Congratulations to Lila Langford, our PCES Superintendent Student of the Month!

✨ PCHS’ Walk Down Memory Lane
Today was full of emotion, pride, and unforgettable moments as the Putnam County High School Class of 2026 took a special “Walk Down Memory Lane.” 🎓 Our seniors returned to the very halls where their journeys began—visiting their primary, elementary, and middle schools. What once felt big and overwhelming now felt like home again, filled with memories of how far they’ve come.
As they walked through the corridors, they were welcomed with cheers, smiles, and applause from students and teachers—creating a truly heartwarming and electric atmosphere. There were hugs, laughter, and meaningful reunions with former teachers who have been part of their story from the very beginning. And for the younger students watching, the message was clear: this WILL be you one day. 💙
*STAY TUNED....full video dropping Thursday! To view all pictures from today's Walk Down Memory Lane, please visit the District's Facebook page.
Today was full of emotion, pride, and unforgettable moments as the Putnam County High School Class of 2026 took a special “Walk Down Memory Lane.” 🎓 Our seniors returned to the very halls where their journeys began—visiting their primary, elementary, and middle schools. What once felt big and overwhelming now felt like home again, filled with memories of how far they’ve come.
As they walked through the corridors, they were welcomed with cheers, smiles, and applause from students and teachers—creating a truly heartwarming and electric atmosphere. There were hugs, laughter, and meaningful reunions with former teachers who have been part of their story from the very beginning. And for the younger students watching, the message was clear: this WILL be you one day. 💙
*STAY TUNED....full video dropping Thursday! To view all pictures from today's Walk Down Memory Lane, please visit the District's Facebook page.

Friday, May 22, 2026—our last day of school—will follow an early release schedule. ⚠️Any transportation changes for this day (Friday) need to be turned in by THURSDAY‼️

Parents, please fill out this survey! Thank you so much!
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sBkm5-wem02v5wrhPWLxr6TLj6zb3zBFg3gzPCW5_otUN0FKSFRZUUZETkw2M05ZNFU1Tk9WV04yVC4u

Want to make a difference in the lives of Putnam County students?
By serving as an advocate for the Putnam Education Foundation's Board, you can join a passionate group of community leaders dedicated to connecting resources with real student needs. If you’re ready to lead, advocate, and create lasting impact, follow the link to apply: https://putnameducationfoundation.org/2026/05/board-recruit/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxRwpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeNrfy4ykpohoMorwOk5U5gE_0fLY6wkStLT14yhJsSP6aN9Lq4JNNXHh-aAY_aem_EugR3mI2sBr8LqBaEmsHLw
By serving as an advocate for the Putnam Education Foundation's Board, you can join a passionate group of community leaders dedicated to connecting resources with real student needs. If you’re ready to lead, advocate, and create lasting impact, follow the link to apply: https://putnameducationfoundation.org/2026/05/board-recruit/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxRwpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeNrfy4ykpohoMorwOk5U5gE_0fLY6wkStLT14yhJsSP6aN9Lq4JNNXHh-aAY_aem_EugR3mI2sBr8LqBaEmsHLw

On behalf of the entire Putnam County Charter School System and our community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to this year’s retirees for their years of dedicated service and meaningful contributions. Through your commitment, patience, and compassion, you have touched countless lives, guiding students along their educational journeys and helping them grow into confident, capable individuals.
Your influence reaches far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues, administrators, families, and the many students you have inspired. Day after day, you went above and beyond, exemplifying excellence, service, and professionalism in all that you did.
Your legacy lives on in the successes of your students and in the respect and admiration of those who have had the privilege of working alongside you. You have truly made us #PutnamProud, and we are deeply thankful for the enduring mark you have left on our schools and community. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and for being an inspiration to us all. *To view all the pictures from last night's Retirement Reception, please visit the District's Facebook page.
Your influence reaches far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues, administrators, families, and the many students you have inspired. Day after day, you went above and beyond, exemplifying excellence, service, and professionalism in all that you did.
Your legacy lives on in the successes of your students and in the respect and admiration of those who have had the privilege of working alongside you. You have truly made us #PutnamProud, and we are deeply thankful for the enduring mark you have left on our schools and community. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and for being an inspiration to us all. *To view all the pictures from last night's Retirement Reception, please visit the District's Facebook page.









