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Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program
Did you know that a simple, low to no-cost blood test can identify children at risk for developing Type 1 diabetes—even before symptoms appear?
Early detection can:
Reduce the risk of life-threatening complications
Help families plan ahead for treatment and care
Learn more and access resources from the Florida Department of Health: http://FloridaHealth.gov/Diabetes
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Students learned how Union troops traveled up the St. Johns River to take control of the town, how Palatka changed hands during the Civil War, and how local citizens contributed by caring for the wounded and donating household items for supplies. They also discovered how landmarks like St. Mark’s Church were used as shelters and how quilts were stitched with hidden messages to help guide enslaved people to freedom.
This hands-on learning experience connects national history to our own community, showing students how events of the past shaped both our nation and Putnam County.
A special thank you to our student Interact volunteers who helped with crowd support and to the Historical Society for continuing to provide this unique educational opportunity.
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🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Resilient Roots: Strengthening Families Through Therapy
Watch now: https://youtu.be/mETk_TzIhlQ
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency speaks with Kim Simmons and Brandon Willingham about Resilient Roots: Family Therapy Initiative—a program designed to help families heal and grow stronger together.
About Resilient Roots:
Launched in response to a significant increase in referrals involving grief, divorce, and challenges of blended families.
Built on the belief that no family is “perfect” or “normal”—every family has unique strengths and struggles.
A five-week program that creates intentional opportunities for families to come together, be fully present, and strengthen their connections.
Engages both parents and caregivers, fostering healthier communication and providing a safe space for healing.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.
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Thursday, October 2nd at 10:00 AM
C.L. Overturf, Jr. District Center (1100 South 18th St. Palatka, FL 32177)
Can’t make it in person? Join us via ZOOM!
Meeting ID: 705 941 2533
Passcode: 1234
Topics of Discussion:
Building Construction Updates
Federal Funds for the 2025–2026 School Year
Q&A Session
Staff, families, and community members are encouraged to attend! We’d love your participation and input.
Stay involved! Plan to attend our future sessions!
November 13, 2025 - 6:00PM - Kelley Smith Elementary School
February 5, 2025 - 6:00PM - Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary School
March 31, 2025 - 6:00PM - Middleton-Burney Elementary School
For more information, contact Michelle Mikell at mmikell@my.putnamschools.org or (386)329-0543.
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School Board Meeting – 09/23/2025 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/8UGBnhH_6Mk
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Why CPR Matters: Saving Lives Through Preparedness
Watch now: https://youtu.be/oKk3Ou3dDOc
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Toni Strickland, Jake MacGibbon, and Caren Drew. Together, they discuss the life-saving importance of CPR and why everyone should be prepared to act in an emergency. Caren also shares her personal story on why knowing CPR is vital.
Why CPR matters:
Immediate response in emergencies saves critical seconds.
CPR doubles or triples survival chances.
Anyone can do it with basic training.
Emergencies can happen at home, school, work, or in public.
Skills empower bystanders to help loved ones and community members.
Free Hands-Only CPR Training
Friday, September 19, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Physique Lab Fitness, 105 N SR-19, Palatka, FL 32177
Cost: FREE with Gym Tour
Be sure to tune in weekly as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.
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We’re excited to share a special opportunity for students and families to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)!
STEM on the Lawn
📍 Reitz Union North Lawn, University of Florida
📅 Saturday, September 27th | ⏰ 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
💲 FREE for all K-12 students and parents!
Students will enjoy hands-on experiences with exciting STEM activities while learning about science, technology, engineering, math, and more.
📲 Learn more here: https://fsi.institute.ufl.edu/stem-on-the-lawn-presented-by-uf-fsi/
We hope to see many of our families there!
PCSD has partnered with Health Hero to offer flu vaccines at your child's school. Register your child today! Complete the Flu Vaccine Consent Form and send it back to your school by September 19, 2025. The clinic will be held on September 24, 2025.
Today, we remember the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call on September 11, 2001. We honor their courage, their sacrifice, and their legacy.
We will never forget.
School Board Meeting (Final Budget) – 09/11/2025 at 5:05PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/lQ4IygrBh2E
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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Watch now: https://youtu.be/o7Y8mRHLc3U
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with our 2025 PCSD football coaches:
🏈 Lantz Lowery – Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School
🏈 Erik Gibson – Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School
🏈 Tim Ross – Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School
The coaches share their expectations for the upcoming football season and talk about the many facets of supporting student-athletes—from nutrition and hydration to mental preparedness. They also emphasize what matters most: academics first.
Join us in supporting our student-athletes this season and experience the excitement on the field!
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School Board Meeting – 09/09/2025 at 3:30PM
Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/KTJLHF5CxEQ
Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-board
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We're excited to share an opportunity from the Education Foundation of Putnam County, Inc. to celebrate outstanding students in our community! The Foundation is now accepting nominations for the "Successful Citizen Award." This award recognizes students in grades 6–12 who demonstrate:
No disciplinary referrals
Respect, compassion, empathy, and community engagement
A meaningful “passion project” that positively impacts others
Award: $250 per recipient
Deadline: October 10, 2025
Submit a nomination here: https://form.jotform.com/243393156596063
Nominations may also be mailed to PO Box 402, Palatka, FL 32178 or emailed to Info@TEFPC.com
This is a wonderful chance to highlight a student making a difference. Please take a moment to nominate someone deserving!
Watch now: https://youtu.be/Uv_DWUcV0VI
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency speaks with Kendal Asbury, a Q.I. Roberts graduate now attending the University of Central Florida and pursuing a future in journalism. Kendal reflects on her journey through Putnam County Schools, shares the experiences that shaped her, and opens up about the choices she faces as she explores which path to follow in her career and life.
Be sure to tune in weekly as we share stories that highlight the people, programs, and possibilities shaping the future of Putnam County.
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Take a moment to screenshot or save our academic calendar to your phone. It’s packed with all the important dates you’ll need, helping you plan ahead for appointments, family time, and all of life’s busy moments.
Together, we can make this a wonderful year for our students and families! 🌟
📌 View & download the calendar: https://www.putnamschools.org/documents/students-%26-families/academic-calendar/469403
📌 Learn more about attendance: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/attendance
We will see everyone back on Tuesday, September 2nd!
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🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Recognizing the Signs of Bullying
Watch now: https://youtu.be/sBGIRKMvAek
Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
This week, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency is joined by Hannah Silcox and Cindy David, District Mental Wellness Counselors, to take a closer look at the warning signs of bullying and its impact on students. Bullying often goes unnoticed, but it leaves both visible and invisible marks. Together, they explore the emotional, behavioral, and physical indicators—such as changes in mood, withdrawal from friends, unexplained injuries, or declining school performance and attendance. Recognizing these symptoms early allows parents, teachers, and peers to step in and provide critical support.
Call or Text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Mental Wellness Department: (386) 312-2286
FortifyFL App – Report safety concerns
Be sure to tune in weekly as we spotlight the people and programs shaping education and well-being in Putnam County.
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