PHS Parent Newsletter

Email: sandersj@purcellps.org

Website: https://www.purcellps.org/o/phs
Location: 2020 North Green Avenue, Purcell, OK, USA
Phone: 405-442-0099
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purcellhs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purcellhighschool/?hl=en

Dear PHS Parents,

This Thanksgiving, my deepest gratitude goes out to the incredible Purcell High School staff.

Our mission has always centered on the teacher-student relationship—and for good reason. When students connect with their teachers, they attend more, learn complex ideas, manage behavior better, and genuinely enjoy school. Teaching is one of the most complex balancing acts out there: establishing necessary authority, engaging distracted minds with tough concepts, and building real connections with teenagers. It's a skill our staff masters daily.

The proof of their dedication is clear: this week, we started spotlighting staff nominated by students for making a positive impact. We received over 150 nominations on the first day! This shows that our teachers prioritize those foundational relationships, knowing that without them, true academic and personal success is impossible.

I am profoundly thankful for our dedicated staff this year and so proud of our students for recognizing their efforts. Keep an eye out for our weekly staff spotlights recognizing the teachers our PHS students value most.

Sincerely,

Jason

Principal,

Purcell High School

cell: 918-873-0354

PHS Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Relationships!

This week, we're shining a light on a staff member nominated by a student for making a huge difference! Our goal is to showcase the impact of strong teacher-student relationships on learning and student success

This week's featured staff member is our dedicated Spanish teacher, Mayra Munoz! A proud Dragon Alum herself, Mayra has taught Spanish for 5 years, previously served as an EL teacher, and sponsors the Spanish Club.

A student nominated her for "always making sure ALL students were doing well in school as well as in life in general." That's what building connections looks like!

Thank you, Mayra, for prioritizing our students! Go Dragons!

PHS Staff Spotlight: Ethan Scott

This week, we're shining a light on a staff member nominated by a student for making a huge difference!

This week's featured staff member is PHS Teacher and Coach, Ethan Scott! Ethan currently teachers Biology 2 and Forensics and coaches football, basketball, and track.

A student nominated him for "always making class fun and energetic and learning fun." Another student said "Coach Scott has impacted me in such a positive way. Since I joined football he's been the one who has always pushed me the hardest, which at times I hated, but looking back on it, made me stronger and shaped me into who I am today."

Thank you Coach Scott, for prioritizing strong relationships with students! Go Dragons!

We extend our most sincere gratitude to all the veterans who joined us for our Veterans Day Assembly this week as well as Veterans everywhere.

It is a true honor to continue this cherished tradition at our school each year.

Your service to our country is a powerful, living example of the values we hope to instill in our students: service to school, community, and country. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this event special:

Purcell High School National Honor Society officers, members, and sponsor Sam Resendiz for an outstanding assembly.

PHS Choir and director Cindy Donaldson for a great performance.

PHS Band and directors David Hilger and Jacob Willing for the moving performance of the service branch songs. PHS Sophomore Brendan O'Donnell for his moving rendition of Taps.

A very special thanks to our guest speaker, Lt. Colonel Grant Frankenberg, whose message about finding your passion in life truly resonated with our students!

Thank you all for making this a memorable and meaningful day.

PHS Safety & Security Update for Parents

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at Purcell High School. We want to provide you with an important update on our recent security drill, a serious policy reminder, and our plan for approaching winter weather.

🚨 Security Drill Update: Practicing Safety During Unstructured Time

This Tuesday, we successfully conducted a lock-down security drill during a passing period (the five-minute break between classes).

• Why a passing period? This drill was specifically held during an unstructured time to practice securing the facility when students and staff are spread out in hallways, which is one of the more challenging scenarios to manage in a real emergency.

• Observations: I was extremely proud of how quickly and effectively our students and staff moved into secured areas and followed protocol. Their swift actions were commendable.

• Next Steps: The drill also provided critical opportunities to identify areas for improvement in our procedures and facility. We will use these key learnings to further strengthen our overall school safety plan.

