Parent Newsletter
Purcell High School - August 22nd, 2022
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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
Good Afternoon Dragon Family:
There is nothing better than the start of a new school year. I'm very proud of our students and their positive attitudes, kindness, and respect for each other and our staff. They understand what it means to be a Dragon. Our teachers and staff deserve a lot of credit for this culture of kindness and respect. It's something that sets Purcell High School apart from other high schools where I've either taught or served as an administrator. I'd like to take this opportunity, at the beginning of the school year to highlight why this is so important.
Unfortunately the media has been flooded recently with negative stories about public education. This has been painful to watch as a lifelong teacher and son and grandson of a public school teacher. I know how important and fundamental the teacher-student relationship is to the success of a school. According to national statistics, over 300,000 public school teachers have fled the profession since March of 2020. I'm sure many of you have read of the teacher shortages in Oklahoma. It's real. It's everywhere. And it's a crisis because our kids desperately need and deserve teachers who value and invest in relationship building with teenagers. The exact type of teachers we have at PHS.
Fortunately last year we only lost two certified teachers from our full-time staff of thirty. We were just as fortunate to hire two talented young replacements. It's critical that we support and retain the hard-working and dedicated staff we currently have. Of course that starts with the principal and the culture we establish with our kids. Our teachers and staff care about the kids and they understand great teaching is more than teaching standards. Great teachers are mentors, guides, and sources of support for teenagers. I believe strongly one of the easiest ways to build that culture with teenagers is to treat them with kindness and listen to them. Our staff excels in both these areas.
Amidst all the current chaos in public education , what sets Purcell apart is the support the community provides the school. That continued support is also critical to retaining the talented and caring teachers we currently have. Please take a few minutes this year to reach out to a teacher or staff member at PHS and send them a message of thanks and encouragement. It's those types of messages that mean far more to teachers than anything else. Thank you PHS parents and guardians for your support of our teachers, staff, and school!
Jason
Go Dragons!
Always feel free to call or email me if you have questions,
405-442-0099 ext 505
ACCESSING SCHOOL INFORMATION
The Parent Newsletter is bi-weekly and emailed directly to all parents, posted on social media and linked to the website. If you are not receiving a newsletter directly to your email then we need to update your email on Infinite Campus. Please email Shandra Elmore, high school registrar, elmores@purcellps.org.
Infinite Campus is our student information system and most parents use parent portal to check grades and attendance in real-time. There is a link to parent portal at the bottom of every newsletter and on our website. All parents need access to Infinite Campus parent portal
SAFETY AND SECURITY UPDATES
- Our first fire drill was very successful Thursday. We emptied our building in less than a minute and the entire drill took only six minutes. Students and staff were reminded of the nearest emergency evacuation door to each classroom. This is of course is critical to any emergency.
- We will conduct a Lock-Down (hard lock-down) Drill this Tuesday @ 9:10 AM. This was originally scheduled for last week but postponed due to my absence. This drill is for when there is an immediate threat to the school. All perimeter doors are secured and all students moved into the secured area of the school. No individuals are allowed to leave or enter the school.
- Parents should remember that a school lock-down could also occur in the case of a weather warning (not a watch). For example if there were a tornado warning issued for the area the school would enact tornado shelter procedures as well as placing the school on lockdown
- We are approaching Oklahoma's fall severe weather season so I would urge all parents to review our severe weather plans below. Remember severe weather can happen anytime of year in Oklahoma.
- Finally, I want to remind all parents and visitors to our school to ALWAYS CHECK INTO THE MAIN OFFICE AND OBTAIN A VISITOR'S PASS. Thank you!
IMPORTANT SENIOR 2023 UPDATES
Counselor's Updates
MAP GROWTH TESTING IN ENGLISH & MATH THIS WEEK
- Identify students who need additional supports including tutoring
- recommend students for summer extensions
- identify students who may require accelerated learning opportunities
- help predict future success on ACT tests.
- provide teachers formative data to help drive instruction
- provide parents learning updates.
Map Assessment scores are available after testing dates and can be accessed by parents. Please contact individual teachers or Mr. Sanders if you would like to access scores.
American Legion Oratorical Contest: Scholarship Opportunity
The contest consists of two parts. One, a speech of 8 to 10 minutes on any portion of the US Constitution the contestant chooses. For example, two from the past were freedom of speech and taxation. Two, a speech of 3 to 5 minutes on one of four assigned topics. The contestant does not know which topic will be selected until shortly (a few minutes) before the contest so they must be prepared for all.
The contest begins with the local American Legion post, then the District contest, Department contest, and finally the National contest which is in April 2023.
Eligibility
POWER PREP ACT PREP @ PHS
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2022, 08:00 AM
PHS Library
AWESOME FREE MATH TUTORING OPTION
WHAT'S HAPPENING @ PHS
Goodbye Marvin Fields
Best of luck in your new adventure Marvin!
Congratulations Kaden Pliler
We are thrilled to announce PHS Freshman Kaden Pliler has been accepted to the National FFA Chorus as a tenor. This tremendous honor was announced today by the National FFA organization. We are very proud of this talented young man. Go Dragons!
THIS WEEK IN DRAGON ATHLETICS
- Varsity Softball vs. Little Axe @ PHS; V/JV; 5:00PM
- PHS Cross-Country @ Purcell Intermediate; 4:30PM
- PHS Softball @ Lexington; Varsity Only; 6:00PM
Wednesday 8/24
- no scheduled activities
Thursday 8/25
- PHS Softball @ Plainview Tourney
Friday 8/26
- PHS Varsity Football @ Alva; 7:00 PM
- PHS Softball @ Plainview Tourney
Fall Sports in Full Swing This Week!
Football opens Friday night @ Alva
Softball with games everyday except Wednesday
Scrimmage Action
Dragons Open Friday Night
Friday Night Lights Coming Soon!
HUGE THANKS TO OUR BOOSTER CLUB
They have been working hard to improve the fan experience at events and to support our coaches and athletes. Great job!
reserved parking
debit/credit purchases @ concession
soft-serve ice cream!
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