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 Purcell High School Parents,

We are excited to announce that course selection for the 2025-2026 school year is approaching! On Wednesday, March 26th, all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will meet in their advisory classes to select their courses.

Please be aware that many core classes are pre-loaded, especially for freshmen and sophomores. For example, all sophomores will automatically be enrolled in English II and World History. However, students will have the opportunity to choose more challenging options such as Honors English II and/or AP World History.

We strongly encourage all students to challenge themselves academically and select courses that will push them to reach their full potential. Students considering the Honors Curriculum pathway should remember that it requires four years of both Math and Science. To earn a Purcell High School Honors Diploma, students must:

• Meet all Honors Diploma curriculum requirements.
• Maintain a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Have no grades lower than a C.
• Complete a minimum of five Honors, AP, and/or concurrent enrollment classes.

We highly recommend the Honors Curriculum pathway for students planning to attend college.

Regardless of post-high school plans, students should plan for post-secondary training. This includes college, career tech programs, or internships. We encourage freshmen and sophomores to start planning their career pathways and choose courses that align with their goals. Students planning to enter the workforce should explore programs at CareerTech or seek internships. Juniors and seniors can earn course credit for outside work internships, and seniors can receive credit for documented work experience.

To help students prepare for course selection, administrators will visit English classrooms on Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, current seniors will meet with senior sponsors on Wednesday to prepare for upcoming graduation activities.

We encourage you to discuss course options with your student and help them make informed decisions about their academic future.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Jason

cell: 918-873-0354

REMINDER: Parent Enrollment Information Night: Monday, March 24th @ 5:30 PM in PHS Library. Current soph & junior parents will learn more about Concurrent, Career Tech, AP, Internship, & Work Experience opportunities for next year's juniors & seniors.

Purcell High School Concert Band received a Superior rating on their stage performance at the OSSAA District Contest today at Blanchard High School! This qualifies them for the OSSAA State Concert Band contest in April. We are incredibly proud of these talented students and directors David Hilger and Jacob Willing!

Dear Purcell High School Parents,

Subject: Important Safety Information for Purcell High School Parents

Student safety is our top priority. We want to take this opportunity to remind you of our procedures during severe weather and emergency situations.

Tornado Warnings:

• In the event of a tornado warning, Purcell High School will immediately go into lockdown and students and staff will shelter in designated safe areas.
• This means the building will be secured, and no individuals, including students, will be permitted to exit.
• Parents who are already outside the building will be allowed to seek immediate shelter inside. However, no students will be released during a tornado warning.
• We strongly encourage parents to prioritize their own safety by seeking shelter and waiting until the storm has passed. Please refrain from coming to the school during a tornado warning.

Emergency Check-Out Procedures:

• In the event of a sudden mass check-out situation, the principal may declare an emergency check-out.
• This allows pre-approved upperclassmen (sophs, juniors and seniors with parking passes) to check themselves out without immediate parent permission.
• This emergency check-out procedure does not apply to freshmen.
• Regardless of emergency check-out status, all students must check out through the front office. This ensures accurate records and student safety.

We understand that severe weather can be concerning, and we want to assure you that we have established protocols to protect our students and staff. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these safety measures.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

Jason Sanders

Principal, Purcell High School

Click the link below if you would like to grant permission to your upperclassmen student to check out without parent permission in case of an Emergency Dismissal scenario. The principal may declare an emergency checkout to expedite the process in case of mass check-outs due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. You do NOT need to fill out this form if you have previously submitted form in other years.

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:

Subject: Important: 2025-2026 Course Selection and Post-Secondary Planning

• Dear Purcell High School Parents,

  This week marks a crucial step in your student's academic journey: course selection for the 2025-2026 school year. We urge you to engage in thoughtful conversations with your freshman, sophomore, or junior regarding their course options. Certain core courses are pre-loaded into student schedules. For instance, all sophomores will automatically be enrolled in World History and English II. However, this week provides the opportunity to choose more rigorous pathways, such as AP World History or Honors English II.

  Beyond simply selecting courses, this is a pivotal time to consider your student's post-secondary plans. To guide these discussions, please consider the following questions:

  • Does your student plan to attend college, a technical or trade school, or enter the workforce directly after high school?

  The answers to these questions will significantly influence their academic pathway.

  • College-bound students: Should consider Honors and/or AP courses, as well as concurrent enrollment opportunities, to prepare for the demands of higher education.
  • Technical or trade school students: Should explore CareerTech courses and internship programs to gain practical skills.
  • Students entering the workforce: Should investigate work experience opportunities and develop relevant skills.

  We invite you to learn more about these pathways at our Parent Information Meeting on Monday, March 24th at 5:30 PM in the PHS Library.

