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

Dear Parents,

There are strong indications that the state legislature will introduce legislation next year mandating cell phone bans in schools. How this would work remains unclear. However in other states schools have been incentivized by lawmakers to implement cellphone bans. These are decisions ultimately up to local school boards. This is a nationwide trend reflecting recent studies that confirm what we already knew: Smartphones are a huge learning distraction for students and can also present significant safety issues. Our current policy bans cell-phones from all classrooms. Students are allowed to access their cell phones during passing periods and lunch.

There is a strong argument for a complete cell phone ban school-wide. On the other hand cell phones are a part of everyone's life today, and banning them from high school students may not be the best way to teach them to use safely. Parental input is obviously important. The last time I surveyed parents about a possible school-wide ban, 80% of parents opposed the proposal. I completely understand parent concerns regarding school safety and their ability to immediately contact their students in the case of an emergency. I share those concerns. Please read below the arguments (for and against) a cell phone ban in schools. Take a moment and complete the brief survey (linked below this message). There are three options for parents to choose (see examples below). Please register your opinion.

option 1: Keep the current cell-phone policy: Cell-phones are banned in all classrooms. Students may access cell-phones during passing period and lunch.

option 2: School wide cell-phone ban. Students would either leave cell-phones at home or in car or keep silenced (turned off) in backpack or pockets. Cell-phones cannot be seen or heard at any time.

option 3: Students are free to access cell-phones at anytime including classrooms (with teacher permission)

Arguments for a Complete Ban:

• Improved Focus: Eliminating distractions from phones can lead to increased focus and better academic performance.
• Reduced Cyberbullying: A complete ban can help prevent cyberbullying and its harmful effects on students' mental health.
• Enhanced Social Interaction: Students may be more likely to engage in face-to-face conversations and develop stronger social skills.

Arguments Against a Complete Ban:

• Educational Tool: Cellphones can be valuable tools for learning, providing access to information, educational apps, and online resources.
• Emergency Communication: In case of emergencies, students may need their phones to contact parents or authorities.
• Digital Literacy: A complete ban may limit opportunities for students to develop essential digital literacy skills.

Your input is very important. Please answer very brief survey below and email or call me if you would like to share with me your thoughts on this important issue.

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

Cell: 918-873-0354

Congratulations to Purcell FFA and junior Carli Thomas for this major accomplishment. Carli is State Champion in the Senior Natural Resources Division at the State AFR Speech Contest in Stillwater! We are so proud of Carli. She is a talented leader in our school and the junior rep on the Principal's Student Advisory Council.

Brody Fox and Grady Fox (PJHS) both finished Top 10 in the state in Jr Agriscience and Jr AFR!

Fall semester tests will be December 18, 19, 20. The testing schedule is copied below. All classes must administer a comprehensive semester test that is worth 20% of a student's grade. Students can be exempted from the test based on the following grade/attendance combination:

• A and 3 absences or less
• B and 2 absences or less
• C and 1 absence or less

All absences (except for activity and principal excused absences) count towards an exemption status. Semester test can only be taken outside the assigned time with permission from the principal and teacher. Students cannot be exempted if they have been suspended during the fall semester. No semester tests will be given prior to December 16th (no exceptions). It is very important for students (and families) avoid if at all possible taking trips until the semester has been fully completed. Please see the message below from Dr. Sheli Mcadoo, Purcell Public Schools Superintendent.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This week we met in Advisory to discuss with our students the dangers of vaping. This is part of a student driven campaign to address student vaping concerns. I'm very pleased to see so many of our health awareness campaigns (Healthcorp & Youth Action Health Leadership -YAHL) are led by students. We are pleased to share that we have experienced a significant decline in vaping offenses this year. Our new vaping detectors have certainly made a difference. However we know too many of our students are still using vaping devices regularly, whether at school or off campus.

While it may seem harmless, vaping poses serious health risks, including lung damage, addiction, and cognitive impairment. Vaping was initially marketed as a "safe" alternative to smoking. Unfortunately this dangerous misconception still remains amongst many. We know this is not true. Teenagers who vape are more likely to develop a nicotine addiction. Vapes contains dangerous toxic chemicals. Vaping also stunts the development of the teenage brain.

We are committed to providing our students with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions. However, we need your partnership to reinforce these messages at home.