🍎 Teacher Appreciation Week 🍎
This week, we celebrate the heart of our schools—our teachers. Your dedication, patience, and passion shape lives every single day, often in ways unseen but never unfelt.
Join us in saying THANK YOU to the educators who inspire, encourage, and believe in our students!📚
This week, we celebrate the heart of our schools—our teachers. Your dedication, patience, and passion shape lives every single day, often in ways unseen but never unfelt.
Join us in saying THANK YOU to the educators who inspire, encourage, and believe in our students!📚

Congratulations to PCES third grade teacher, Mrs. Flores, on her retirement! Thank you for all of the love and dedication you have poured into our PCES students. We will truly miss her so much and wish her the best in her retirement! 💙♥️

🌿 May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to educate, advocate, and connect around the importance of mental well-being
This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” reminds us that everyone’s “good day” looks different—and that by supporting each other, we can all have more of them.
💚 Your mental health matters.
💚Practice daily self-care
💚 Reach out when you need support
💚 Advocate for open conversations in your community
Let’s create a world where mental health is valued and supported—today and every day. Together, we can create a workplace where mental health is valued, supported, and prioritized—because when we thrive mentally, we all have more good days.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to educate, advocate, and connect around the importance of mental well-being
This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” reminds us that everyone’s “good day” looks different—and that by supporting each other, we can all have more of them.
💚 Your mental health matters.
💚Practice daily self-care
💚 Reach out when you need support
💚 Advocate for open conversations in your community
Let’s create a world where mental health is valued and supported—today and every day. Together, we can create a workplace where mental health is valued, supported, and prioritized—because when we thrive mentally, we all have more good days.

Happy Principal's Day to our very own Mrs. Smith! PCES is so thankful to have her and her wonderful leadership! 💙♥️

We can't wait to celebrate our 5th graders!

What a truly special evening it was as we celebrated our talented Young Georgia Authors at a reception hosted at the Georgia Writers Museum last night. First, second, and third place winners from each grade level, kindergarten through twelfth grade, were recognized for their outstanding writing achievements. 📖
One of the most exciting moments of the night was watching our first-place winners see their writing brought to life as a book of their own—an unforgettable experience for these young authors. In addition, our SEVEN region winners were honored with trophies in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments.
Judging by the promise shown in their work, it’s not hard to imagine some of these authors appearing on future best-seller lists one day! 📚
*To view all the pictures from last night's Young Georgia Author's Reception please visit the District's Facebook page.
One of the most exciting moments of the night was watching our first-place winners see their writing brought to life as a book of their own—an unforgettable experience for these young authors. In addition, our SEVEN region winners were honored with trophies in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments.
Judging by the promise shown in their work, it’s not hard to imagine some of these authors appearing on future best-seller lists one day! 📚
*To view all the pictures from last night's Young Georgia Author's Reception please visit the District's Facebook page.









Don’t miss it—our LAST in-person Summer Inspiration Registration is happening Wednesday, April 22nd at the Board of Education Office!
📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Putnam County Board of Education Office
For a full list of camps or to find out additional information about our Summer Inspiration program, please visit: https://www.putnam.k12.ga.us/page/summer-inspiration
📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Putnam County Board of Education Office
For a full list of camps or to find out additional information about our Summer Inspiration program, please visit: https://www.putnam.k12.ga.us/page/summer-inspiration

3rd grade teacher Brandi Huskins also won a grant from the Putnam Education Foundation! Check out what Mrs. Huskins has to say about her grant. Congratulations, Mrs. Huskins!

Congratulations to our April H.E.A.R.T. Award Winners! ❤️
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we had the honor of recognizing two outstanding members of our PCCSS family — Mrs. Tracy Surmelin, one of our dedicated Facilities Maintenance Specialists, and Mr. Larry Dunn from our Putnam County Primary School Guest Services Department!
These two incredible individuals go above and beyond in their roles each and every day. Whether it’s keeping our schools running smoothly behind the scenes or creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors, they truly exemplify what it means to serve with heart. Their commitment, positivity, and willingness to support others make a lasting impact across our district.
We are so proud to celebrate Mrs. Surmelin and Mr. Dunn for their hard work and dedication. Thank you both for all you do and for representing the very best of the PCCSS family! ❤️ #PutnamProud


