PHS Parent Newsletter

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

EXPANDING VIRTUAL LEARNING OPTIONS

Students will meet in their Advisory this week to prep for Pre-Enrollment on March 27th. Students will select courses for the 24-25 Academic Year on that date. Early enrollment is critical not only for students and parents to plan ahead, but it also allows us to build a schedule that meets the needs of our students and staff. A key change this year will be the addition of increased virtual learning options for students. This is in addition to the current virtual learning options at PHS. We are expanding our virtual learning options to provide students and families greater flexibility with scheduling. We also aim to provide our students more experience with virtual learning.

Keep in mind we already offer both full and hybrid (a mixture of in-person and online learning) virtual learning options through our PAVE learning program. However we have largely restricted virtual/hybrid learning to students in need of credit recovery and isolated cases where students/families needed an online option. These new options will be open to the majority of our students and will allow students to take certain elective courses online.

Our new virtual elective classes will be limited to 15-20 students next year and will NOT be available for incoming freshmen. This classes will be offered through Edgenuity (our online platform) and will be managed by an experienced PHS teacher. Melissa Feroli, high school counselor/alternative education director, will supervise the program. Students who enroll in virtual elective classes will have an open hour on their schedule. They will NOT be required to meet in an actual classroom during that open hour. This will be a flex hour that could apply to any of their 7 schedule hours. Students will work at their own pace but will be expected to meet certain checkpoints to remain in the online course.

We believe strongly that the majority of students learn best in traditional classrooms with daily interactions with teachers. Positive teacher/student relationships are crucial to student success at the high school level. However we also recognize that modern technology allows students to learn anywhere and anytime. Students and families are seeking more flexibility and schools must be responsive to the needs of our students. The idea of students sitting in classrooms for 7 hours of day is outdated and no longer relevant to the modern world.

Students will learn more about these new options this Wednesday in Advisory. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding our increased virtual learning options.

Jason

cell: 918-873-0354

email: sandersj@purcellps.org

As you may be aware, multiple bills are moving their way through the state legislature that would require schools to ban student access to cell phones. The legislation is gaining momentum, however there is disagreement over the specifics of a ban. There has been increased support for a blanket ban which would completely prohibit cell phones. I have several concerns about this legislation

• Loss of local control over school policy (significant concern)
• Cell phones are fundamental to daily life and communication, particularly for high school students who must communicate with parents, employers, etc.
• We need to support our students with how to manage this powerful tool. I personally do not believe banning access to phones helps students learn to manage the negative aspects of cell phones and social media.

Please don't get me wrong, cell phones can have negative impacts on student learning. Cyberbullying is one of my biggest concerns, and students spend far too much time on screens. Nevertheless, I believe we currently have a common sense approach to cell phones and I trust our teachers to manage their policies within their classrooms. Teachers have the authority to fully prohibit cell phones in their classrooms while having the flexibility to allow cell phone access in certain cases.

Please take a moment and complete the brief survey as I would like to hear what our parents think.

As we move into the spring storm season this is an opportunity to remind parents of Emergency Check-Out procedures.

• Forecasts of severe weather can result in Mass Check-outs especially when weather warnings are issued.
• These mass check-outs can create safety concerns and overwhelm office staff.
• Parents of upperclassmen with registered cars can opt for emergency check-out.
• This allows them to check-out without parent permission ONLY if an emergency check-out is declared by the principal.
• Students still check-out through the office but parent contact is not required.
• We update this list regularly. If you are unsure if you have granted this permission previously you can submit form below. Also email Candy Tuck (tuckc@purcellps.org) if you have questions.
• We strongly encourage parents to plan ahead when severe weather is forecast. You may opt to keep your students at home on high alert days or check out your student earlier on those days.

This Wednesday all students will meet in advisory. This is the first of two meetings where students enroll in courses next year. This week we will update students on course options, programs, changes, etc. Students will actually select course for next year on March 27th. Current seniors will meet with senior sponsors to discuss graduation matters.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PARENTS OF CURRENT SOPHS & JUNIORS TO ATTEND PARENT/STUDENT INFORMATION NIGHT ON MARCH 25TH (SEE IMAGE BELOW)

Key Enrollment Points for Parents to Review:

• The number of total credits required for an Honors Diploma was mistakenly listed as 29 required credits. This should read 27. We have made the necessary correction on our pathways chart (pictured below). Also: Honors Curriculum pathway does NOT require both foreign language and tech course. The same requirement exists as College/Career Pathway. Remember: Current Juniors are the first class eligible for Honors Diploma. The primary differences required for earning an Honors Diploma are listed here:

