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

Please note there is a possibility for severe weather early Monday morning. Parents are encouraged to monitor the forecast as timing of possible storms can change. We will monitor the weather closely later this weekend and early Monday. Please watch for any possible notices from the district office.

Dear Parents,

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I wish to take a moment to reflect on the importance of gratitude. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can significantly improve our mental and emotional well-being. It fosters positive relationships, reduces stress, and enhances overall happiness. I'm grateful for the outstanding support we are given at the high school from our parents and community members.

Encouraging our students to cultivate a sense of gratitude can have a profound impact on their lives. When they learn to appreciate the good things in their lives, they develop a more optimistic outlook, greater resilience, and a stronger sense of connection to others. It's sometimes the most simple things in life that are often overlooked or missed when we are young. It's important for adults, who may have more perspective and experience, to help our kids find meaning and show gratitude for these simple things.

This Thanksgiving, let's all make an effort to express our gratitude, both to our students and to each other. Again, I'm extremely thankful for the support this community shows to public education.

Jason

Please feel free to text or call me if I can help

Cell: 918-873-0354

There will be no Parent Newsletter following Thanksgiving Week break due to no school or activities. The next Parent Newsletter will be sent on December 7. Social media updates will continue as normal and any important information will be sent to parents via email. Thanks for keeping up with all things PHS!

We honored Veterans Day with our annual ceremony and luncheon. It is an honor and privilege to host this special event each year. Thank you to Sgt. Zack Fleming for providing an important reminder for all of us to be thankful for our freedoms and our Veterans who serve to protect them. A special thanks to our National Honor Society students and sponsor April Trumbo for their hard work planning this event. I would also like to thank our Band & Choir students as well as David Hilger, Jacob Willing, and Cindy Donaldson. Thank you Veterans.

Congratulations Matt Lohn: PHS Staff of the Month! Matt teaches Algebra 1 and is our head boys' basketball coach. This is Matt's first year at PHS and he is also a proud Dragon Alum. Class of 2006! Read a couple of tributes of Matt's work from two of his colleagues:

Coach Lohn has cultivated a strong culture that prioritizes academics and personal growth. He has a classroom culture of academics first and athletics second. This is a difficult task to accomplish. It shows his high level of integrity by consistently challenging his students in the classroom, setting high expectations and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

---Jon Corea, PHS Art Teacher

Coach Lohn really has come in and done an amazing job with the boys' basketball team. I have had the privilege of watching him coach a few scrimmages and can see that the students not only play for each other but they play for him as well. He has high expectations for his students and his student athletes.

---Jenny Allen-Price, PHS English & Special Education Teacher

Our cheer squad competed at Game Day State Saturday. We are so proud of all the hard work you put in this year. Your performance was excellent. Our crowd definitely came out to support our girls, and they were loud. Congratulations to our cheer squad and Coach Gish. Go Dragons!

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A CHANCE FOR SEVERE WEATHER THIS MONDAY MORNING.

We experienced a significant severe weather event Monday, November 4th. We moved students and staff to our shelter locations when tornado warned storms were reported in the area. Site administrators monitor local news coverage of weather during severe weather outbreaks. Students were moved into shelter locations before storms sirens were activated. We remained sheltered for approximately 40 minutes until an all clear was given. Here are a few key takeaways from this event. It's always important to reflect on our safety procedures following any significant events.

• It was helpful that many of our students remained home that day. (the district announced around 7:30 AM that this would be considered a virtual day) This can be a difficult decision for parents and we understand many parents do not have the option of staying home with kids during a severe weather outbreak.
• Once a severe weather warning is announced, all students and staff will be moved to shelter locations and the school will be placed on lockdown. No one can leave the building and anyone immediately outside the building will be asked to shelter inside or encouraged to seek permanent shelter. We had very few parents attempting to check-out their student during the tornado warning. Parents SHOULD NOT come to the school if a tornado warning is declared and a lockdown/shelter declared. This creates an unsafe situation for parents and potentially the school. You should be assured that we will always prioritize the safety of your student.
• This was a strong reminder that tornadoes and severe weather can occur any time of year. Oklahoma weather is highly unpredictable and potentially extremely dangerous. Lightning and floods cause more fatalities than tornados. It's important for every household to have a weather safety plan and regularly discuss what to do in case of a weather emergency.