  Additionally, please be aware of the following grade-specific information:

  We believe that thoughtful course selection, aligned with post-secondary goals, is essential for student success. We encourage you to partner with us in this important process.

Freshmen

1. Will take their 2nd Technology or Foreign Language
2. Satisfy Fine Arts credit if not yet completed
3. Choose most wanted Electives and then choose at least 2 alternates
4. Must take AG 1 before you take other AG classes
5. not eligible for concurrent, internships, work experience. Sophs can take and AP class (AP World History)
6. Be aware of Honors Curriculum requirements (see below)

Sophomores

1. Can enroll in Internship 1 (can count up to 2 hours on schedule)

2. Students with a 3.0 GPA OR a 19 composite ACT are eligible to take concurrent courses

3. If students interviewed to go to MATC next year, pre-enroll in the half day they chose.

4. Be aware of Honors Curriculum requirements (see below).

Juniors

1. Can enroll in Internship 2 (can count up to 2 hours on schedule)

2. Students with a 3.0 GPA OR a 19 composite ACT are eligible to take concurrent courses

3. A student may enroll to be an office,counselor, or library aide if they meet requirements.

4. If students interviewed to go to MATC next year, pre-enroll in the half day they chose.

5. Be aware of Honors Curriculum Requirements (see below)

• 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.

April Deadlines:

Purcell Rotary Club Scholarship

• Due 4/3/25

• $700-1,000

• Application must be typed and double spaced

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• You must have an earnest desire to attend post-secondary education

• Rotary contact: Dr. Sheli McAdoo

• Application here

Cline Monument Scholarship

• Due (post marked by) 4/4/25

• Must have lost a significant loved one in your lifetime

• Must mail applications to:

Cline Monument

Attn: Scholarship Committee

1318 Freedom Rd Purcell, OK 73080

• Application here

Tolle Family Legacy Scholarship

• Due no later than 4/4/25 to Ms. Feroli

• Please read full instructions; your essay matters a lot

• Application here and in the HS front office

Kiwanis Scholarship

• Due 4/10/25 to Ms. Feroli

• $250

• Pay special attention to instructions; not following them disqualifies you!

• Application here

ORRC Scholarship

• Due 4/10/25 (the 15th deadline is a receive-by date)

• Completed applications must be mailed to:

Farm Service Agency

301 S Indian Meridian Road

Pauls Valley, OK 73075

• Application here and outside Feroli’s office

OKEYA Mother’s Club

Due 4/18/25

• Applications in HS front office

Jordan Insurance Greater Success Scholarship

• Due 4/30/2025

• Submit responses on form or with attachments

• Application here and in the HS front office

When a student and his/her parents feel that a student is capable of meeting more than the standard graduating requirements – that he/she can excel and should therefore be challenged – he/she can voluntarily enter the HONORS Curriculum Program. After the student has finished the requirements for the HONORS program, he/she will receive recognition on his/her diploma. This would qualify students for Top 10 Percent honors (see below). His/her transcript will also reflect that he/she has completed an advanced study course curriculum. To receive a Purcell High School Honors Diploma, a student must meet the following Honors Diploma curriculum requirements, maintain a 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale, have no grades lower than C, and take a minimum of 5 Honors, AP, and/or concurrent enrollment classes.

CALENDAR ALERT: ON-CAMPUS ACT PREP - 4/3/25

We will host an ACT Prep with PowerPrep on April 3, 2025. Purcell students have the opportunity to attend this valuable prep session for $20. The district will pay the remaining part. You must sign up on or before 3/21/25. The cost is $65 after that point. ALL PHS Juniors will take the ACT April 9th @ PHS. There is limited space available for this opportunity. Juniors will be prioritized although any grade level can sign up. Click on link below or scan QR code in graphic. Contact Principal Jason Sanders if you have questions.

sandersj@purcellps.org

918-873-0354

https://powerprepinc.com/.../purcell-high-school-act-prep...

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?

Dragon Brew visits The Hidden Workforce studio and records a podcast interview to talk about their experiences and what inclusion means to them. The podcast will be played on the iHeartRadio app on Groovy 105.7 Saturday at 9 am and Sunday at 3 PM. After that you can check out the episode on Spotify under The Hidden Workforce.

Purcell Archery Coach Steve Clary presented to the school board last evening and shared the great successes this program has achieved in the last 3 years. Archery is part of our Wildlife Education program that encourages students to get outside and appreciate the outdoors! Steve does a fantastic job. PHS freshman Brecken Burson and PJH 7th grader Sylvia Farley helped Coach Clary with the presentation.

