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

Parents & Guardians:

In today's digital age, social media is an undeniable force, impacting all aspects of our lives, especially the lives of our students. As principal, I feel it's crucial to address both the advantages and disadvantages of social media, particularly concerning our students' well-being and academic success as well as the positive image of our school.

The Pros of Social Media:

• Communication and Connection: Social media platforms provide a powerful tool for communication. For our school, it allows us to reach a vast audience, with our posts routinely reaching thousands of individuals. This enables us to share important information, celebrate student and staff achievements, and promote school events.
• Accessibility and Timeliness: Social media allows for quick and efficient communication, enabling us to connect with parents and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Community Building: It fosters a sense of community by providing a platform for parents, students, and staff to connect and engage.
• Educational Resource: Social media can be a valuable educational resource, offering access to information, educational content, and online learning communities.

The Cons of Social Media:

• Excessive Screen Time: One of my primary concerns is the excessive amount of screen time our students are exposed to. This can lead to sleep deprivation, eye strain, and a decrease in physical activity.
• Impact on Mental Health: Social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The constant comparison to others, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a perfect online image can have a detrimental effect on mental health.

• Information Overload and Misinformation: Students are constantly bombarded with information, making it challenging to separate credible sources from misinformation. This information overload can lead to confusion and anxiety.
• Distraction and Reduced Focus: Social media can be a significant distraction, impacting students' ability to focus on their studies and other important tasks.
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Unfortunately, social media can be a platform for cyberbullying and online harassment.

Social Media Etiquette:

It's important to remember that social media is a public forum. Appropriate social media etiquette is essential for everyone. Our school social media sites are intended for sharing positive news and information. They are not the place for public disputes or negative comments. Such behavior reflects poorly on our school and sends a negative message to our community. My cell phone number is public and published on this newsletter. Anyone is welcome to contact me and I will return the message or call as soon as I can.

As adults, we must model positive social media behavior for our students. This includes:

• Being respectful and considerate in our online interactions.
• Verifying information before sharing it.
• Avoiding personal attacks or inflammatory language.
• Understanding that what we post online can have lasting consequences.

I encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your children about the responsible use of social media. By working together, we can help our students navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring the well-being and success of our students.

Sincerely,

Jason

cell: 918-873-0354

April teaches computer science and serves as our National Honor Society and TSA sponsor. April is such a valuable asset to our staff & students. She is the model employee who seeks to serve others and help improve the lives of our students. She is very skilled at embedding her lessons with relevant skills that students need. Read what one of her colleagues wrote about her:

April always has a smile on her face and is ready to help any and everyone she can. This includes students and staff alike. I hear her hard at work teaching every single hour and engaging kids in her technology classes in an effective way. She has been a text or phone call away whenever I needed her, and deserves so much the recognition for all she does.

---Krysta Matthews, PHS Algebra 2 Teacher.

Dear Purcell High School Parents,

This message is to inform you about an upcoming tornado drill and to address our school's commitment to severe weather preparedness.

Tornado Drill:

On Monday, March 3 at 2:10 PM, Purcell High School will conduct a tornado drill. This drill will allow students and staff to practice our established safety procedures in the event of severe weather. Spring in Oklahoma brings the threat of tornadoes, and we take these potential dangers very seriously.

Spring Weather Preparedness:

Beyond tornadoes, spring weather in Oklahoma can bring high winds, hail, and lightning. Lightning, in particular, poses a significant threat, especially with the many outdoor events we have during this season. Please know that we will always prioritize the safety of our students and spectators during any severe weather event.

Parent Pick-Up Reminder:

Finally, I would like to remind parents about the afternoon car rider pick-up line. We understand that this can be a busy time, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation in ensuring a safe and efficient process for everyone. Your cooperation helps keep all students and staff safe.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe and prepared.

Sincerely,

Jason Sanders

Principal, Purcell High School

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices.

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:

• ICAP Completion Update

I'm pleased to announce that our students have recently completed their ICAP (Individual Career & Academic Plan) requirements through their advisory period. This included setting at least two academic or personal goals and submitting an educational plan for each grade level.

Completion of these ICAP components is a vital part of our students' graduation requirements.

If your student has any questions or needs assistance with their ICAP, they should reach out to their advisor or any administrator.

Thank you for your continued support in your student's academic journey.

• Information Night for Upcoming Juniors & Seniors (Classes of 2026 & 2027)

Date: Monday, March 24th Time: 6:00 PM Location: PHS Library

• We are excited to invite you to an important Parent Information Night for parents of upcoming juniors and seniors (classes of 2026 & 2027).
  