🚫 School Position on Toy Weapons and the "Senior Assassin" Game

We must address a recent, serious issue regarding students bringing toy water guns onto campus.

• Zero Tolerance for Toy Weapons: To be perfectly clear, bringing any item that resembles a weapon, including toy water guns, onto school property is a serious violation of school policy. This will result in, at minimum, a 3-day out-of-school suspension. We have zero tolerance for any behavior that could potentially jeopardize the safety and security of our students or staff.

• "Senior Assassin" Game: We are aware that a social media-popularized activity known as "Senior Assassins," involving students "shooting" each other with water guns, may be taking place outside of school.

  • This game is strictly prohibited on school grounds and at school activities.

  • We strongly discourage students from playing this game outside of school. The use of realistic-looking toy guns in public can be potentially dangerous due to the risk of mistaken identity and the possible involvement of law enforcement. We urge you to speak with your student about the serious risks associated with this game.

❄️ Winter Weather Preparedness Reminders

As we enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, we know that unpredictable Oklahoma winter weather is quickly approaching.

• Proactive Closures: Our district is committed to taking proactive steps to ensure student and staff safety, which includes closing school when wintry precipitation makes travel hazardous.

• Communication: Please be prepared for the possibility of school cancellations, late starts, or a transition to a virtual learning day. In the event of potential winter weather, please monitor all official channels for updates:

  • School Email and Text Communication

  • School Social Media Accounts

  • Traditional News Stations

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us maintain a safe and productive learning environment at Purcell High School.

• Late Registration Date for the December 13 National ACT Test Date is November 24th. Please see important ACT links below or click on Counselor's Corner.

• Please remember to visit the PHS Scholarship Info page for the most up-to-date information concerning scholarships that come through my office and to utilize okcareerguide and okcollegestart to search for and apply for hundreds of available scholarships to you. If there are questions, I would love to help.

• Please be sure to check the Counselor's Corner that is linked directly below. This has been updated and includes numerous new opportunities and information for each class.

Sincerely,

Melissa Feroli

PHS Counselor

ferolim@purcellps.org

PHS ACADEMIC TEAM TAKES RUNNERS-UP SPOT!

Huge congratulations to our Purcell High School Academic Team and Coach Jasmine Quinonez for finishing 2nd Place in today's highly competitive 10 team Conference Tournament in Washington!

This finish is a testament to the hard work and dedication our students and coach put in all year. We are so proud of your commitment to learning!

Next up: OSSAA Regionals on November 15th! The team will compete for a spot in the State Tournament! Details on times and location coming soon!

Paisley was named an Academic Team Top Scorer in the conference at today's tournament in Washington! She finished 5th overall in the conference this year. Way to go, Paisley!

We're also proud that the PHS Academic Team won their first 3 games and is currently playing for a Top 3 finish in the conference! Good luck, Dragons! We'll update you with the final results soon.

(Pictured: Paisley Nichols with PHS Freshman English Teacher and Academic Team Coach, Jasmine Quinonez.)

Our PHS Culinary Basics students, led by teacher and Electives Dept. Chair, Stefanie Renfro, had an amazing week! They mastered the art of salad dressings in a hands-on lab, learning the difference between broken and emulsified vinaigrettes for perfect custom and healthy salads!

Plus, they provided delicious chili and tortilla soup for our Veterans Day Luncheon!

We love seeing our students build valuable life skills through engaging, hands-on learning! Great job, Dragons!

Big shout-out to our PHS Botany class and instructor Mr. Ray Samford for the ongoing campus beautification project! Our students are not just sprucing up our landscape , they're cultivating lifelong skills!

Through hands-on learning, they're discovering the joys of gardening, appreciating nature, and developing a hobby they can embrace for years to come. Huge thanks to private donations for making this green transformation possible! Your generosity grew this project!

PHS Teacher & Transitions Coordinator, Jenny Allen-Price, and several members of our student start-up business, Dragon Brew, presented at the Oklahoma Transitions Institute at the Tulsa Technology Center this week!

