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
Twitter: @purcellhsdrgns

Good Afternoon Dragon Family:

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and obviously keeping cool during this heat wave. Hopefully it will subside before we return to school next month. This edition of the parent newsletter is devoted to important back to school information as enrollment confirmation approaches. I've linked below all links to enrollment forms required of both new and returning students.

Please take note of all forms that are required of returning students to the district. This includes all students who attended 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades at Purcell last year. These forms MUST be completed for ALL returning students. I'm providing links to all required forms below. I would encourage parents to print off forms, complete, and return to school during the enrollment confirmation times. This will save time and expedite the process. Please see enrollment times below. If you are unable to attend enrollment confirmation, forms can be completed and returned to school with your student or emailed directly to myself or the high school registrar. Forms can also be completed during enrollment confirmation as hard copies will be available.

Jason Sanders; High School Principal: sandersj@purcellps.org

Shandra Elmore; High School Registrar: elmores@purcellps.org

I've linked below packets of forms for both new students and returning students. Please remember that all returning students to the district MUST complete forms for returning students.

We will have hard copies of all required forms, for both returning and new students, during enrollment confirmation.

Thank you to all parents for your attention to this process. It's very important that all required forms are completed for all students. I would add extra emphasis to the completion of the Free and Reduced Lunch Forms. Free and reduced lunch forms should be filled out for every student regardless of income level. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have questions regarding enrollment confirmation.

Jason

Go Dragons!

Always feel free to call or email me if you have questions,

sandersj@purcellps.org

405-442-0099 ext 505

• Please make sure you complete all required forms that are included in the packets below. Forms can be downloaded, completed, and returned to the school during enrollment confirmation. Forms can also be completed in person at the school during enrollment confirmation.
• Students who drive must purchase a driver's permit for $10. These permits should be purchased during enrollment. Students will also provide a license plate number and make and model of the vehicle to be driven. Students may not drive to and park on campus without a valid driver's permit.
• Parent's should consider completing the emergency dismissal form which allows students to leave school in the case of an emergency without parents contacting the school. This would only occur in the case of an emergency and with the authorization of the school principal. Freshman are NOT eligible for emergency dismissal. Upperclassmen, with a valid driver's license and school parking permit are eligible for emergency dismissal. This form can be completed digitally by clicking below. (PLEASE NOTE YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE FORM AGAIN IF YOUR STUDENT WAS SIGNED UP LAST YEAR)
• Parents will need to make sure they have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account. This can be done at Enrollment or there are links available at the bottom of this newsletter. This is how parents can monitor student grades and attendance.

Thank you to the parents who signed up for the parent advisory council openings. I greatly appreciate everyone's willingness to serve. I'm currently reviewing applicants and will be adding two new members to the the council by the end of July.

• Access points will be significantly changed this year. The front door to the school will be unlocked from 7:30 AM until 8:15 AM (morning) and from 11:45 until 12:35 (lunch). An administrator will be posted near the entrance of the school during these times. The front door will be locked at all other times and all individuals will have to buzz the front office with the door camera to access the school.
• All other access points to the school will be permanently locked and closed at all times. Teachers and staff will still be able to access doors with key fobs adjacent to the faculty parking lot. The only exception will be door on the east side of the school that provides access to the band room and gym. Students will be able to access this door from the junior high with staff supervision. However this door will remain locked and closed at all other times.
• ALL parents and guests must check into office and receive a visitor's pass to access the school. There are no exceptions to this policy.
• We strongly encourage all students and parents to be familiar with the Stopit APP. Students can access the APP at any time from the bookmark on their school computer, the school website and every parent newsletter. Students can also download the free Stopit app to their smartphone. The Stopit App allows any individual to report information directly to the school principal while remaining anonymous. The app allows the principal to communicate directly with the individual while they remain anonymous. Once students click on the link, they will see a message (see image below) that asks for the name of the school. They type in Purcell High School and they are immediately prompted to the tip line (see image below). It's that easy.
• There will be safety meeting on August 9th that is open to all parents. Please see event below.

We are offering several new course options this year with our continued focus on "real-world" skills and courses designed to provide students meaningful learning opportunities. We seek to provide courses that a broader range of students can access and find appealing.

I'm also excited to announce that Paul Wollenberg will be teaching our High School Pre-engineering course that will be offered to freshman and sophomores this year. Mr. Wollenberg has built an award winning STEM program at the junior high and we are excited to have his services, at least part-time, at the high school.

Greg Dillard will continue leading our Dragons Success program that focuses on students who require a different path. This includes students in need of credit recovery, hybrid learning options (online learning during the school day) and our PAVE Virtual learners. Mr. Dillard manages students who have chosen alternative learning options, for various reasons, during the regular school day.

