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:

This week we shared a social media post about a recent lesson in Zoe Swift and Mindy Wells Adulting class. The lesson involved a unit on basic car maintenance. Purcell firefighter and PHS parent Kraig Edelman helped teach the lesson. An important example of a strong partnership between school and community. We wanted to thank and recognize Kraig for his service. We did not expect the post to go viral and reach over 2 million people (at last count) and be shared over 17,000 times. However it's reflective of a desire amongst students and parents to access different learning opportunities. The effort to coordinate and provide more "real-life" training for students transitioning to adulthood is a key piece of hour high school's overall vision.

Zoe approached me last summer and gave me her vision and rationale for the course. I loved it and had created a similar program at my previous school. She asked if she could have an hour to teach it and I said yes. This aligns well with the great work Stefanie Renfro does in her Family and Consumer Science classes including cooking, child-care, nutrition, and healthy habits. These classes along with Internships, work experience, gardening, tech aides, leadership, etc. provide students with learning experiences that emphasize practical skills that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood.

In my previous newsletter I spoke about how the needs of students have changed dramatically over my 20 plus years as a public school educator. We must continue to adapt to those needs as a high school and offer students what they need to be successful as an adult. Of course we still teach the critical core classes but we must continue to design curriculum that is meaningful and supports critical thinking and collaboration. But we also must offer students greater social and emotional support and the skills they need to be successful adults and citizens. Those skills and knowledge are just as important as the knowledge gained in core classes.

So many great ideas in a school are a result of listening to kids. Watch the video I've linked below and see for yourself. Teachers thrive we they see a need and create a solution. It's never easy and they often face struggles and obstacles along the way. However by giving students a greater voice we rediscover what we as adults sometimes forget to do: just listen to the kids.

Jason

Go Dragons!

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

sandersj@purcellps.org

405-442-0099 ext 505

We are so excited to announce the return of our choir program with the recent hire of Cindy Donaldson. Cindy currently operates a private music studio and has considerable experience teaching choir and show choir in public schools. This includes 16 years as the choir and show choir teacher @ Valliant Public Schools. She has also taught band, special education and alternative education. She brings a wealth of experience in multiple areas and will be an asset to our school and kids. She will teach classes @ HS/JH. Welcome Cindy!

PLEASE NOTE: Ms. Donaldson will be on the high school campus Wed April 27th @ 9:00AM to meet with any student interested in enrolling in choir class.

What an honor today to celebrate our '22 PHS Teacher of the Year: Melissa Feroli. Mel is the PHS counselor. She serves many roles throughout the school. However her most important role is helping kids find a path through high school life who need a different path! Way to go Mel!

We conducted a very successful Intruder Lockdown drill the past week. This was an unannounced drill that occurred during the first few minutes of school. This is generally a time when there is still considerable traffic entering the building and moving to different parts of the building. I was very pleased with the execution of the drill and students and staff moved to secured areas of the building in less than a minute.

I may sound like a broken record but I continue to urge all parents to review safety plans during the severe storm season. This is a top priority throughout the year but particularly important during the months of April and May. We reviewed procedures this week for an emergency dismissal or a rapid student check-out. Often times during days when severe weather is predicted we can experience a "mass check-out" which places enormous pressure on the staff to check-out student quickly but safely.

• Testing

A huge thanks to Melissa Feroli, Carolyn Anyong, David Hilger, Cole Harwell, Jerry Swayze and other members of our testing team for a highly successful two weeks of testing. Juniors completed their CCRA state-mandated exams including Science, U.S. History, and ACT. Testing is a very challenging component to execute and this team performed flawlessly. Important testing occurred but with minimal disruption to the learning environment. Tons of credit goes to Melissa Feroli and her hard work and leadership.

• Counselor's Newsletter

Please be sure to check Ms. Feroli's Counselors' Newsletter always linked to the Newsletter and School Website. You can find important information relevant to each class including updates, programs, enrollment, scholarships, career tech, concurrent info, and more.

• Upcoming Juniors/Seniors and Concurrent Enrollment

I receive many question through the summer about concurrent enrollment. PHS offers two Concurrent (college classes during HS) on campus: U.S HIstory and Psychology during the fall and spring semester. Students can receive college credit while attending classes (with professor) on campus. Please see information linked below or contact Ms. Feroli: ferolim@purcellps.org. There are many benefits to concurrent enrollment including decreasing cost of college and receiving dual high school and college credit.

Purcell High School will offer our Summer Extensions Program this summer.

When: June 6th -24th

Where: PHS Library

Staff: PHS and PJS certified and support staff

Times: 9AM - 12:30

Days: Mon-Wed in-person / Thu: virtual learning w/ teacher check-ins and availability

Cost: Free

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Provided

Options Available:

ACT Prep (tier 1- available to all students) : This is a rigorous online class that does include advanced math content. It's recommended that students have completed at minimum Geometry and Algebra 2. Students who opt for ACT Prep summer course should expect to work primarily online with access to PHS teacher for technical support. They should expect to work independently on this course. Students can receive .5 elective credit towards graduation. It's recommended all college bound students take an ACT Prep course in preparation for ACT college entrance exams.

Exact Path Interventions (tier 1- available to all students): This is a true learning extension through the summer. This should be strongly considered by students who have learning gaps as freshman in Math and Reading. These gaps are identified through Map testing as freshman. We will contact parents of freshman directly who could benefit through Exact Path learning. Students work on an online program with in-person support from PHS teachers.