We are approaching Winter Weather season. This is a good opportunity to remind parents of important winter weather tips.

As winter approaches, we want to remind you of the importance of winter weather safety. Please take a moment to review the following tips to help keep your student safe:

• Dress Warmly: Ensure your child wears layers of warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, and a warm coat.
• Winter Footwear: Make sure your child has appropriate winter boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
• Stay Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, even though they may not feel thirsty.
• Be Aware of Weather Alerts: Stay informed about weather conditions and alerts.
• Bus Safety: Remind your child to wait for the bus at the designated stop and to stay clear of the street.
• Walking Safety: If your child walks to school, remind them to cross at crosswalks and to be aware of traffic.

By following these simple tips, we can help ensure a safe and enjoyable winter season for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Our Counselor's Corner is a resource for all things counseling related. Please click on the link below to access relevant information including Academic Guidance, Student Supports, Scholarships, College & Career counseling, social and emotional supports, and more. This link is updated regularly. Seniors and senior parents can also access the Senior Website which is also linked below.

Highlights:

• The next National ACT test date is December 14. The late registration deadline is Nov 22.
• Seniors: Please be sure to see Ms. Feroli if you have any questions about scholarship applications. There is a link to available scholarships in the Counselor's Corner (linked below)
• FAFSA- Kirk Rushing will be at PHS on December 12th and 13th to assist parents/students with the FAFSA applications. If you would like an appointment, email Mrs. Feroli as soon as possible to ensure your spot.
• The spring semester is fast approaching and graduation season will be here soon. Please note the Senior 2025 Information link below includes all things seniors need to know.

High school seniors, even if you haven’t chosen your college yet, complete the FAFSA now. Don’t wait! Some types of financial aid are first-come, first-served. Learn more at:

https://www.startwithfafsa.org/

Healthcorp is our partnership through the Chickasaw Nation to increase overall student awareness on issues that directly impact their physical and mental health

As we moved into October, our program focus shifted to our "Why Get Physical" module. Last month, students learned about the many benefits of physical activity, not just for physical health but for mental well-being too. The module emphasized that all bodies could benefit from movement and encouraged students to find activities that fit their abilities and preferences.

Sticking with the theme, the TMHH students hosted an energizing "Wheel of Fitness" Health Promoting Event focused on building foundational fitness skills and confidence. In an interactive format, participants learned bodyweight exercises by spinning a wheel to randomly select an exercise, which they then practiced with a set number of reps determined by their second spin. Student facilitators demonstrated proper form before participants took their turns, ensuring everyone could perform the movements safely and effectively. Informational graphics displayed around the space offered additional guidance on daily exercise benefits and practical tips for long-term fitness success. At the end of the HPE, each participant left with a nutritious snack to fuel their progress. One attendee shared, "I always felt intimidated by pushups, but today I realized I can do multiple. I feel much more confident to work out now!"

We are excited to provide an opportunity for rural high school students to take Introduction to American Government (POLS 1113) at virtually no cost this Spring through OSU's Cowboy Concurrent Online program.

Grant funding will provide a limited number of qualified students with free access to the course textbook and/or an internet hotspot for the duration of the semester. After a one-time application fee collected during the first semester of enrollment only, qualified Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors may enroll in concurrent courses, including POLS 1113, tuition- and fee-free.

Your students qualify for the textbook/internet benefit because your school is in a rural-designated district. Grant funds can support a limited number of students on a first-come, first-served basis.

As political science professors, we are passionate about training the next generation to be informed and engaged participants in democracy. In POLS 1113, students benefit from course work optimized for the online setting, including weekly skill-building activities, adaptive readings, and engaging videos. The course has an evidence-based track record of preparing students to be engaged citizens through increased knowledge about and belief that one can make a difference in politics.

Please see the attached flyer for more information on how your students can benefit from this opportunity to take POLS 1113 online through OSU this Spring. We are grateful to Women for OSU for providing funding for students through their Partnering to Impact Grant.

Go Pokes!

Joshua M. Jansa and Eve M. Ringsmuth

Department of Political Science

Oklahoma State University

Dragon Academic Team headed to OSSAA Area Tournament! They placed 3rd in regionals today to advance. (Not pictured is Parker Page).