1. 4 years required of Science, Math, and English
2. Minimum of 6 Honors, AP, or Concurrent Classes required
3. Minimum 3.25 G.P.A.
4. No Grade lower than C
5. 27 Total Credits

• There will be a change in social studies course pathway beginning next year. All sophomores will take World History as a required course. Incoming freshmen will take Oklahoma History (Semester Course) and Life Skills (Semester Course). The life skills course will include personal financial literacy, cpr/first aid, high school transition support, and life skills which help build student "soft-skills" Examples: resume writing, mock interviews, etc. Current freshmen will take Government (semester course) as seniors. Government (civics) will be offered as a senior level course moving forward. It was previously offered as a sophomore level course.
• We will offer Advanced Placement (AP) World History as a new course next year. This is a college-level course for sophomore students who are prepared and want to challenge themselves academically. We will certainly encourage our current Honors English 1 students to consider this course.
• Girl's Show Choir (select choir) will be offered next year. This will be an extension of our Vocal Music program led by Cindy Donaldson. I've copied below specific information about this course below:

Overview - this musical ensemble combines choral singing with choreographed dance with an overarching theme. This is an auditioned class of 12-15 students who will compete, travel to festivals and open theaters and for shows. The students who are chosen for this choir must have high scores from past teachers in the area of academics, attitude and dependability. The students in this group will be required to do extensive fundraising and be willing to practice some after school/evening and on the occasional weekend. This is a year long class.

• Aviation 1 Students will transition to Aviation 2. We will offer two sections of aviation next year: Aviation 1 and Aviation 2.
• Esports will continue to be offered as an elective course.
• Please see new virtual elective options (detailed in my Principal Message at the top of this newsletter

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO PLAN AHEAD IN REGARDS TO PRE-ENROLLMENT.

Please be sure to stay updated on all things counseling from Ms. Feroli. Click on the Counselor's Corner tab below for all relevant info. This newsletter is updated throughout the year and includes many important resources and info including:

• ACT Info
• Graduation Requirements
• FAFSA info
• Oklahoma's Promise
• Curriculum Guides
• Graduation pathways
• and much more

3/6 (WED): Advisory: Pre-Enrollment / Senior Meetings

3/27 (WED): Advisory: Pre-Enrollment / Senior Meetings

4/3 (WED): Advisory: OK Career Guide (ICAP Requirements)

4/10 (WED): ACT TEST - All Juniors

4/15 (MON): US History Test (OSTP) - ALL Juniors

4/17 (WED): Advisory: OK Career Guide (ICAP Requirements)

4/24 (WED): Science Test (OSTP) - ALL Juniors

The senior website is can be accessed by clicking on the link below. It includes important updates and information relevant to seniors and parents.

Senior sponsors:

Michael O'Neal: onealm@purcellps.org

Amber Findley: findleya@purcellps.org

Register Now for This Fall’s ACT College and Career Readiness Workshops

Start your 2023-24 school year off right with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from college and career readiness experts and to network with fellow counselors in your region. We’ll cover trends, tips, and tools to help keep your students fully informed and prepared to start their post-high school journeys.

• All workshops are free to attend.
• A variety of in-person and virtual workshops are available.
• Some events focus on specific ACT solutions.

Sign Me Up!

Ms. Jenny Allen-Price recently took her students to McClain Bank as part of her ongoing unit focusing on financial literacy and life skills for her classes. Students received a tour of the bank, lunch, and ongoing lessons on personal financial managements. This was such an amazing opportunity for our students. Thank you McClain Bank for this opportunity.

Congratulations to PHS Junior Dee Clevenger. Her personal narrative "Chameleon" was published in the 2024 Young Writers Anthology. We are so pleased to see Dee's talents recognized. She received numerous compliments from others across the state. Dee is an English student with PHS Teacher Sam Resendiz. Click on graphic below for more info!

#phsdragons

Our Aviation class toured the Stafford Air & Space Museum (SASM) in

Weatherford, OK this week. Pictured below is a Saturn 5 Rocket. Thank you Jack McNeely for providing our students this outside the classroom learning experience. #phsdragons

PHS had a very successful day at TSA Regionals in Alex with several students performing official duties for OKTSA, running for Regional and State Offices for 2024, and qualifying for TSA State in April. We are awaiting final results and will announce State Qualifiers ASAP.