Purcell High School is proud to partner with Healthcorp! Addison Godkins is doing amazing things in our Freshman Leadership classes, taught by Bryan Young, helping students build healthy habits. Last month, they focused on understanding healthy relationships and boosting self-confidence. We're grateful for their positive impact and the support of the Chickasaw Nation! #HealthcorpPHS #TeenHealth #Leadership #CommunitySupport

Purcell High School: Transitioning to the future

Join us for our Transition Resource Fair!

When: April 23, 2025

Where: Purcell High School

This event is part of our College & Career Readiness initiative and will help students and families navigate the exciting transition from high school to post-secondary life.

Learn about:

College applications and financial aid

Career training programs

Job search strategies

And more!

Contact Jenny Allen-Price, PHS Transitions Coordinator, for more information.

allenj@purcellps.org; 407-487-3145

#PurcellHighSchool #TransitionResourceFair #CollegeAndCareerReadiness

As we returned from spring break, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the incredible dedication of our teachers at Purcell High School. Even during the last week before break, a week often filled with distractions due to ROAD Week and spring activities, our educators remained strong in their commitment to student learning.

I had the opportunity to visit several classrooms and was consistently impressed by the engaging and productive learning environments they fostered. It's truly inspiring to see their unwavering focus on student success, regardless of the challenges.

Below are a few pictures from my classroom visits, showcasing the hard work in Matt Lohn's Algebra 1 class, Lynn Bayless's Geometry class, and Sam Resendiz's English 3 class. Their dedication is a testament to the exceptional faculty we have at PHS.

We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and the positive impact they have on our students.

Missoula Children's Theatre residency week will be here before we know it! March 24th-29th, the week after Spring Break, and the play this year is Alice In Wonderland. Auditions are open to all students K-12.

see attached flyer.

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.

Congratulations to Kenna Esparza who reached 1,000 career points as a basketball player here at Purcell High School. Congratulations on this great career accomplishment. We are proud of you! Go Dragons.

After-Prom Student Sign-ups are available in the high school front office. All students attending After-Prom must submit their own form. Turn into the front office by March 27!

We are grateful for our junior parents who organize and facilitate this event!

Congratulations to our hard-working FFA students, sponsor Erica Keen and all parents and supporters as they wrapped up an incredible 2025 OYE for the Purcell Livestock Team! They had 22 students exhibiting 45 animals over the 2 weeks!

Hayes Anderson won Breed Champion Simmental Influence & Bronze Overall Influence Heifer.

Jaxson Staggs won Breed Champion Charolais Composite & Bred & Owned Champion, Reserve Division Red Angus.

Emma Lynn won Champion Bred & Owned Horned & Polled Hereford, Division Horned Hereford, Reserve Division Polled Hereford, $1,500 OYE Scholarship.

Carli Thomas won Reserve Bred & Owned Polled Hereford, 2nd place Polled Hereford, 11th place Doe.

Kyleigh Green won 4th Overall Chester Gilt & qualified for the Night of Stars Gilt Sale, 7th place Berk Gilt.

Brody Fox won 6th Overall York Barrow & qualified for the OYE Sale of Champions.

Chase Anderson won 3rd place Maintainer Heifer.

Avery Staggs won 3rd place Charolais Heifer.

Bentlee Nicklas won 3rd Place Hair Ewe & 7th Place Southdown Ewe.

Kaydence Franklin won 5th place Hair Ewe.

Carter Thomas 6th place Commercial Heifer.

Myah Padilla 8th place Berk Barrow & Class Showmanship winner.

Grady Fox won 10th place Berk Gilt.

Hudson Andrews $1,500 OYE Scholarship.

Congratulations to Kaden Pliler on being selected as a recipient of one of the full scholarships for WLC this summer! Thank you to Sundowner Trailers for your continued support for the Oklahoma FFA!

Huge THANK YOU to Purcell High School Student Council, sponsors, staff, students, and parents for an AMAZING ROAD Week! Your hard work made it a success, raising funds for our Purcell families in need, teaching valuable service lessons, and creating unforgettable memories. Go Dragons! #ROADWeek #PurcellPride #CommunityStrong

Tournament Winners:

Powderpuff: Seniors

Cornhole: Tripp Eck & Cameron Coulter

3 on 3: Track Coaches

Chalk Art: Emily Shields

Dodge Ball: Casey Billingsley, Kash Knowles, Cash Cook, Jasey Baker, Kaylin Vazquez, Brody Walkup

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

mcgregorl@purcellps.org

PHS Select Choir, under the leadership of director Cindy Donaldson, performed at the Clay Cooper and King's Castle theaters this past weekend in Branson, Missouri. I received a highly complimentary note from the event organizer complimenting our students for their leadership, hard work, and respect. Great job Cindy and all of our talented choir students.

I also need to thank and recognize Janell and Matt Maral for driving all the way to Branson to fix our bus when it experienced some technical difficulties,. This selfless act allowed our students the opportunity to perform and return home safely!

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

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