Happy Administrative Assistants Day! No one can beat our team at South Putnam Middle and High School! Thank you Anna, Shelly, Lindsey, Becky and Cortney!
South Putnam High School has earned the Early College endorsement from the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis. To qualify for endorsement, our school assembled a comprehensive portfolio addressing the eight core principles set forth by CELL. These principles encompass a rigorous curriculum, comprehensive student support services, and thorough documentation of student completion rates. Furthermore, a team from CELL conducted an on-site visit to the South, engaging in interviews with administrators, educators, parents, and students to assess the effectiveness of the Early College program, considering both its advantages and challenges before conferring endorsement status.
"These newly-endorsed Early College High Schools boast proven track records of providing high-quality programs that facilitate high school students' graduation and seamless transition into post-secondary education, be it at a four-year institution or a career/technical program. The achievements of these students represent significant milestones, profoundly impacting both their lives and those of their families," stated Sandy Hillman, the CELL Director of Early College. "Under the guidance of Principal Tona Gardner, her EC Leadership Team, and the steadfast support of Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith, this dynamic team not only articulates a compelling vision but also effectively executes the mission of Early College."
The Early College high school model creates small schools designed to give students a jumpstart for the rest of their lives. Students can earn both high school diplomas and up to two years of credit toward bachelor’s or associate degrees. According to Principal Gardner, "Our profoundly dedicated teachers make this possible. Teachers throughout our corporation go to extraordinary lengths to create the supportive and enriching learning environments in their classrooms necessary to give students the confidence and skills they need to succeed at this level. " As one students stated during her interview, "I know I can do it, because they tell me I can and they show me I can." South Putnam is truly a learning community!
Thank you to Assistant Principal John Skomp for his hard work coordinating with the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency and many county and regional groups to facilitate an active shooter drill at South Putnam this past Saturday. Many of our schools' admin., staff, teachers and surrounding community members spent months planning for a successful emergency response and reunification drill. They all acted with patience and resolve in an intentionally-created tough environment. Our SRO Deputy Driver took decisive and determined action at the start of the drill. He demonstrated a willingness and ability to protect our students and staff in an extreme moment. Our admin., counselors, teachers and staff also carefully carried out our plan to get students back with their families. They responded to unexpected moments and persisted despite the challenges of conducting two drills simultaneously.
None of us can thank everyone there enough. Groups include the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Putnam County Health Department, Putnam County 911, Cloverdale Police Department, Putnam County EMS, Putnam County CERT, Cloverdale Schools, Hendricks Co Health Dept., Area 30 Schools, Bainbridge Police Dept., Greencastle Schools, Banner Graphic, Reelsville Fire Department, Cloverdale Fire Dept, Greencastle Police Dept, Greencastle Fire Dept, Clay County EMA, and Clay County Health Dept. It shows the commitment of our county and region that this many people are working to protect children. We learn more every time we run a drill. We improve our procedures and strengthen our coordination.
Thank you to North Salem State Bank for donating Chick-Fil-A lunch and Re/Max Cornerstone for donating breakfast for all of the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to participate in an emergency drill at South Putnam.
Good afternoon, Eagles:
In preparation for ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff, and community, please note that the South Putnam MS/HS and Central Elementary campuses will be closed on Saturday, April 20th. We are proud to announce that we will be hosting the Putnam County 2024 Active Shooter Exercise.
During this time, Emergency Services and Law Enforcement will be conducting essential training alongside community members and school staff. We anticipate learning invaluable lessons through the collaborative efforts with our community safety partners.
We extend our sincere gratitude to North Salem State Bank for generously donating Chick-Fil-A box lunches and Re/Max Cornerstone for providing breakfast to our dedicated first responders, staff members, and volunteers.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety and preparedness within our county and school community.
Stay safe,
Dr. Corey Smith
Superintendent
Congratulations to Kailey Barnard on being named the March High School Student of the Month. Kailey was nominated by Mrs. Henry who said the following about Kailey.
"She is everything we expect an Eagle to be and more. She is not only brilliant in the classroom, but she is also an amazing pianist. She is kind to everyone and cares deeply for others. Her passion for hard work and giving her time and treasure to others is going to pay off for whatever path she chooses."