Students competed at the District Choir competition today. There were 4 superior scores and 2 excellent. Noria Stell, Rose Allen, Genesis Guerra, and Tallon Jones qualified for State! Thank you Cindy Donaldson, PHS Vocal Music Director. Thanks to Candy Tuck for sponsoring!

This amazing start-up is part of our PHS Transitions program led by Jenny Allen-Price. They are ready to come serve you hot beverages with a smile! Also pictured is Susan Bennett, one of our amazing paras!

contact: allenj@purcellps.org

The riddle for February was : I have keys but can't open locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but can't go inside. The answer was a computer or gaming keyboard or the most unique answer a typewriter.

Dragons Riddle Me This...

What is stronger than God. More evil than the Devil. Poor people have it and rich people want it. And if you eat it you'll die.

Make sure to stop by during passing period to Ms. AP's room, 149, to write your answer and name on a yellow sticky note and drop it in the basket outside of my room. Winners will receive a free beverage of their choice from Dragon Brew on Tuesday. Good Luck!

PHS students Bridgette Giron, Vanessa Montoya, Madison Jarvis, Shaylee Scott, Jayden Polk, Preston Kane, Cooper Selman, and Daxon Moss attended Miracle Mindset @ OU today along with PHS Counselor Melissa Feroli. This is an early outreach college access program through OU. PHS alums and current OU students Mercer Martin '23 and Angela Resendiz '20 helped facilitate the events. The students had a blast and got an early glimpse of the college world! #phsdragons

One of my favorite things to do as principal is attend the Freshmen English Class Poetry Cafe. Jasmine Quinonez, freshman english teacher, hosts the cafe each year. This provides an opportunity for our students to showcase their work and for some to step outside their comfort zone. Providing students a platform to make their work public, even in a small setting, can significantly increase student learning.

#phsdragons

• After school tutoring is available Mon-Thurs from 3:15--5PM. PHS teachers provide direct and individual tutoring including access to a Math teacher nightly. There will be tutoring available this week.
• Teachers are available to meet daily from 11:45 -- Noon in their classrooms. Students should make arrangements with teachers.
• There are outside tutoring options available (listed under parent resources at the bottom of the newsletter,

Reading Enrichment Programs --- see contact info below

Summer 2024

see flyers below in English & Espanol

Ann Carls

Program Director

phone: (800) 964-1600 ext. 4191

fax: (888) 296-5456

Last week Seniors Payton Bounds and Kaydence Townsend and Junior Franklin Linker visited the State Capital to advocate to our state legislators about healthy habits in our schools. These students are our Youth Action Health Leadership (YAHL)representatives. They were chosen for this honor by YAHL leadership based on their outstanding work and advocacy promoting healthy habits in our school.

Youth Action for Health Leadership Oklahoma.(YAHL) is a youth-led health initiative in OK funded by TSET. Our main focus is to encourage healthy habits amongst teens including increased physical activity, healthier eating habits, and ending vaping amongst our youth. I'm extremely proud of these students and grateful to the leadership of our YAHL reps.

The yearbook class has been working hard on making a great yearbook this year. See attached flyer and link for purchase. Thank you HS Yearbook class and sponsor Leigh Ann McGregor for your hard work!

https://www.balfour.com/oklahoma/purcell/purcell-high-school

The Purcell FFA Bonus Auction, along with Veterans Day and of course Graduation, ranks amongst my favorite PHS events. It's such a special night recognizing the hard work of our FFA students. A special thanks to parents, community, and business supporters!

2024 Grand State Archery. Super proud of these groups. They have been working hard all year. Can’t wait to see what next year holds for them. Matthew Swanner finished 9th in 7th grade boys! High School was just 34 points away from a National Qualifying score. New PR: Constance U, Jennifer M, Taizen H, Naomi M & Jae S.

Purcell Dragon Esports is back and starting strong with a 3-0 victory!

Lj fell in the first round but came back to win the next two rounds to win his match.

Aidan and Rafael swept all of their rounds to give us the win!

Cheer tryouts are open to anyone and do NOT require previous cheer experience. Please contact April Trumbo or Grant Gish if you have questions.

April Trumbo

trumboa@purcellps.org

Grant Gish

gishg@purcellps.org

Thank you Basketball Teams & Coaches.

Our girls lost Thursday evening in the first round of the Area Tournament marking the end of the basketball season. Congratulations to players, coaches, and managers on a great season. PHS Lady Dragons finished the season 20-7 and ranked #15 in Class 4A. Thank you coaches Toney Cooper and Mandy Clay for your hard work and sacrifices leading such a successful season. Best of luck to our seniors Alyssa Thompson and Jenna Avery.