We will offer incoming freshman the option of enrolling in Algebra 1A and 1B. If students and parents choose this path it will mean they take an extended version of Algebra 1 over their Freshman (1A) and Sophomore (1B) years. This would allow students a more individualized pace with additional online support through Exact Path online curriculum. Our freshman Math students who effectively utilized Exact Path learning last year experienced significant increases in learning between fall and spring MAP assessments.

We are sending individual emails to parents of incoming freshman who scored below average on 8th grade Map Math assessments. We would recommend these students strongly consider this pathway. However this option is available to any student who needs a slower pace and extra support in this critical subject. Please note this course option will only count as 1 credit towards the 3 required high school math credits.The freshman year would count as an elective and the sophomore year as the Algebra 1 required credit.

Please contact Melissa Feroli, High School Counselor, for more information

ferolim@purcellps.org

Erica Keen will be teaching a new course this year called Wildlife and Science Management. I'm very excited about this program which will also be offered at the Junior High. As an outdoors enthusiast I'm very excited about the opportunity to provide students more "real-world" learning opportunities. Such courses can introduce students to hobbies that can be very meaningful and last for a lifetime. This course, amongst other topics, will include archery, fishing, and wildlife management. Very exciting and cannot think of a better person to teach the course!

Course Description:

Wildlife and Science Management —- 8027

2 Semester-elective-Grade 9-12

Course credit - .5 per semester

Prerequisites: Ag 1

Schools across the country are discovering an exciting new program that hits the bull's-eye in meeting the physical education needs of their students. Through the Oklahoma National Archery in the Schools (OKNASP) Program, students have the chance to excel today, tomorrow and throughout a lifetime in the unique sport of archery. The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), of which OKNASP is a part, is a coordinated effort and partnership between schools, state wildlife agencies and the nation’s archery industry.

In Oklahoma, OKNASP promotes physical education by providing target archery training to the state’s youth. Designed for 4th-12th graders, the curriculum covers archery history, safety, techniques, equipment, mental concentration and self-improvement.

We are thrilled to welcome the return of High School Choir. We were fortunate to hire the services of Cindy Donaldson who brings a wealth of professional and private teaching experience. Cindy will be teaching choir at both the junior high and high school. She has jumped right into the job and has already attended a summer camp with a student. We are excited for the revival of this program.

Course Description:

Mixed Choir ---- 3071

2 Semester-elective-9-12

Course credit - .5 per semester

Prerequisites: none

PHS choir is a beginner-level mixed choir for students interested in learning how to sing, and read music, with a strong emphasis on vocal technique. Students will learn to work together as a large ensemble but may have opportunities for individual and small group performances. The choir will perform in possibly two evening concerts as well as several opportunities to perform in other events. Evening performances are mandatory.

Stefanie Renfro will be teaching this new career tech course as part of her Family and Consumer Science curriculum. I know Stefanie is excited to present this new opportunity and will apply her skills at relationship building and hands-on learning to this new course. Stefanie is our department chair for elective courses and also a member of the PHS Leadership Team. We are happy to offer this new course option open to all students

Course Description:

Interior Design I ---- 8461

2 Semester-elective-9-12

Course credit - .5 per semester

Prerequisites: none

This course enables students to explore their creativity in the field of interior design. Identification of the elements and principles of design are emphasized. Other topics included are housing needs, influences on the housing industry, furniture arrangement basics, floor plan evaluation, area planning, facility and maintenance management, and careers.

This year we will provide expanded opportunities for ALL students to engage in physical activities through two new PE courses for non-athletes. This will include a general PE course taught by our district's strength and conditioning coordinator Cole Harwell. Coach Harwell has a passion for physical and mental wellness and is excited to offer this course to those students who want physical education but may not seek a competitive athletic environment.

Additionally we will offer a PE concepts course that is designed for our students who have special needs and require a more modified learning environment. This course will be taught by Coach Roger Raper who is a history teacher and head boys basketball coach. I'm a huge believer that ALL students should have at least 50 minutes daily of organized physical education.

I would like to provide parents a reminder that Purcell High School offers multiple learning pathways that are detailed in our update Course and Curriculum guide that can be accessed with the link below. I've provided some information here about those pathway options. Please contact either myself (Mr. Sanders) or our high school counselor, Melissa Feroli for more information.

PAVE Hybrid: PAVE Hybrid courses allow students to complete coursework online independently with the daily support of PHS teachers. Students report to our Dragon Success room and/or library where attendance is taken, students are supervised, and instruction is delivered primarily through Odysseyware. PAVE Hybrid is an excellent option for students who need more time to work independently during the day. It’s also an excellent way for students to experience elements of virtual learning while still accessing PHS teachers in an in-school setting. Obviously with a hybrid model, students can take a combination of traditional and online classes.

