Moments in the middle school!
Congratulations to our for hosting an amazing district contest last week. One of the visiting Ag sponsors sent us a note stating, "That was by far the most professional, first-class LDE I've ever attended. You have a tremendous program and support . . . from administration to teachers to custodians to facilities and beyond, Great Job!!! Within five minutes of walking in, my students said, "This is the nicest school I've ever been in."
Great job everyone!
This week's SPHS Options and Career Internship guest speaker was Neal Cash and Caleb Coy of Cash Concrete. Neal discussed with students the core of Cash Concrete's business that includes delivery of concrete, concrete block, and septic tank manufacturing. In addition, students were informed on employee expectations, positions in the business, the value of a CDL license, and employment and internship opportunities available. Caleb Coy spoke about the internship process as he was an intern in 2020 and now serves as both a full-time employee and student at ISU.
Thank you to Cash Concrete for their partnership with South Putnam High School!
We had a successful day of mock interviews at South Putnam today.Thank you Karen Heavin of Heavin College and Career Readiness for organizing this important event for our seniors. Thank you also to Carrie Thompson from Crown Equipment Company, Erin Mullin from Putnam County Hospital, Liz Cheatham from Endeavor Communications, Jeremy Jacobs from POET, Angie Bergen and Jane Stemler from Knitwell Group, and Corey Hale and Oskarina Ferna
It's Pi Day! Our teachers celebrate the day by singing about mathematics to students!
This spring we would like to recognize some of the unsung heroes of our school, our intrepid middle school teachers. Our first middle school teacher spotlight is going to shine on Mrs. Julie Fisher.
Mrs. Fisher is beloved by her students. When asked to describe Mrs. Fisher, students said that she is "always positive" and "always in a good mood." Students appreciate Mrs. Fisher's warmth. One student said what she appreciates most about Mrs. Fisher is that, "She greets us with good morning and always has a friendly attitude." Other students wanted her to know that they are grateful to her for "always taking time to explain stuff to us", and that they are thankful for the way she "actually cares about us." Even when students make mistakes, Mrs. Fisher "is very forgiving" and "gives students second chances."
Thank you, Mrs. Fisher, for being a kind and steadfast supporter in your students' lives.
Today Mr. Clark worked with students on their interview and communication skills in preparation for mock interviews on Thursday. Mrs. Carranza helped students create pieces of art based on Ancient Greece. Mrs. Hudson reviewed recently covered Spanish content to get class started.
Congratulations to Wyatt Switzer on being named the February Student of the Month. Here is just a small part of what Mr. Standers said about Wyatt.
“I've observed so many fabulous students over the years. I love the caring atmosphere of the South Putnam community. But none compares to what this young man brings to one of the students in my classroom. When this student is having a bad day, a visit from Wyatt always changes it for him. That student has a big smile the rest of the day. I don't know if Wyatt knows, but he is a bright shining light in this student's life.”
There have been some great things happening in our classrooms over the last few weeks. Mrs. Henry taught about the Federal Reserve in Economics. Mrs Hodge taught about blood. Mr. Errett had students build balloon cars in ICP.
Junior Danae Cline started a new Little Eaglettes mentoring program this school year. A group of high school student athletes were nominated by their coaches and then selected by a committee. They go to Central Elementary twice a month to mentor a group of third grade students. Participating high school students include Danae Cline, Elizabeth Dobson, Landon Chew, Wyatt Mullin, Aiden Beadles, Madison Gardner, Josie Helton, Alie Newby, Keaton Chew and Drew Cline. Today student mentors were working with their mentees on Create2Think Rube Goldberg projects. Thank you, Danae, for creating this wonderful program this year!
Congratulations to senior Sydnee Boswell! Since September 2023, Sydnee has been attending Emergency Medical Technician training at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana. She spent four hours every Tuesday and Thursday in class the past six months totally about 100 hours of classroom study. In addition, she was required to do 96 hours of clinicals in 12 hour shifts based in an ambulance or emergency department. Sydnee took her state psychomotor skills exam and passed on the first try! She will officially receive her EMT license/certification when she turns 18 this spring. Upon graduation from high school she is eligible to apply for a job as an EMT or even a Medic in a hospital setting. She will be attending Ivy Tech Community College in the fall where she plans to obtain her LPN while working as an EMT/Medic. Her long-term goal is to obtain her Bachelor's in Nursing and RN and possibly someday become a flight nurse. Sydnee participates in our Career Exploration Internship program led by teacher Broc Leslie. It is remarkable that Sydnee is successfully fulfilling her graduation requirements, participating in school activities, working a part-time job and completing her EMT training. Sydnee lights up when she talks about the work she has completed so far, and her plans for the future. She has already shown extraordinary determination and care for others. Those whom she will treat in the future will be in very good hands. Congratulations Sydnee! We are proud you are an Eagle!
Congratulations to Mrs. Carranza and her art students who participated in the county-wide exhibit at the Putnam County Museum this weekend. Artwork is on display until April 19th. Elise Kendall, Marley Schwartz, Emma Ridgway and Stevie Keenan were awarded blue ribbons.
"I work in a public school to help our youth learn new things. I like helping them cope with challenges and find solutions. I like teaching them time management and other skills they will need throughout their life. I like letting them see that they are capable and able to be wonderful, productive members of society."
"I was blessed to have the teachers I did throughout my own public school education, and I wanted to pay it forward and perhaps be the "one" person that some kids need in their lives. I feel that I am able to form connections with teenagers specifically, and that they feel comfortable coming to me."
Our teachers have been sharing their thoughts all week about why they choose to teach at a public high school. Here is another comment: "I have always loved learning and being in a learning environment. Public school teaching is a job with a lot of variety, as no two days are ever the same. I enjoy learning from all of my students, celebrating their progress with them, and supporting them when they struggle. Teaching allows me to serve my community by enriching young lives, not just in instructing core subjects, but in sharing my lifelong love for learning as well."
The new SPMS Game Club invites more students to join in the fun. Groups meet weekly in Mrs. Boyce's room to enjoy a variety of board games, to play cards, and share new activities together. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 4th from 3:15-4:15 pm.
Congratulations to Jaicee Jackson who is enrolling at St. Mary of the Woods majoring in psychology and sociology!
"I would not be where I am today had it not been for public education. It is incredibly fulfilling to have the opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained from public education with my students, empowering them to realize their full potential."
"As a first-generation [college graduate], my public school and the community surrounding changed my life. I work at a public school because I want to encourage students and help them believe "they can". "
"I love working with kids and the energy and crazy creative insight they bring. It has also been so fun to watch them mature from silly middle school students to really skilled high schoolers with goals and ambition. This coupled with the idea that what we do for a community is invaluable is why I started in public education and why I've stayed!"