The boys lost in regionals and finished the season 12-14. Kylen Defreeze was the only senior on a young squad. We thank Kylen and wish him the best of luck. Thank you coaches Roger Raper, Camden Patterson, and Jeremy Pruitt for you hard work and long hours leading this team.

I would like to extend a special thanks to our coaches. As a former basketball coach I know how long and grueling a season can be. It certainly has it ups and downs and nothing is more memorable than the special connections you make with student athletes. It also can mean long hours away from your family and many personal sacrifices. I would urge all parents to take an opportunity to thank our coaches for all of their efforts in support of our student athletes. These opportunities for our students are not possible without the efforts of dedicated and committed coaches.

PHS Tennis brought home hardware from our opener at the Byng tournament. 1 and 2 doubles Katy Keith/ Karlee Tolle & Allison Pendley/Carli Thomas were consolation champs. Everyone played great! LOVE TO SEE ALL THE TENNIS PLAYERS! Next up is the Duncan Tournament this Tuesday!

Our soccer teams started their inaugural seasons with a home festival and road festival at Noble in addition to a pre-season match at CCS. It's been an exciting start to the season with the boys picking up their first win @ Noble Festival vs. Mcloud. The first goal scorers in PHS Soccer History were freshmen Carlos Lara for the boys and Junior Ximena Gutierrez for the girls. Both teams will have their regular season opener at Del City Monday night.

Our baseball began their season this week with two tough losses to Class 5A Shawnee and Noble. This will an exciting team this year and be sure to catch a game. They are back in action this week including home games vs. Chickasha and Davis.

At high school athletic events, do you:

-Keep your cool OR come unglued?

-Show empathy OR criticize?

-Accept the officials’ calls OR shout obscenities?

Our character is ALWAYS showing. How does YOURS look?

#BenchBadBehavior

Rank One Forms are now available to be completed. Visit rankonesport.com or scan the QR code to complete your athletic forms for the 23-24 school year.

The Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Council will host the annual Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Camp (OKYPC), July 14-19 on the Murray State College Campus in Tishomingo, OK.

and

Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Camp (OKYPC), July 28-Aug 2 on the OK Panhandle State University Campus in Goodwell, OK.

The free overnight camp is open to students grades 9-12. Participants will stay in MSC or OPSU residence halls. All will need their own transportation to and from the campus.

The camp is geared to students who want to help their school and family become more prepared for emergency situations. Students will learn about community action planning and gain basic emergency response skills. At the end of the camp, all participants, including adult chaperones, will get a 20-hour Community Emergency Response Team certificate. The camp is a great chance for students to develop leadership capabilities while having fun. They will leave with the basic life skills needed to improve the safety and resilience in their homes, schools, and communities. Preparing these students is the greatest gift we can give them.

All students (teams) must have a chaperone (s) that will be attending the camp also.

The deadline to register is June 1, 2024.

Murray State College Link

Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1guxObo3ghnYDZdFCXfp-pnq0ag0U_WBCtrK4MLTsKSM/edit or through QR code on poster.

OK Panhandle State University Link
Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hlcVljQdJjmhIuOlh5LahjlZ0ILdbAFpftcyZl2tw-k/edit or through the QR code on poster.

About the Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Council:

Since 2019, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security have worked with local emergency managers, tribes, volunteer agencies, youth and FEMA Region 6 to develop the Oklahoma Youth Preparedness Council. The council educates Oklahoma youth in emergency preparedness to develop future generations of resilient adults.

To learn how you can support the council and the OKYPC camp. For more information, please contact tracey.bender@okohs.ok.gov.

Registration is now open for the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps (OMTC) for the 2023-24 school year. This high-dosage tutoring program is available for Oklahoma students in grades 7, 8 and 9, providing 50-minute virtual tutoring sessions three times a week in groups of no more than four students.

Along with feedback from students and families, 78% of 7th and 8th grade students who participated during the 2022-23 school year had 2023 assessment scores within the same performance level as in 2022 or improved a performance level. Remaining at the same performance level is considered growth as the state’s academic standards increase in complexity each grade level. Please note, 9th grade does not have a state assessment, so we do not have testing information on them.

OSDE’s Math Tutoring Corps will host two sessions during the 2023-24 school year. The first runs September 17 through November 18, and the second in Spring 2024. Each session can accommodate up to 1,500 students and students are eligible to participate in one or both of the sessions. Families and students can register through this link. The OSDE will provide any needed technology or internet access, and tutoring schedules will occur during students’ free time outside of the school day.

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