  This meeting will provide valuable information regarding enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year, including:

  • Concurrent Enrollment
  • CareerTech
  • College & Career Readiness
  • Internships
  • Work Experience Programs

  The transition from sophomore to junior year brings many changes, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about specific college and career opportunities available to your student. Underclassmen will select courses for the 2025-26 school year in advisory on Wednesday, March 26.

  
  

  We look forward to seeing you there.

• Scholarship Information: Seniors & Parents should be aware of upcoming deadlines. Please see link below for specific scholarship information.

March Deadlines:

OSIG (Oklahoma School Insurance Group)

• Application can be found here

• Due 3/3/25

• 3 students per quadrant will be awarded a scholarship, ranging from $1,000-$2,000

CCOSA Student Scholarship

• Due 3/7/25

• Parent or guardian must be an active member of CCOSA

• Application here

Ann Wade Strength in Education Scholarship:

A one-time $2,000 ($1,000 per academic semester) scholarship to a student who plans to pursue a certified degree in education or in an occupation that directly supports the educational system and meets the following criteria:

• Graduating high school senior

• A resident of the state of Oklahoma

• Pursuing a certified degree in education or directly supporting the educational system

• Letter of recommendation

• Letter of application

• The School district must be a member of the Oklahoma ASBO.

• Click here for the Ann Wade Scholarship Application.

• Due 3/7/25

2. Security Benefit Strength in Benefit Scholarship

A one-time $2,000 ($1,000 per academic semester) scholarship to a student who plans to pursue a certified degree in education or in an occupation that directly supports the educational system and meets the following criteria:

• Graduating high school senior

• A resident of the state of Oklahoma

• Pursuing a certified degree in education or directly supporting the educational system

• Letter of recommendation

• Letter of application

• Click here for the Security Benefit Scholarship Application.

• Due 3/7/25

Koop Parsons/AT&T Pioneers Memorial Scholarship

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education assists in the administration of the Frances Koop Parsons/AT&T Pioneers Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship program was established through the AT&T Pioneers to assist Oklahoma students in obtaining their educational goals. The recipients of this scholarship will receive a $1,000 cash award to be used at an eligible Oklahoma career technology center, two-year college, or four-year university. This scholarship is open to first-time freshmen with at least a 3.0 high school GPA and whose family income does not exceed $75,000. The 2025-26 application is available online and must be submitted on or before March 21, 2025 at the following link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/eb968d906cc246719283b6dc66ce712d. Applications without high school transcripts or income documentation will not be considered. Please contact Linette McMurtrey, Scholarship Programs Coordinator, at lmcmurtrey@osrhe.edu if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Linette McMurtrey

Scholarship Programs Coordinator

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

(405) 225-9131

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/

Get answers to some of the most common financial aid questions, such as:

• What is financial aid?
• Why is financial aid important?
  
• Who qualifies for financial aid?
  
• How do I apply for federal financial aid?
  
• When do I apply for financial aid?
  
• How often do I have to complete the FAFSA?

At Purcell High School, we strongly believe in the power of learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. Outdoor learning, in particular, offers invaluable benefits. These experiences provide students with hands-on opportunities to connect with nature, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a sense of curiosity that can lead to lifelong habits and hobbies.

Whether it's exploring local ecosystems, participating in gardening projects, or engaging in outdoor teamwork activities, these experiences build resilience, promote physical and mental well-being, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around us. We are committed to providing these enriching opportunities for our students.

Green thumbs in action! Purcell High School Botany students, under the guidance of Ray Samford, are prepping for spring with some serious pruning and garden beautification. Learning hands-on about the lifelong benefits of gardening! #PurcellPride #OutdoorEducation #Gardening

Purcell High School TSA recently competed at the Western Regional Conference in Alex, OK, and our students delivered outstanding performances in multiple events! Under the guidance of TSA advisers Paul Wollenberg and April Trumbo, our competitors showcased their skills, creativity, and dedication.

Event Results:

Children’s Stories

2nd Place - Megan Suri Pereira

Dragster :

1st Place - Parker Page 2nd Place - Megan Suri Pereira 3rd Place - Greyson Lester

Extemporaneous Speech:

Top Ten State Qualifier - McKenna Martin

Technology Bowl:

3rd Place - Nick Westmoreland, Shiv Patel, Owen Milner

Audio Podcasting:

5th Place - Brileigh McClain, Constance Uhl 7th Place - Mavrik Akerman, Preston Kane

Pin Design:

10th Place - Greyson Lester

T-Shirt Design:

6th Place - Constance Uhl

Photographic Technology:

5th Place - Kenna Lee

Technological Problem Solving:

10th Place - Shiv Patel, Nick Westmoreland

Congratulations to all our TSA members for their hard work and achievements! We are proud of your dedication and can’t wait to see what’s next for you at the state level!

