families watch and talk together — makes screen time more meaningful.
A few small adjustments can make a big impact. 💚💙
#DigitalWellnessWeek #ProudtobePCSD
Cold weather advisories and freeze warnings are in effect for our area, with very cold temperatures expected tonight through Wednesday morning and chilly conditions lingering throughout the week.
The National Weather Service has issued:
• A Cold Weather Advisory from 10 PM tonight through 10 AM Tuesday
• A Freeze Warning from 1 AM to 10 AM Tuesday
• A Freeze Watch from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning
Wind chills could feel as low as 16 degrees, with overnight temperatures dropping into the mid-20s.
We encourage families to dress students warmly for school with coats, sweaters, hats, and gloves. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority. Stay warm, PCSD! 💙💚
#ProudtobePCSD
You’re invited to join Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency for our Superintendent’s Community Engagement Session on Thursday, February 5, at 5:30PM at Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary School Cafeteria (251 South SR 315, Interlachen, FL).
We’ll be sharing important updates and opportunities, including:
New Schools
Grant Funding
21st Century Program
Testing
Can’t attend in person? Tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/DFktr231Nic
We look forward to connecting with our families, staff, and community partners!
#ProudtobePCSD
January 26–30, PCSD is encouraging students, families, and staff to pause, unplug, and reconnect. Small changes can make a big difference — let’s build healthier digital habits together. 💚 💙
#DigitalWellnessWeek #ProudtobePCSD
Pathways to Success: Family Night ✨
ALL Putnam County families are invited to explore the choices, opportunities, and possibilities available for students right here in PCSD, including families who homeschool or attend private schools.
📅 Thursday, January 29, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 C.L.O. District Center
The evening begins with a speaker presentation, followed by an interactive showcase, where families will have the opportunity to speak directly with school leaders, teachers, and students from our area schools to discover the programs, opportunities, friendships, and excitement that live on PCSD campuses every day. Hear real stories, ask real questions, and see how PCSD creates learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, and connected.
Schools represented include:
• Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School
• Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School
• Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School
• QI Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School
• Putnam Academy of Arts & Sciences Charter School
Whether your child is interested in college preparation, career training, accelerated coursework, or personalized learning pathways, this event is designed to help families discover the options that best fit their student.
Your pathway. Your choice. Your future — at PCSD. 💙💚
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/6O7jB9yvMAg
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this special episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency hosts our first-ever live studio audience to spotlight the impact of the Education Foundation of Putnam County and the students it serves.
Executive Director Cathleen Holzknecht and Board Chair Yvette Jones join the conversation to share how the Foundation supports students through Career & Technical Education (CTE), STEM initiatives, early literacy, and the district’s Portrait of a Graduate framework—focused on developing well-rounded, community-minded learners. We also celebrate recipients of the Foundation’s Successful Citizen Award, a scholarship honoring students who lead through service, character, and involvement. Student guests Andrew Walwick, William Cohen, Michael Everette Hammond, and Leora Gonzalez share their inspiring experiences in aviation, JROTC community projects, athletics, band, agriculture programs, and more.
The episode highlights the unique opportunities available in Putnam County Schools—including innovative programs like the district’s Flight School, agricultural education, and strong community partnerships that help prepare students for future careers and leadership roles.
🎉 Upcoming Event – Education Foundation Annual Gala
Get ready for a night of giving back! Join the Education Foundation of Putnam County for their Annual Gala, supporting programs that benefit students and teachers across the district.
📅 Date: January 23, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM (Cocktails) | 7:00 PM (Dinner & Program)
📍 Location: Putnam County Fairgrounds
Enjoy great food, live music, and auctions—while making a difference in our community. Purchase tickets: https://tefpcgala.ticketspice.com/tefpcgala
#ProudtobePCSD
🕘 Pop in any time during the two available windows
📍 NEFEC, Palatka
📲 Scan the QR code to save your spot!
The Putnam County School District is proud to recognize our 2026 Employees of the Year — outstanding administrators, teachers, and support professionals who make a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community every day.
🎉 Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Principal of the Year: Mechele Higginbotham
Assistant Principal of the Year: Belinda Taylor
Teacher of the Year: Jessica Arnold, James A. Long Elementary School
Support-Related Employee of the Year (School): Steven Holmes, Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School
Support-Related Employee of the Year (Department): Crystal Cady, Transportation
Thank you to all of our nominees for your dedication, heart, and service to Putnam County students. 💙💚
#ProudtobePCSD
The 2026 Employee of the Year Gala is here, and we are ready to celebrate the incredible individuals who serve PCSD with excellence and heart! 🌟
Principal of the Year: Mechele Higginbotham
Assistant Principal of the Year: Belinda Taylor
Teacher of the Year Nominees: Lakeshia Rayburn • Stephanie Rife • Jourdan Craig • Jessica Arnold • Gingi Elsagga • Taylor Helms • Cardinal Collins • Sharlecia Langford • Katrina Thompson • Kristopher Williams • Qatresha Champagne • Veda Crosland • Matthew Bergen • Lorena Dominey
Support-Related Employee Nominees: Mikisha Brown • Charles McGuire • Melissa Whittington • Odell Ford • Dakota Brock • Casi Hinton • Kristen Davis • Beth Jeffers • Tiswanda Banks • Kimberly Edwards • Brittany Rosado Rivera • Steven Holmes • Brandi “Brandi” Prothero • Reginald Allen • Christopher Gaylord • Ana Lebron • Crystal Cady • Neftali Rivera• Joann Kirkpatrick • Catherine Fudo • Gabriel Brewer • Lorie Eubanks
Stay tuned as we celebrate and announce our 2026 District Employees of the Year!
#ProudtobePCSD
School Board Meeting – 01/20/2026 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/t70B23EiiRc
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
#ProudtobePCSD
This day honors Dr. King’s legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to improving our communities. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
#ProudtobePCSD
The first round of PCSD Cambridge applications is now open for elementary, secondary, and incoming kindergarten students. This advanced academic pathway challenges students while supporting their growth every step of the way.
Learn more and apply today:
https://www.putnamschools.org/page/cambridge
#ProudtobePCSD
This milestone represents more than a statistic – it reflects PCSD students shaping the future, supported every step of the way.
Read more about this historic achievement here: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/2635885
We are truly #ProudtobePCSD.
