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!
#ProudtobePCSD
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
#ProudtobePCSD
📣 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!
#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
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