Congratulations to all team members and Coach Jasmine Quinonez

Our Academic Team had a strong showing last week at the highly competitive conference tournament. We finished 4th out of 12 teams and advanced through 6 of 8 rounds. This competition helps prepare them for OSSAA Regionals this Saturday in Pauls Valley. They are looking to advance to the Area Tournament. Great job Academic Team members and Coach Jasmine Quinonez!

Purcell Aviation 2 students had the opportunity to attend the National Weather Festival in Norman. Students had the opportunity to see among other things, the role aviation plays in weather forecasting and public safety. Thank you Aviation 2 teacher Jack McNeely for providing our students this learning experience.

I would like to recognize our National Honor Society members and sponsor April Trumbo. Today is our Veterans Day Assembly. It's one of the most important events we host. National Honor Society is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing this ceremony recognizing the service of our Veterans. It's an enormous responsibility.

Service is an important aspect of membership to National Honor Society. It's more than just grades and academic standing. Students must complete a minimum number of authentic service hours to meet requirements. This helps us further instill in our students the value of serving your school, community, country, or simply your fellow human beings. It's a value we prioritize at PHS. Here a few examples of recent service hours completed by several NHS nembers:

1. Parker Page and Deaken Dobbins, both Junior Board Members of the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, along with Cara Idlett and Ellie Reed, welcomed trick-or-treaters and their families at the Halloween of the Heart-Treats on the Trail event at Purcell Lake on Saturday, October 26th. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for NHS members to engage with the community and connect with our younger Dragons.

2. Christian Kirk, a member of the National Honor Society, recently volunteered at the National Weather Festival at the University of Oklahoma. An exciting event for anyone interested in weather! The festival, which is perfect for all ages, offers a unique opportunity to explore the National Weather Center, interact with meteorologists, and see displays from the Oklahoma Mesonet, Oklahoma Weather Lab, and more.

Christian's volunteer work at the festival was part of a larger effort, where volunteers had the chance to choose from several shifts and positions to help festival attendees enjoy learning about Oklahoma weather.

Thank you NHS for helping us teach and instill the value of serving something larger than yourself.

Purcell High School’s TSA (Technology Student Association) recently attended the Fall Leadership Conference in Norman. Our students had an amazing opportunity to participate in STEM challenges, build leadership skills, and connect with fellow TSA members from around the region.

Attendees:

Adviser: April Trumbo

TSA State Officer:McKenna Martin

Regional Officer: Kenna Lee

Greyson Lester, Shiv Patel, Preston Kane, Josmar Munoz, Addison Arnold, Reed Clary, Nick Westmoreland

We’re proud of these students for their hard work and dedication to leadership and STEM excellence. Great job, Dragons!

Dee Clevenger, November PHS Student of the Month, is an advanced Art 3 student. She helps teach digital art at the junior high. Students in advanced high school classes gain valuable learning experiences through teaching younger students. Advanced students can apply the basic skills they have mastered and help teach these skills to younger students.

Human Anatomy students and teacher Jack McNeely study the circulatory system and human heart including a dissection of a pig heart.

One of the biggest struggles teachers face in the age of social media is keeping students engaged. When I was a teacher I didn't have to compete with TikTok. Times have changed and even though we don't allow phones in classrooms, even in their absence, phones can be a distraction.

Jenny Allen-Price recently had her 9th & 10th graders "Teach For a Day." Part of the purpose of the assignment is to help students better understand the challenges teachers face in the classroom. In the picture below Liam Hope led the class in a compare and contrast example of trucks and cars before having students come up with their own example. This type of lesson also helps build empathy amongst our students and hopefully helps them become better students. Sometimes "Outside the Box" instruction can be very beneficial to the overall climate of a classroom.

Purcell High School offers students both in-person and online tutoring opportunities Below you will find information about Varsity Tutoring which provides students free, comprehensive, and unlimited access to online help. You can click on the button below this message to access Varsity Tutors.

You can also find the PHS Tutoring schedule below. Math & English tutors are available nightly after school Mon-Thursday. Science tutors are available on Thursday evening.

It was a great night at the Central Area AFR Speech Contest! Congratulations to all of these Purcell FFA and 4H members who worked diligently this semester for our Fall speech season. We had 3 state qualifiers this evening: Carli Thomas- 1st in Sr Natural Resources, Brody Fox- 1st in Jr Agriscience and Grady Fox- 2nd in Jr AFR/OFU. Savannah Mauzerall placed 3rd in Intermediate AFR/OFU.

