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! 🦅
We are grateful to everyone who joined us for a wonderful 2nd Annual Bloom & Thrive Festival yesterday. With a terrific turnout, families and students enjoyed an engaging afternoon connecting with teachers, school staff, and community partners in a welcoming environment. Participants explored health check stations, children’s activities, learning resources organized by grade level, and enjoyed popcorn, refreshments, gifts, and giveaways.
Teachers from Head Start through 5th grade were on hand to meet families and help build early connections that support a smooth transition into the next school year. Thank you for helping us celebrate learning, growth, and community together—we can’t wait to see you again next year! 🌷
Teachers from Head Start through 5th grade were on hand to meet families and help build early connections that support a smooth transition into the next school year. Thank you for helping us celebrate learning, growth, and community together—we can’t wait to see you again next year! 🌷
Throughout the week, our campuses were filled with excitement and pride as each school hosted a Torch Walk to celebrate our exceptional War Eagle athletes! 🦅
Teachers, staff, and students lined the halls to cheer them on with high fives, chants, and nonstop encouragement as they prepare for tomorrow’s War Eagle Games. The energy has been incredible, and the support has meant so much to our athletes. 🎉* Please check out the FULL VIDEO and pictures on the District's Facebook page!
And don’t forget—TOMORROW is our 4th Annual WAR EAGLE GAMES! Come out and show your support for our exceptional athletes. Let’s keep the pride going!
Teachers, staff, and students lined the halls to cheer them on with high fives, chants, and nonstop encouragement as they prepare for tomorrow’s War Eagle Games. The energy has been incredible, and the support has meant so much to our athletes. 🎉* Please check out the FULL VIDEO and pictures on the District's Facebook page!
And don’t forget—TOMORROW is our 4th Annual WAR EAGLE GAMES! Come out and show your support for our exceptional athletes. Let’s keep the pride going!
Don't forget about our 2nd Annual Bloom & Thrive Festival happening TOMORROW from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Putnam County Recreation Department!
This family-friendly event gives students and families a chance to connect with teachers, school staff, and community resources while enjoying activities for kids, refreshments, giveaways, and learning resources by grade level. Teachers from Head Start through 6th grade will be there to meet families and help support a smooth transition into the new school year.
This family-friendly event gives students and families a chance to connect with teachers, school staff, and community resources while enjoying activities for kids, refreshments, giveaways, and learning resources by grade level. Teachers from Head Start through 6th grade will be there to meet families and help support a smooth transition into the new school year.
Don't forget- Summer Inspiration Registration is happening TODAY!
📅 Monday, March 30th 2026
⌚️7:30am to 12:30pm
📍Putnam County Board of Education
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
📅 Monday, March 30th 2026
⌚️7:30am to 12:30pm
📍Putnam County Board of Education
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
🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Whitney Smith and Mrs. Monica Macklin! Please join us in celebrating our Putnam County Elementary School Principal, Ms. Whitney Smith, and our Putnam County Middle School Principal, Mrs. Monica Macklin, for successfully graduating from the GAEL New Principals Institute!
This accomplishment reflects their dedication to leadership, growth, and excellence in serving our students, staff, and community. We are proud to have such strong, passionate leaders guiding our schools!
This accomplishment reflects their dedication to leadership, growth, and excellence in serving our students, staff, and community. We are proud to have such strong, passionate leaders guiding our schools!
Don't forget that • TOMORROW • is our Putnam County Child Find Fair and Screening!
📅 Date: March 25th, 2026
📍 Location: Putnam County Board of Education
🔍 What to Expect: Developmental screenings, information about special education services, and guidance from supportive school staff.
📲 Scan the QR code to register.
📅 Date: March 25th, 2026
📍 Location: Putnam County Board of Education
🔍 What to Expect: Developmental screenings, information about special education services, and guidance from supportive school staff.
📲 Scan the QR code to register.
Congratulations to PCES' March Superintendent Student of the Month, Jai Hargrove!
Putnam County Elementary School’s Pickleball Club is Off to an Amazing Start!
We’re thrilled to kick off the inaugural year of the PCES Pickleball Club! Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders have been bringing the energy—and the skills—every week after school.
Whether students bring their own paddles from home or use the school’s equipment, they’re jumping right in and learning fast! Through pickleball, our kids are building hand‑eye coordination, sharpening reaction time, and developing quick, confident footwork that can help them in all kinds of sports and activities.
We love seeing their excitement, teamwork, and growth each week. Stay tuned—there’s so much more fun to come from this awesome group of young athletes!
Students may wear crazy socks on Friday, March 20, to help us celebrate World Down Syndrome day!
Yesterday we held our very first Summer Inspiration registration event for 2026—and what an incredible turnout we had! With such a wide variety of camp options available, we’re committed to helping every child discover a program that excites them, fuels their creativity, and turns their summer into an inspiring adventure. We’re excited to create meaningful, memorable experiences for all Summer Inspiration participants and help make this summer truly unforgettable!
If you weren’t able to join us yesterday, we are offering two additional registration opportunities: Monday, March 30th from 7:30 AM–12:30 PM and Tuesday, April 14th from 12:30 PM–4:30 PM, both at the Board of Education office. To explore the full list of camps or learn more about upcoming registration dates, please visit https://www.putnam.k12.ga.us/page/summer-inspiration
If you weren’t able to join us yesterday, we are offering two additional registration opportunities: Monday, March 30th from 7:30 AM–12:30 PM and Tuesday, April 14th from 12:30 PM–4:30 PM, both at the Board of Education office. To explore the full list of camps or learn more about upcoming registration dates, please visit https://www.putnam.k12.ga.us/page/summer-inspiration
Congratulations to our March H.E.A.R.T. Award Winners! ❤️
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we had the absolute pleasure of honoring two incredibly special members of our PCCSS family — Ms. Erica Barksdale, Para at Putnam County Elementary School, and Mrs. Suzie Davis, Accounting Specialist at our Board Office!
These two remarkable ladies consistently go above and beyond in everything they do. They embody the true spirit of teamwork, offer unwavering support to their colleagues, and genuinely care about the people they serve each day. Their dedication helps make our district a better place for our children, our staff, and our community.
We are so proud to celebrate Ms. Barksdale and Mrs. Davis for their heartfelt service and commitment. Thank you for the impact you make and for representing the very best of the PCCSS Family!
At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we had the absolute pleasure of honoring two incredibly special members of our PCCSS family — Ms. Erica Barksdale, Para at Putnam County Elementary School, and Mrs. Suzie Davis, Accounting Specialist at our Board Office!
These two remarkable ladies consistently go above and beyond in everything they do. They embody the true spirit of teamwork, offer unwavering support to their colleagues, and genuinely care about the people they serve each day. Their dedication helps make our district a better place for our children, our staff, and our community.
We are so proud to celebrate Ms. Barksdale and Mrs. Davis for their heartfelt service and commitment. Thank you for the impact you make and for representing the very best of the PCCSS Family!
