Purcell High School Contact Info
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
Message from the Principal
3 Steps to High School Success
I had a recent opportunity to visit with a group of students about what advice they would give students entering high school. It was interesting to hear the perspective of current students, reflect on my long ago high school experience, and realize not much has really changed. Of course much has changed in some ways: technology, social media, phones, etc. However, when it comes to what it takes to be successful in high school, the basics have remained the same: Challenge yourself academically, form positive relationships with teachers, and involve yourself in extracurricular activities.
High School should present challenges and healthy struggles for students to overcome. These struggles allow students to grow and learn with the support of adults and mentors. Those safety nets become fewer and fewer once students leave the relative security of high school. Students should always strive to take challenging classes while not overloading themselves. Too many students avoid more challenging academic work while not wishing to risk their G.P.A. While students should always be encouraged to do their best, students should not avoid academically challenging courses for fear of making a B.
Positive relationships with teachers and staff are another key to high school success. Teacher relationships are often the first step in "networking" for students. Developing social networks are important for all high school graduates whether they are moving to college, the military, work force, or trade school. Teachers recommend students for scholarships, write letters of recommendation, and offer students their first step into the important world of building social networks. The old saying still holds true: "it's who you know more than what you know."
Finally it's important for students to find a sport, club, or activity to join. Extracurricular activities help students find their passion or calling in life. Sometimes they can even lead to future careers. The mentorship and guidance I received from high school coaches led me to my chosen profession. Even if a joining a team, club, or organization doesn't lead to a future career, it will help students learn the "soft skills" employers today seek in workers: collaboration, teamwork, and leadership.
The primary mission of any high school should be to help successfully transition students to adulthood. High School is the last place students have to truly explore their dreams, goals, and aspirations in a relatively low-stakes environment. Students can still explore their interests and discover their talents and passion before stepping into the "real world" which can be much less forgiving. We should all encourage our high school students to challenge themselves academically, form trusting relationships with teachers, and participate in extracurricular activities.
Go Dragons!
Jason
cell phone number: 918-873-0354
School Safety Updates: Special Security Drill & Spring Storm Season
- Last week we conducted a successful security drill and I was very proud of the serious and calm approach of our students and staff. We initiated a lock-in (soft-lockdown) drill during passing period between 1st and 2nd hour. We announced the drill through our RAVE alert button and then I provided instructions over the intercom. Students and staff were quickly moved to secure areas and the school's perimeter doors were checked. We then transitioned to a lock-down (hard lockdown) status. This simulated if a threat to the general area (school goes to lock-in status) changed to an immediate threat to the school (school goes to lock-down status).
- Although severe weather can occur at anytime in Oklahoma, we certainly are moving into a time of more heightened awareness. Severe storm season present multiple safety challenges including tornadoes, high winds, and lightning. I would like to highlight the importance of lightning awareness as we move into the spring sports season. We understand the inconveniences that canceled and postponements create for everyone. However we will always follow closely the OSSAA and NFHS guidelines for lightning safety and make decisions based solely upon the safety of participants and spectators.
Here are some key guidelines related to outdoor activities and lightning safety:
- Outdoor practice should be immediately suspended when lightning is seen or thunder is heard.
- Play or practice should not resume for at least 30 minutes after last lightning strike or thunderclap
- Lighting trackers can be useful tools but are NOT a substitute for seeing lightning or hearing thunder.
- School administration of the home team is responsible for declaring a stoppage in play or practice. However they should discuss with opposing team and officials a prior plan if inclement weather is forecast.
I've linked below a guide to outdoor lightning safety. You can also click on tab below for detailed information on tornado and severe weather preparedness. Please make sure your family is prepared for the spring storm season
Counselor's Updates: PRE-ENROLLMENT: MARCH 22ND IN ADVISORY
- There are two links below that provides pre-enrollment guidance for all students. There is also a special link for current sophomores with specific information for the important transition to junior year.
- You will also find linked below the 2023-2024 PHS Course Catalog & Curriculum Guide. This has useful information including course descriptions, MATC info, graduation pathway information including Traditional, PAVE Virtual/Hybrid learning, and Alternative Education (night school). The guide also includes FAQ's that will answer many questions students and parents may have.
- All current freshman and sophomores should pay close attention to Honors Curriculum Requirements if they are on the Honors diploma path. There is guidance linked below.
- Please check out the PHS Scholarship Information linked below. There are numerous scholarship deadlines in March & April.
- REMEMBER ALL JUNIORS WILL TAKE the ACT IN SPRING AT SCHOOL on 4/5/22.
- Also: all juniors will take the College and Career Readiness Assessments (ACT, Science, US History) in the spring. We have set these spring dates. (listed below)
- Please see the end of year dates linked below. Mark you calendars for important upcoming events
SPRING TESTING DATES:
- ACT: 4/5
- US History: 4/10
- Science: 4/12
NWEA MAP ASSESSMENT RESULTS
- All Freshman and Sophomores take MAP assessments 3 times per year in their English and Math Classes: Fall, Winter, and Spring. The spring testing window is March 20-31st.
- Parents should look for growth from one testing session to the next.
- It's important that students try their best during the assessments so we can gather accurate data.
- Students are measured based upon a RIT score that is unique to NWEA Map. The RIT score allows for a more accurate measurement in student learning growth.
- It's not unusual for students to experience a drop in learning growth during the Fall assessment window (this reflects a loss in learning that can occur over the summer vacation.)
- MAP scores provide an accurate predictor of future ACT success. This is reflected on the Family Reports that were sent to parents.
- Students who score in the high achievement percentile (80% or higher) can expect to see lower growth achievement results.
Thank you,
Jason
Teachers Making Learning Fun
Jake's lesson (as described below) incorporated many of the basic principles of Physical Science including weight, momentum, and gravity. More importantly he designed a lesson that encouraged students to apply knowledge, collaborate with peers, and problem solve. Students also had fun while learning. I'm proud of all PHS teachers who work hard to focus on student relationships and design engaging lessons while teaching the required standards.
Students in Mr Deviney's class has been building catapults with the knowledge they have gained in physical science. Today, they got to use their catapults in "Island Wars" Each group got to use projectiles, consisting of marshmallows, skittles, and a bouncy ball, to shoot at each others islands. The island that hits all 5 islands wins.
After-School Tutoring Available to ALL Students
Parent and Student Portal Access
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