PAVE Hybrid courses are available for all sophs, juniors, and seniors. PAVE Hybrid courses are not currently available for Math and advanced Science classes. Students must be approved for a PAVE Hybrid class by our counselor, Melissa Feroli and PAVE coordinator, Greg Dillard. Students must demonstrate a strong academic foundation, personal initiative and responsibility in addition to citizenship and maturity. Students do not need to complete a PAVE application or contract to enroll in PAVE Hybrid classes.

PAVE Virtual: Students are offered the ability to enroll in a full virtual learning platform. The curriculum is completely online and delivered through Odysseyware Online Learning. Students do not meet in traditional classes but do have daily access to PHS teachers both in-person and online. PAVE virtual students are supervised by Greg Dillard, PHS PAVE coordinator. There is a PHS teacher available at this time for every core subject. Some students may be required to attend in-person classes based upon grade deficiencies or lack of online progress in certain courses. Students and parents should access the PAVE Virtual Handbook and review policies thoroughly regarding virtual learning. Students are also required to complete an application and sign the PAVE Virtual Contract. All students are eligible to apply for PAVE Virtual Learning but must be approved by our PAVE committee: PAVE Application

Melissa Feroli, HS Counselor

Greg Dillard, PAVE Coordinator

Candy McCurdy, Teacher

Purcell High School Alternative Education Program: The Purcell Alternative Education Program is designed to provide an alternative means of education for students that are at-risk for high school failure for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include academic deficiency, behavioral difficulties, excessive absences, pregnancy or parenting, adjustment problems of juvenile justice involvement. The goal of Purcell’s Alternative Education Program is to be a school of choice for those that require a different style of receiving their education. Click on Click on link for more information.

Melissa Feroli; PHS Alternative Education Director

Several physical school improvements occurred over the summer and I'm grateful for the support of our district administration and school board. These improvements, some very visible and some not, will significantly enhance our ability to serve our students and community

• Significant roof repairs
• repainting and redesign of commons
• new carpet in high school office and library
• restriping of high school student and faculty parking lot
• continued improvements to school grounds
• refinishing of all high school floors
• refinish and redesign of high school gym floor (work still upcoming)

Very exciting!

Dress Code:

• Hats are allowed in the building this year. Teachers maintain the right to prohibit hats in their individual classrooms. Hats may not obscure the face or violate other dress code violations. Hoodies are still prohibited in the building
• A point of emphasis will be a reminder to all students that clothing must cover the midriff. Please refer to image below.
• Student dress code violations will only be addressed by an administrator or counselor of the same sex. For example: Ms. Feroli will handle all dress code enforcement for female students and Mr. Sanders and Mr. Hammer will handle all dress code enforcement for all male students.
• Dress code enforcement will always be handled in a manner that respects the dignity of the student. It should never embarrass students or unfairly focus on one specific gender.

Attendance:

• Students will receive No Credit for courses when they exceed 10 total unexcused absences in a class for a semester. This does not include activity absences or suspensions.

Parents will receive attendance letters upon the 5th and 7th absence per semester for each class period.

• Activity absences are restricted to 10 for the entire year. Students must appeal to the Principal for an extension of days beyond 10 and must meet a certain criteria as defined in the student handbook.

School activity is defined as extracurricular activities, whether sponsored by the school or outside agency, which removes the student from class for more than half of a class period. Activities excluded from the 10 day rule are: class meetings, assemblies, field trips involving the class period only, and others such as State and National levels of school-sponsored contests. Suspensions are also excluded from this rule.

Semester Test Exemptions:

• Students will receive exemptions for semester tests in individual classes based on the following grade/attendance criteria:

A and 3 absences or less

B and 2 absences or less

C and 1 absence or less

We are striving to provide our students more incentive to focus on attendance as we transition away from the impacts of Covid on student attendance.

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

We are excited to announce we have partnered with Parchment to provide students past and present the ability to send e-transcripts to the schools and organizations of their choice. This is a free service to all users. This service is currently live and students can order transcripts online or make a request for our school registrar to send transcripts electronically to colleges of their choice.

How does it work?

• Click on the https://www.parchment.com/u/registration/20225/account to either create an account or order a transcript from PHS.
• This order link is posted to our website.
• You will have to create a free account to order a transcript. There are 3 easy ways to create an account and I'm linking an easy to follow help document here: https://parchmentsupport.force.com/s/article/Sign-up-to-order-transcripts?language=en_US
• We will email our current students a registration code this week for an easy account set-up for them.