Purcell High School seniors Kate Ginn, Ellie Feroli, and Parker Page spoke at Rotary Club yesterday. Thank you to Rotary for giving students this opportunity. Students gain valuable leadership and networking skills through these experiences.

Purcell High School offers students both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. There are math & English tutors available Mon-Thurs evening. Our first Ineligibility list ran this Friday. Students failing courses will receive regular check-ins from advisors or administration. Students failing courses are encouraged to attend After School tutoring.

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.

PHS ROAD Week is approaching! Our STUCO and Leadership students will lead a week-long fundraiser for worthy causes in our community. They will release more information in the coming days! The schedule of events are linked below.

Looking for a fun way to support ROAD Week this year? PHS STUCO will host PHS ROAD WEEK Color Run Sunday, March 9th 2PM @ the PHS Track. See graphic below. Register by 3/2 to guarantee a t-shirt. Easy register @ gofan link below:

https://gofan.co/event/3283295

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a school sponsored recognition of seniors. We are sharing at the request of parents who are organizing this recognition of our 2025 graduates.

It is time to honor the class of 2025 with the hanging of the Senior banners on Green Ave. Banners will be hung by the City of Purcell the week of spring break and be on display for the last 9 weeks. This year, the double-sided banners will not be available to keep, due to privacy consent requirements. You will however have the option to purchase a single sided individual banner with only your student on it for a reduced price! Please contact Char Page at 405-924-0115 if you have any questions. To order your banner(s) please visit the website below.

https://thedistrictdesigns.com/.../greenavenueseniorbanners

Purcell FFA hosted its annual Bonus Auction Monday night. If you've never had a chance to attend this event, I strongly urge you to go next year. It's one of my favorite events to attend each year. The hard work and dedication of our students never ceases to amaze me. A huge thanks to our community for supporting this great program. Great job FFA sponsor Erica Keen and student teacher Ashlyn Ahlgrim. A very special thanks to our FFA parents for their hard work behind the scenes!

Congratulations to Purcell Senior Hudson Andrews who is a finalist for Central Area Vice-President and State FFA officer position. This is a tremendous recognition and reflects Hudson's leadership and character

Purcell FFA put on a great Local Show this afternoon at the McClain County Fairgrounds. It's such a pleasure watching the hard work of our students. Thank you to our amazing FFA boosters and parents. We are also thankful for the hard work and leadership of PHS Agricultural Education teacher Erica Keen and Ashlyn Ahlgrim, PHS Agricultural Education student teacher

Our PHS Vocal Music students presented their solos at the OSSAA District Vocal Music competition at East Central University on Friday:

McKenna Martin (Excellent), Yamilet Hernandez (Superior), Genesis Guerra (Superior), Frankie Linker (Superior), Alyssa Godwin (Excellent), Kenzie Fulton (Good) and Kamdyn Snow (Superior).

Four students received invites to proceed to the State Contest with their solo: Yamilet Hernandez, Genesis Guerra, Frankie Linker and Kamdyn Snow.

Congratulations to these students and director Cindy Donaldson

Email Leigh Ann McGregor for more information or call the front office: (405) 442-0099

mcgregorl@purcellps.org

Tryouts for the 2025-2026 PHS Cheer squad will take place in March! Tryout packets are available.

To be eligible to try out, students must:
Be currently enrolled at Purcell Public Schools (grades 8-11)
Complete and submit the tryout packet paperwork (available in the school’s front office).
Attend the cheer clinic during the week of tryouts

Stay tuned for more information, and we look forward to seeing you at tryouts!

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

Quick Access to Recent Updates

Families can view all recent messages and announcements for all children, across all teachers, in dedicated spotlight sections in new footer buttons.

• One Pager: Shares a summary of key updates (English)

• Help Articles: Provides more guidance to navigating the app

• Family Survey: Empowers families to share their feedback with Apptegy.
  

• VIDEO:

  English: https://youtu.be/zW9d0VzqDFI

  Spanish: https://youtu.be/W8Cnu-tgK9M
  

• Rooms Support

We are excited to invite your students and their families to a Group Tour at Paul Mitchell the School Norman on Saturday, February 22nd, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

This tour offers an exceptional opportunity for students to explore our programs in Cosmetology, Barbering, and Esthetics. They'll learn more about the creative career paths in the beauty and wellness industry, meet our team, and experience the vibrant culture that sets our school apart.

Please feel free to share this information with your students and their families. We’ve attached a flyer with all the details for your convenience.

Just a reminder: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for full enrollment in our programs. If students have any questions about eligibility, we’re happy to help!

If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (405) 928-5207.

We hope to see your students and their families at the event!

Warm regards,
Raegan Douthit
Admissions Advisor
Paul Mitchell the School Norman
3030 William Pereira, Norman, OK 73072

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