Purcell Mario Kart and Rocket League are headed to the postseason!

Purcell Mario Kart finished the season 5-3 and #21 in the state of Oklahoma. Bradley McCart, Fatima Diaz, Ezra Stell, Brendan O'Donnell, and AJ Bennett have all raced for the Mario Kart team this semester. They will face off against #12 Cache High School in first round of 32!

Purcell Rocket League finished the regular season 6-2 and #5 in the Great Plains Region. Aidan Blankenship, Brody Anderson, Brody Thurston, and Greyson Lester have competed for the Rocket League team. They will face off against #12 Buhler High School from Kansas in the first round of 16!

Rocket League: Record 4-2, Ranking 15th

Mario Kart: Record 4-3, Ranking 20th

Purcell Smash: Record 4-3, Ranking 47th

Dragon Smash: Record 3-4, Ranking 102nd

The Purcell High School Band had 22 students compete at SWOBDA on Saturday, November 9th at Elgin High School.

8 students made it to the 2024-2025 SWOBDA Honor Band.

Seniors - Leilani Hartleroad, Abbygail King, Emily Shields & Landon Ward

Sophomores - Asa Byrne & Kenna Lee

Freshmen - Louis Jones & Emma Schlotthauer.

3 students also made the 2nd round of All-State. They will compete on December 7th at Westmoore High School. All-State Finalists are Asa Bryne, Abbygail King and Kenna Lee.

Congratulations PHS Band members and directors David Hilger & Jacob Willing

It was signing day for three of our Lady Dragons! Mili Antonio signed to Missouri State for Acro & Tumbling, Brynley Jennings signed to Harding University for softball, and Ella Resendiz signed to Oklahoma Christian University for softball. We are so proud of all three of you and know that you will do great things at the next level. Go Dragons!

Say “hello” to two-way messaging and classroom announcements in the Purcell app! With the addition of Rooms, our district app keeps getting better. Parents/guardians check your email and text messages tomorrow (9/3) with instructions to sign up and access new features.

To make sure you are ready to use Rooms, download the Purcell app today!

Download for Android https://aptg.co/Bp9PVp

Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/H7tnMs

We wanted to inform you that OSU’s Randall and Carol White Reading and Mathematics Center has several online and in-person opportunities available for students in grades 1-12 this semester! Please see the images below for details. The first provides information about reading tutoring for students in grades 1-8 and math tutoring or enrichment for students in grades 2-6. The second provides information about an online reading workshop for students in grades 6-12.

Please share this with any families you feel would benefit, and let us know if you have any questions.

Randall & Carol White Reading and Mathematics Center

College of Education and Human Sciences

102 Willard ~ 405-744-7119 ~ RMC@okstate.edu

Functional Family Therapy

The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs is offering the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program for highly at-risk youth and adjudicated youth in specific Oklahoma counties. FFT is an evidence-based treatment program designed to reduce at-risk behavior in adolescents with an 70%-80% effectiveness rate. FFT is the leading treatment to address adolescent substance use, delinquency, and family system change. FFT targets youth aged 11-18, younger siblings, and their parents/caregivers. Intervention ranges from, on average, 8 -12 one-hour sessions for mild cases and up to 30 sessions for more difficult situations. FFT is conducted over an approximate three-month period and is largely an in-home intervention that is provided at no cost to the family.

FFT is appropriate for youth ages 11-17 exhibiting frequent and high degrees of the following problematic behaviors: defiance of authority figures (home and school), aggressiveness toward other people, extreme sibling rivalry, running away, truancy, vandalism, negative peer association, poor academic performance, chronic absenteeism from school, frequent school suspensions/expulsions, current/history of arrest, bullying issues, gang affiliation, and or substance abuse.

Is FFT available to students in my county?
To learn if FFT is available in your county please click below. Counties are where FFT is available are highlighted in blue: Functional Family Therapy (FFT) (oklahoma.gov)

How to do I make a referral?
To make a referral, please reach out to your local county Office of Juvenile Affairs. FFT can be provided as a preventative intervention. You will have to make a referral to OJA services and request FFT if the student does not have OJA involvement.

Students can access Varsity Tutors platform on their school-issued Chromebooks through their Clever account. Students & Parents can also access Clever account @ purcellps.org by selecting the Student Learning Page from the menu.

You can learn more about the tools available to your student here.

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