We are extremely proud of PHS students Lexie Ross, Christina King, and Collin Wilbur who shared their valuable experiences working in our Transitions program.

Thank you, Jenny and our amazing students, for promoting the powerful impact of service learning in schools! You are inspiring others!

At Purcell High School, our commitment to democracy starts at the flagpole. We recognize Senior Office Aides Jasmin Olguin, Veronica Rojas-Salas, Brookelynn Walters, and Bryar Kelley for mastering and executing the daily flag ceremony according to the U.S. Flag Code, guidance taught annually to our aides by front desk and attendance secretary Candy Tuck.

This daily ritual connects us to a vital historical practice that dates back to the 1800's and established public schools as a foundation of our Republic. Thank you for your service as we move toward honoring our nation's heroes at our Veterans Day Assembly next Tuesday!

PHS Band earns honors!

Last week, our talented students auditioned for the SWOBDA Honor Band, competing against 1,200 musicians!

Huge congrats to those who earned a spot in the Honor Band:

Asa Bryne (Jr.)

Kenna Lee (Jr.)

Emma Schlotthauer (Soph.)

Nora O’Donnell (Fr.)

They'll be headed to Weatherford for a clinic and concert in late February! We are incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by every student who auditioned!

WOW! What a night for our members! We are bursting with pride for all 7 students who competed, showing incredible effort and determination.

A huge congratulations to our State Qualifiers!

Carli – 1st in Sr. Agriscience

Kaden – 1st in Sr. Natural Resources

Grady – 2nd in Intermediate Agribusiness

And big shout-outs to those placing high in their divisions:

Jaxson - 3rd in Sr. Animal Science

Brody - 3rd in Intermediate Animal Science

Chase - Senior Natural Resources

Grady F - Junior Agriscience

None of this would be possible without the support and leadership of our Purcell FFA instructor, Erica Keen! Thank you for everything!

PHS Cheer: Shine Bright!

HUGE congratulations to our incredible PHS Cheer Team on an absolutely OUTSTANDING performance at the OSSAA Cheer Game Day Regionals at Crossings Christian High School! You truly shined out there!

We are super proud of your hard work and dedication! They finished just outside the State Qualifying cut-off line. Nevertheless we are extremely proud of them.

A massive THANK YOU!

To our coaches: Kassi Buchanan & Hailee Smith for their tireless leadership and support!

To all the Dragon Parents and Supporters! Your energy in the stands was tremendous. Thank you for bringing the noise!

Go Dragons!

Huge shout-out to seven of our Dragon freshmen who spent the day leveling up their skills at the UCOLA Leadership Academy at the University of Central Oklahoma!

Bryce Walkup, Matthew Swanner, Kheanna Martin, Ava Midkiff, Kaleah Wren, Kinley Walker, and Mylan Fleming dove into hands-on activities focusing on:

Communication

Teamwork

Inclusiveness

Personal Leadership

We are so proud of these students for stepping up and investing in their future! Thank you to our amazing STUCO and Leadership Sponsor, Amy Menhusen, for leading and supporting the growth of our student leadership programs at Purcell High School!

Go PHS Leaders!

Last week was full of fierce action in Super Smash Bros.!

• 🔥 Purcell Smash Red (Fatima Diaz, Angel Gonzalez, and Aden Gaddis) dominated, defeating the Bethany Bronchos with a powerful 7-2 victory!

• 惜 Purcell Smash White (Braeden Reeves, Gavin Woods, and Ezra Stell) put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to the Sapulpa Chieftains JV, 7-4.

Great job to all our Esports players on a competitive week, and huge congrats to Coach Kyle Perry! Keep smashing! 💥

A huge shoutout and congratulations to two of our outstanding student-athletes for earning well-deserved recognition!

All-Region Team Honors

Both Mackenzie McKay and Kaylin Vazquez have been named to the prestigious All-Region Team for Fast Pitch Softball! This honor recognizes their exceptional skill, dedication, and contributions throughout their careers, placing them among the top players in the region.