The next middle school teacher we would like to put in the spotlight is our 6th grade language arts teacher, the incomparable Mrs. Mandy Wells.
Mrs. Wells' students appreciate the spirit and passion she brings to her classroom. Fitting of the varsity cheer coach, students love that she "always dresses up for spirit weeks" at school, and that she encourages them to show their South Putnam pride, as well. Her students say she's "really funny", too, and that they love her sense of humor. Students also are thankful for the support she gives, saying "she likes to help people with their work". The flexibility she allows in her classroom (ESPECIALLY the bean bag chairs) is another thing her students like. Finally, her students recognize that she encourages them to make good choices. In Mrs. Wells' room, students can do work to earn tickets, and they can then use those tickets to buy rewards. They love that their efforts in Mrs. Wells' class are recognized in such a tangible way.
Thank you, Mrs. Wells, for providing your students with a bright and positive learning experience.
Students in Mr. Fraizer's class are learning to take apart and rebuild small engines. Not only are they learning the process but they also learn proper safety, tool use, and teamwork. These students are learning skills that they can use the rest of their lives.
Our football field and track are now under construction and are closed. I know the weather is gorgeous, and it is a perfect day to walk. At this time, that cannot be on the South Putnam track. We look forward to August when our new football field and resurfaced track are revealed. Thank you for your patience and support!
Our football field and track are now under construction and are closed. I know the weather is gorgeous, and it is a perfect day to walk. At this time, that cannot be on the South Putnam track. We look forward to August when our new football field and resurfaced track are revealed. Thank you for your patience and support!
Eagles baseball and softball teams at County. Softball advances past North Putnam!
Mr. Champion had an important guest speaker this week. Tyler Hutcheson, 2022 CMA Tour Video Director of the Year, spoke to band and drama students about career opportunities in the performing arts. The Northview alum and former Northview Marching Knight graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Theatre Technology and Design. "Touring credits include Josh Turner, Brantley Gilbert, Justin More, Tracy Lawrence, Florida Georgia Line, Kelly Clarkson and Luke Combs." He spoke about how music connects people, and how hard work and practice pay off. He described the numerous types of job available in the music industry. He also talked about how life can be unexpected and the benefits of being willing to push yourself with new challenges. He expressed abundant gratitude for the amazing opportunities and strong relationships that have been part of his life.
Thank you Mr. John Skomp and Mr. Kevin Rounds, our amazing assistant principals! They are dedicated, hard working and caring people! We see what they do each week engaging with teachers and students, but they do even more behind the scenes as they solve problems and create solutions for our school. We are proud they are EAGLES!
Thank you Dr. Howard Brooks, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Depauw University, for making a presentation about the upcoming eclipse to our middle school students today. Depauw also donated eclipse glasses for all of our middle and high school students.
Congratulations to our South Putnam Softball and Baseball Teams for season-opening wins at home against North Vermillion. Baseball won 7-1 and softball won 17-2. Congratulations too to Coach Wells and his staff for their first career win!
Continuing our middle school teacher spotlights, today we would like to shine some light on our dedicated 6th grade math teacher, Mrs. Cathy Boyce.
Mrs. Boyce's students LOVE the support she gives them. When asked about what they appreciate about Mrs. Boyce, her students responded that "she motivates us a lot", "she's understanding", and "she helps us go above and beyond". Mrs. Boyce's students say "she's persistent", and that she "pushes us" to be better students. They appreciate her helpful study guides and her willingness to help students when they get stuck. Her students also appreciate that she recognizes and celebrates them when they do good things. When students come to class prepared, when they get their work done, and when they make good choices, Mrs. Boyce congratulates them with rewards that students really enjoy.
Thank you, Mrs. Boyce, for helping your students build both their math skills AND their study habits.
Congratulations to Vienna Burkart who is enrolling at Ringling College of Art and Design majoring in Art Design!
Congratulations to Bailey Brickert who is enrolling at Marian University majoring in nursing!
Congratulations to Alyssa Brauer who is enrolling at Ivy Tech to be a dental hygienist!
Congratulations to Mackenzie Lovett who is enrolling at Indiana State University majoring in Applied Medicine!