Credit Recovery (tier 2): Students who have failed core content classes (ex: math, english) can recover credits during summer extensions. This recovery options are online through Odysseyware. However students have access to core content teachers. This learning option can be an extension of credit recovery work during the school year.

Special Services (tier 3): In-person learning on-site with learning specific to IEP. An on-site special education teacher is available.

Meals are provided for all students and we also provide students recreational time with access to PHS Gym.

Please click on enrollment form below to enroll your student in PHS Summer Extensions Program or contact me directly with questions: Jason Sanders: sandersj@purcellps.org

In order to avoid a conflict with State FFA Convention we have moved the Senior Awards Assembly from Tues May 3rd to Thurs May 5th. The assembly will be @ 6PM

April 23rd: Junior/Senior Prom: 8-11PM

April 26th: All Sports Banquet: 6PM

April 27th: STUCO Officer Applications Due for 22-23

April 29th: STUCO Officer Elections for 2022-2023

April 29th: Band Banquet: 6:30 PM

May 3rd: Academic Awards Assembly: 1:30 PM

May 4th: 8th Grade Tour of High School: 1:00PM

May 5th: Senior Awards Assembly: 6PM

May 6th: KBLP Senior Salutes: 9AM

May 9th-13th: Semester Tests

May 10th: Senior Picnic: 6PM

May 12th: Senior Assembly: 2PM

May 13th: Senior Breakfast: 8:45 AM

May 13th: Graduation: 6PM

VERY IMPORTANT: All seniors and parents should review letter that was emailed last week regarding upcoming senior activities. I've copied and linked letter below. Please reach out to Michael O'Neal, senior sponsor, @ onealm@purcellps.org if you have questions.

Senior Panel Pictures: click on link: https://docs.google.com/.../1nx3iBg.../edit

Senior Remind:

All Senior students and parents are encouraged to join the Senior Remind Group. It will only be used to disperse Senior Class Info.

Remind Code: @phssr22

It's certainly a busy time of year and can be a difficult balance for teachers and students with classroom instruction and the number of students missing classes for activities. We experienced two years plus of disruption to activities, field trips, and school itself. Staff and students alike no longer take for granted the fun and learning that can occur on a field trip or a school activity. These are experiences that are crucial to the high school experience and are an extension of classroom learning. Learning happens anywhere and field trips and school activities should support the classroom experience.

Fortunately technology can and should support striking a balance between classroom learning and outside activities and field trips. All teachers are required to maintain a working google classroom where many assignments (majority of tests and assessments still take place in classrooms) are linked for students to access. In other words, much learning can and should occur online and outside a class setting. This of course requires students to monitor lessons/assignments online and meet classroom expectations while on activity trips. They also need to make arrangements with teachers to make-up tests.

The goal is to provide students a vibrant high school experience that includes participation in clubs, sports, class field trips, outside learning experiences, etc. But it also places considerable strain on teachers and students due to missed seat time in class. We must continue to strive to balance the importance of classroom learning with the learning that occurs outside the classroom.

Go Dragons!

We are now taking orders for the 2021-2022 PHS Yearbook. Students may pickup an order form from Mrs. Trumbo in the library or may be purchased online at https://www.balfour.com/oklahoma/purcell/purcell-high-school

Please note that the price is $45 through January 31st and will increase on February 1st to $55. Personalization is an additional $5. Payment is required at the time of the order. Quantities are limited so order yours today!! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Trumbo.

Great job Dalton Holder and Raleigh Savage who registered over 30 PHS Seniors to vote through our Advisory Class. Great leadership!

Please mark your date for this opportunity to honor Dragon athletes and coaches. Thanks to our sponsors: McClain Bank, First United Bank, OEC, Mama Dragons, and Dragon Fire All-Sports Booster Club

Monday, 4/18

• PHS Baseball @ Bethel; V/JV; 5:00PM
• PHS Slowpitch vs. Vanoss @ PHS; JH/HS; 5:00/6:15

Tuesday 4/19

• PHS Track; Conference Meet @ Pauls Valley
• PHS Girls Golf Qualifier
• PHS Baseball vs. Bethel @ PHS: V/JV; 5:00PM
• PHS Slowpitch vs. Lexington @ PHS: JH/HS; 4:30/5:45

Wednesday 4/20

• no activities scheduled

Thursday 4/21

• PHS Baseball vs. Anadarko @ PHS; V/JV; 5PM; Senior Night @ 4:30

Fri 4/22 -- Sat 4/23

• State FFA Interscholastics

Friday 4/22

• PHS Baseball vs. Sulphur @ PHS; V/JV; 4:30 PM
• PHS Track @ Davis

Saturday 4/23

• PHS Junior/Senior Prom

1. Go to: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/

2. Search for Purcell High School at the top of the page

3. Scroll down and click on game you wish to view

4. Click subscribe to watch

5. Choose your subscription option

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.

This is for Native American AND non-Native American students. As long as a student is on Free or Reduced Lunches, they qualify. This program can really assist families with food insecurity. If you would like more information, please let me know.

Free meals will be provided to any student/family who wishes to receive one. Students can pick up meals as they leave campus on Friday. Please contact our office if you have any questions. Please remember food is always available in our food pantry. Please notify our counselor, Melissa Feroli @ ferolim@purcellps.org if you are in need of food assistance.