Here are some tips to help you talk to your teen about vaping:

• Start the Conversation Early: Begin discussing the risks of vaping at a young age.
• Listen Actively: Create a safe space for open and honest communication.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about the latest research and statistics on vaping.
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and consequences regarding vaping.
• Monitor Your Teen's Activities: Pay attention to their behavior and social circles.

SECURITY DRILL THIS WEEK:

We conducted a lock-down drill this Friday during a passing period. I was impressed with how quickly our students and staff moved students to secured areas and quickly locked the school down. I appreciate Mr. Rick Hammer, PHS Assistant Principal, for leading this drill. Mr. Hammer also supervises our JET Safety & Wellness team which monitors and reviews our safety policies.

We are thrilled to introduce Officer Fumi as the inaugural School Resource Officer for Purcell Public Schools! This new partnership between the City of Purcell and Purcell Public Schools marks a significant step in our shared commitment to creating a safer, more secure environment for our students and staff.

Officer Fumi brings a dedication to serving and protecting, along with a passion for working with young people. As the SRO, Ofc. Fumi will serve as a positive role model, build relationships with students/faculty, and help foster a safe and supportive school community.

The City and the school district are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring to enhance safety, improve communication, and create lasting connections between law enforcement and our schools.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Fumi to this vital role! Together, we are making a difference for the future of our students and our community.

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:

• 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/

We recognized National Special Education Day. This day commemorates the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) into law in 1975. This legislation guarantees all individuals with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education. It's an important reminder of all the progress made towards ensuring public schools provide equal educational opportunities to ALL students.

I wish to take this opportunity to recognize this amazing team of teachers who make a difference everyday in the lives of our students.

L-R: Jenny Allen-Price, Tammy King, Josh Beal, Kenzie Hay ( dept. chair), Dan Smith, Susan Bennett, Trent Tresler, Penny Richmond.

April Trumbo's Computer APPS 2 class have been working on building and coding robots. Students are able to code their robots to complete tasks. Mrs. Trumbo's students will now start working on coding the robots to complete an obstacle course on its own.

Our leadership class volunteered this week at McClain County Operation Christmas. We appreciate this opportunity for our students to learn the value and importance of service to your community. The PHS Leadership program is led by Amy Stone.

Spanish Club has been busy delivering snacks to Purcell firemen before Thanksgiving and helping the library assemble gingerbread houses kits and donating to Lights from the Heart. Great job giving back to your community! #phsdragons

I recently conducted a classroom observation of Ms. Jenny Allen-Price's class as they were learning Julius Caesar. The class was structured in a round-table format where everyone could see and engage with everyone. What impressed me most was how students were learning important social or "soft" skills. They were learning to listen and practice paying attention when others spoke. They encouraged each other and helped one another when necessary. I complimented the students before I left. I also copied the class rules below. School offers students important opportunities to develop important social skills.

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.

Thank you City of Purcell for choosing PHS as the recipient for your Christmas Giving Project. They fulfilled a substantial list of needs including grab & go foods, socks, gloves, hygiene products and other items that HS kids need. We are grateful for your support! #phsdragons

Our Purcell Music Theater & Set Design class presented "High School Musical" this past weekend at the old JH auditorium. It was a such a fun performance and reflected the hard work by all the students and director Cindy Donaldson. Great job!

Purcell FFA recently hosted their 1st Annual Friendsgiving. What a great opportunity for students to celebrate and fellowship with their peers. Like so many of our clubs, sports, and activities, FFA helps students better connect to school. Great job! #phsdragons

Mario Kart & Rocket League teams both qualified for the state playoffs. Rocket League fell to Buhler (KS) 4-1 finishing the season 6-3. Mario Kart lost 2-1 to Cache to finish the season 5-4. Thanks to all the competitors and coach Kelton Clary for their great work building this growing program now in it's 2nd year. On to the spring season!

Congratulations to the Dragon Boys Basketball team. They defeated Madill 64-49 yesterday in the consolation bracket of the Madill Tournament. Also want to recognize head coach Matt Lohn for earning his first victory as Dragon coach. Always a special moment but especially when you are a Dragon alum! Great job coach.

Player of the Year Awards:

Boston Knowles

Landry Bacon

1st Team Offense:

Brian Bernal

Noel Chavez

1st Team Defense:

Devan Martin

Christian Kirk

Jonathan Minor

Rigo Carrillo

Bodie Meyer

Honorable Mention:

Jude Leggett

Brayden Reinhold

We are very proud of all of Senior Football athletes!

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