We are also excited to share that Valerie Padgett, 4th grade teacher at PCES, has been awarded a grant from the Putnam Education Foundation!
This grant will support a new classroom initiative focused on strengthening students’ skills in data and measurement—an area identified as a need based on recent math assessment results. Through this project, students will participate in daily calendar math activities and weekly measurement practice, collecting and charting real-world data such as time, weather, and money.
In addition, students will engage in weekly math centers that incorporate games and hands-on manipulatives to make learning interactive and meaningful. These activities are designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and improve overall math achievement.
We are incredibly grateful to the Putnam Education Foundation for their generous support of innovative classroom projects like this one. Their investment helps provide enriching educational experiences that directly benefit our students.
Congratulations, Ms. Padgett!
This grant will support a new classroom initiative focused on strengthening students’ skills in data and measurement—an area identified as a need based on recent math assessment results. Through this project, students will participate in daily calendar math activities and weekly measurement practice, collecting and charting real-world data such as time, weather, and money.
In addition, students will engage in weekly math centers that incorporate games and hands-on manipulatives to make learning interactive and meaningful. These activities are designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and improve overall math achievement.
We are incredibly grateful to the Putnam Education Foundation for their generous support of innovative classroom projects like this one. Their investment helps provide enriching educational experiences that directly benefit our students.
Congratulations, Ms. Padgett!
Congratulations to Mrs. Sara Burrell on winning a grant from the Putnam Education Foundation! Here is what Mrs. Burrell has to say about her grant:
My name is Sara Burrell, and I am the gifted and advanced content teacher and program coordinator here at PCES. I am excited to share that many of our students will be participating in an incredible hands-on science experience next year, made possible through a generous grant from the Putnam Education Foundation.
Through this opportunity, students will take on the role of real scientists as they design their own experiments to explore how different systems—such as plants, liquids, and microorganisms—might behave in a microgravity environment. Working in teams, they will ask meaningful questions, develop hypotheses, design experiments within real-world constraints, and present their findings.
This project goes beyond traditional science instruction by immersing students in authentic scientific inquiry. It encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving while helping students build confidence in their ability to explore complex ideas.
We are incredibly grateful to the Putnam Education Foundation for making this innovative learning experience possible and for supporting opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of STEM in our students.
My name is Sara Burrell, and I am the gifted and advanced content teacher and program coordinator here at PCES. I am excited to share that many of our students will be participating in an incredible hands-on science experience next year, made possible through a generous grant from the Putnam Education Foundation.
Through this opportunity, students will take on the role of real scientists as they design their own experiments to explore how different systems—such as plants, liquids, and microorganisms—might behave in a microgravity environment. Working in teams, they will ask meaningful questions, develop hypotheses, design experiments within real-world constraints, and present their findings.
This project goes beyond traditional science instruction by immersing students in authentic scientific inquiry. It encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving while helping students build confidence in their ability to explore complex ideas.
We are incredibly grateful to the Putnam Education Foundation for making this innovative learning experience possible and for supporting opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of STEM in our students.
We are excited to share that our awesome agriculture teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Harper, has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Putnam Education Foundation for our project, “Pollinators and Poultry: A School Farm Learning Lab.”
This grant will support our school’s agriculture program through a pollinator garden, poultry learning lab, and hands-on experiences where students will explore plant and animal life cycles in a real-world setting.
We are also excited to begin hatching chicks in the classroom, giving students the chance to witness the incredible process of life up close and learn about animal development in a meaningful, hands-on way.
We are truly grateful to the Putnam Education Foundation for helping bring this exciting learning opportunity to our students.
Congratulations Mrs. Harper!!!


Our next Summer Inspiration Registration is happening NEXT WEEK!
📅 Tuesday, April 14th 2026
⌚️12:30pm to 4:30pm
📍Putnam County Board of Education Office
To see the full list of camps or learn more about upcoming registration dates, please visit https://www.putnam.k12.ga.us/page/summer-inspiration
📅 Tuesday, April 14th 2026
⌚️12:30pm to 4:30pm
📍Putnam County Board of Education Office
To see the full list of camps or learn more about upcoming registration dates, please visit https://www.putnam.k12.ga.us/page/summer-inspiration

✨ 4th Annual War Eagle Games — What an Incredible Day! ✨
Today we celebrated one of our favorite traditions — the 4th Annual War Eagle Games — and what a phenomenal day it was! Our students showed courage, joy, determination, and teamwork from start to finish, and their smiles said everything. *To see all the pictures from today's War Eagle Games, please visit the District's Facebook page.
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this event unforgettable. Your energy, flexibility, and heart created a space where every athlete felt seen, supported, and celebrated.
From the cheers in the stands to the high‑fives on the field, today reflected the very best of Putnam County — unity, pride, and a deep love for our students. We are so proud of every participant and grateful for every helping hand that made this day possible. War Eagle Games 2026… another one for the books! 🦅
Today we celebrated one of our favorite traditions — the 4th Annual War Eagle Games — and what a phenomenal day it was! Our students showed courage, joy, determination, and teamwork from start to finish, and their smiles said everything. *To see all the pictures from today's War Eagle Games, please visit the District's Facebook page.
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this event unforgettable. Your energy, flexibility, and heart created a space where every athlete felt seen, supported, and celebrated.
From the cheers in the stands to the high‑fives on the field, today reflected the very best of Putnam County — unity, pride, and a deep love for our students. We are so proud of every participant and grateful for every helping hand that made this day possible. War Eagle Games 2026… another one for the books! 🦅