All-State Team Nomination

Further celebrating her incredible season, Kaylin Vazquez also received the highly distinguished nomination as an Oklahoma Fast Pitch Coaches Association (OFPCA) All State Team Member!

This nomination is one of the highest individual honors in Oklahoma high school softball and recognizes the state's elite players. Kaylin's performance while at Purcell has truly elevated her to the All-State level.

We are incredibly proud of Mackenzie and Kaylin for representing Purcell High School with such excellence!

The Purcell Dragons concluded their 2025 football season with a 43-27 road loss to the Pauls Valley Panthers. The team finishes the year with a final record of 2 wins and 8 losses (2-8).

• Seniors: A heartfelt thank you to the amazing seniors who represented Purcell High School and the community with great pride and class. They are a fantastic group of young men.

• Coaching Staff: Huge gratitude goes to Head Coach Aaron Dillard and assistant coaches Cole Sharp, Brian McCalip, Chris Dunshie, Ethan Scott, Cole Harwell, and Payton Broome for their dedication, hard work, and countless hours spent away from their families.

• Supporters: Thanks also to all the dedicated fans and supporters, including the Mama Dragons, the Dragon Fire Booster Club, parents, and everyone who cheered the team on!

A massive congratulations to Kaylin Vazquez and Mackenzie McKay who officially signed yesterday to continue their softball careers in college!

Kaylin is headed to Oklahoma Christian University and Mackenzie to North Central Texas College.

We celebrate not just these signings, but the tremendous amount of time, commitment, and excellence these two have poured into our program. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished for our program. Their next chapter will be amazing!

Upcoming Scrimmages & Schedule

Here’s a look at where you can catch the Dragons next week:

• Boys' Team: Home scrimmage (@ Boney Matthews Gym) @ 4PM Thursday 11-20 vs. Cashion

Season Opener Alert!

Mark your calendars! Both squads will officially open their regular season on December 2nd with challenging road games versus Marlow.

PLEASE CONTACT KELLY (SEE BELOW) IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HOSTING A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

If you currently accept exchange students, we thank you and your school for helping shape the future of our global community. We believe diversity of cultures is to be experienced and cherished. Providing someone with the opportunity to live and learn in another culture is very special.

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,

Kelley Ridling

Council for Educational Travel USA

CETUSA Oklahoma Regional Director

Phone: 580-530-0094

Email: kelley.ridling@cetusa.org

CETUSA.org

Say “hello” to two-way messaging and classroom announcements in the Purcell app! With the addition of Rooms, our district app keeps getting better. Parents/guardians check your email and text messages tomorrow (9/3) with instructions to sign up and access new features.

To make sure you are ready to use Rooms, download the Purcell app today!

Download for Android https://aptg.co/Bp9PVp

Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/H7tnMs

Quick Access to Recent Updates

Families can view all recent messages and announcements for all children, across all teachers, in dedicated spotlight sections in new footer buttons.

• One Pager: Shares a summary of key updates (English)

• Help Articles: Provides more guidance to navigating the app

• Family Survey: Empowers families to share their feedback with Apptegy.
  

• VIDEO:

  English: https://youtu.be/zW9d0VzqDFI

  Spanish: https://youtu.be/W8Cnu-tgK9M
  

• Rooms Support

Students can access Varsity Tutors platform on their school-issued Chromebooks through their Clever account. Students & Parents can also access Clever account @ purcellps.org by selecting the Student Learning Page from the menu.

You can learn more about the tools available to your student here.

Please contact the high school if you are unable to access Parent Portal. This allows students and parents to access real-time grades 24/7, attendance information and update personal information. I include a parent/portal link for all parents/guardians on every Parent Newsletter. This link is located immediately below this message. It's very important all parents have access to parent portal.

Please complete this form linked here if you are need of a Parent Portal Account:

https://forms.gle/kcw4yFh9UghpFKW76

If you have any problems accessing Parent Portal please contact the school directly: (405) 442-0099