Putnam County School District - Shaping the Future

PCSD families: At 3:30PM today, we were notified that the US Department of Education will be releasing the Title IV, Part B funds for the 21st CCLC After-School Programs! We are grateful for this news and will move forward with plans for our current 21st CCLC programs. We appreciate those who provided feedback with the survey as it shows how many of our families depend on this program. We will continue to explore options for sites who do not have a 21st CCLC program. Thank you!

Mark Your Calendar! The Palatka Police Department and their community partners invite everyone to join them for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Palatka Riverfront! This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to meet local first responders, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the end of summer as students get ready to head back to school. We’re happy to share this event with our families and encourage everyone to come out and be part of the fun!

✨ SAVE THE DATE! ✨

We’re excited to invite students, families, and staff to the PCSD College & Career Fair!

Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School Commons

Discover college options, explore career pathways, and connect with local businesses, colleges, and training programs — all in one place!

Don’t miss this opportunity to help our students shape their future.

#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture

Mark Your Calendar! The first day of school for PCSD students is August 11, 2025! Get ready for the new school year: View the 2025–2026 Academic Calendar: https://www.putnamschools.org/documents/students-%26-families/academic-calendar/469403 Find your student’s school supply list: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/pcsd-school-supply-central Check Meet the Teacher dates & times: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/orientation-dates-times If you don’t see your student’s supply list or your school’s Meet the Teacher time listed yet, check back often or contact your school directly. Updates are still being added. Specific classroom supply lists will be available during Meet the Teacher events. Let’s start the year off right! #ProudtobePCSD

As we get ready to welcome students back on August 11th for the 2025–2026 school year, we encourage all families to prioritize student health and safety now. Please ensure your child’s required vaccinations and physical examinations are up to date before the first day of school. Vaccinations can be completed through your child’s healthcare provider or the Putnam County Health Department. If your student will need prescription medication or treatments during school hours, please provide a current, signed physician order. Over-the-counter medications require a signed parent consent form. For detailed health requirements and resources, visit our district Health Services page: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/health-services Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!

🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/OZML3clMW4U 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Investing in Students: The VyStar Training Program In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency welcomes Omega Milton (Senior School Program Manager at VyStar Credit Union), Andrew Moss (CTE Business Instructor at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School), and Davin Dallas (student intern manager and VyStar teller at the Palatka branch) to explore the power of public-private partnership in education. The VyStar Training Program offers students real-world banking experience through school-based and official VyStar branches, paid internships, and comprehensive financial education. Students learn to manage accounts, budget, apply for loans, and save for college, while also developing professional skills like interview preparation and career planning. At Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, the program is part of the Academy of Business, which provides structured summer training and on-the-job training (OJT) hours during the school year. Qualified students can even work at a VyStar branch after school—turning classroom lessons into career-building opportunities. More than just financial literacy, the VyStar initiative equips students with confidence, real-world skills, and a pathway to post-graduation success—whether they pursue college or jump straight into the workforce—while fostering a lifelong culture of financial responsibility and community impact. Be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the programs and partnerships shaping student success in Putnam County. #ProudtobePCSD

All PCSD offices will be closed on Thursday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. We wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday as we celebrate the freedom and values that unite us as a nation! #ProudtobePCSD

🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/76u2aYFdXpA 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 🎙 The Pulse: PCSD Podcast – Supporting Survivors: The Lee Conlee House In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency speaks with Danielle Brown about the life-changing work of the Lee Conlee House. Danielle shares how the center provides free and confidential services designed to help survivors build new beginnings Leaving an abusive relationship is often the hardest and most dangerous step a survivor can take. The Lee Conlee House is there to offer the strength, safety, and guidance they need to rebuild their lives. If you or someone you know needs help: Domestic Violence Text Hotline: (386) 546-9260 24-Hour Help Line: (386) 325-3141 (TTY accessible) Administrative Office: (386) 325-4447 Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 500-1119 Be sure to tune in weekly as we spotlight the people, organizations, and programs making a difference in Putnam County. #ProudtobePCSD

🎧 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em6hfRlAUT0 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse In this week’s episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Jim Payne, a retired U.S. Air Force Flight Engineer and current Aerospace instructor at Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School, to explore the growing success of PCSD’s Aerospace Program. Joining the conversation are students John Sanders and Annabelle Geddes, who share their experiences and insights as active participants in the program. From gaining hands-on flight experience to building teamwork and career readiness, they describe how aerospace education is preparing them for takeoff—both academically and professionally. This initiative is part of the broader Space Florida Academy Program, a collaborative effort with Space Florida, the Florida Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, REACH Office, and CareerSource Florida, aimed at equipping students with high-demand skills in aviation, manufacturing, cybersecurity, logistics, and more. Interested in joining the Aerospace Program? Speak to your school’s guidance counselor to learn more! Be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the programs and people shaping education in Putnam County. #ProudtobePCSD

PCSD Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers recently spent two impactful days growing their craft during a professional development workshop led by Becky Peppler of STAGR First Education Center. Held June 23–24, the Developing Clarity workshop guided educators through the Clari

🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/BiEVzT23uHE 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse In this week’s episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with three recently graduated students from Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School—Taylor Hayden, Rashean Jones, and Lucas Bergan—to shine a spotlight on the powerful impact of theater and drama in education. These talented students share how drama not only gave them a voice but helped them build confidence, take risks, overcome fears, and grow into stronger communicators and collaborators. Theater, they explain, is more than performance—it's preparation for life. From academic benefits like improved memorization, writing, and analysis, to personal growth in leadership, adaptability, and teamwork, this episode celebrates the value of the arts and how they shape well-rounded, resilient students. Hear firsthand how the Q.I. Roberts Theater Group became a space for creativity, connection, and personal transformation—offering a healthy outlet and a foundation for future success. Be sure to tune in weekly as we continue to highlight the people and programs shaping education in Putnam County. #ProudtobePCSD

All Putnam County School District schools and offices will be closed Thursday (June 19) in observance of Juneteenth, a day honoring freedom and equality. We will resume normal operations on Monday, June 23. #ProudtobePCSD

At today's School Board Meeting, we witnessed a powerful moment of gratitude as Chuck McGuire, a dedicated educator at CCJSHS, honored two colleagues who saved his life. On March 14th, after experiencing a sudden medical emergency, Chuck was cared for by Mrs. Susannah Bender and Mr. Tim Adams. Their quick thinking and calm response ensured he received the medical attention he needed—likely saving his life. Tonight, Chuck’s children helped present certificates of appreciation to Mr. Adams and Mrs. Bender, a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on each other’s lives. Please help us thank these everyday heroes! #ProudtobePCSD

School Board Meeting – 06/17/2025 at 3:30PM Join us in person or tune in LIVE via YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/MyhLodNA9mk Find meeting agendas and upcoming dates here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/meetings #ProudtobePCSD

S.T.E.M. SUMMER CAMP – SPOTS LIMITED! Calling all future scientists, engineers, and creators! The 3rd Annual PH STEM Summer Camp is back for students in grades K–12 — packed with hands-on STEM activities and a field trip to the Cade Museum! Melrose Public Library July 25–26, 2025 25 participants max! Register now: https://bit.ly/PHSTEM2025 Learn more: www.PHStemCamp.com

All 2025 graduation ceremony videos are now edited and uploaded—and we’re thrilled to share the moments that made each celebration unforgettable. 📸 Graduation photos from Cameryn Jewel Photography are also available! 🎥 Watch each ceremony here: 🔹 PJSHS: https://youtu.be/Sjd4ZooJPTE?feature=shared 🔹 IJSHS: https://youtu.be/tsWB9N6qJ7k?feature=shared 🔹 CCJSHS: https://youtu.be/auhCh8PqIDc?feature=shared 🔹 QIRJSHS: https://youtu.be/J20IKuxhmNc?feature=shared 🔹 Putnam Virtual School: https://youtu.be/FraMNXRwEPQ?feature=shared 🔹 Mellon Learning Center: https://youtu.be/xp4MCHdJidk?feature=shared ✨ Visit our Graduation Hub for full photo galleries, ceremony recaps, and more: 🔗 https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/graduation-ceremony-information-2025 #ProudtobePCSD

☀️ Summer Hours ☀️ All PCSD schools and district offices are operating on a revised summer schedule from June 2 through July 31: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM We will return to regular hours beginning Monday, August 4. #ProudtobePCSD

New Episode! The Pulse; PCSD Podcast 🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse 📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/x5VUw1ZUgJc Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency sits down with Charles Overturf III, longtime community leader and one of this year’s Product of Putnam honorees, to talk about the positive impact of the Terrific Kid Program, proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Palatka. Charles shares how the Terrific Kid initiative celebrates students who demonstrate positive behavior, kindness, and strong character—qualities that build a brighter future for Putnam County. Tune in to learn more about the program, its history, and why Charles continues to invest in the students of PCSD and be sure to tune in weekly as we highlight the stories and people shaping education in Putnam County. #ProudtobePCSD