Putnam City Schools 5 Year Strategic Plan

I LOVE MY AMAZING GROUP OF 22 KINDERGARTNERS WHOSE DIFFERENCES MAKE OUR CLASS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE.”

WE HAVE SUCH A GREAT SCHOOL TEAM WHO MAKES MY JOB FUN AND I HAVE CO-WORKERS WHO SUPPORT MY STUDENTS AND THEIR DREAMS.”

PUTNAM CITY HAS A STRONG COMMUNITY FEEL THAT MAKES ME EXCITED TO COME TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY.”

Kitty Stuber, James L. Dennis Elementary Teacher

Anthony, Student

Madison Cude, PC High Teacher

PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS District Boundary Map

PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Message from the Superintendent

Celebrating 108 years of providing a strong public education for all students, we are pleased to present the Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Putnam City District. This plan is the result of a yearlong collaboration of all stakeholders: community, board members, administrators, teachers, staff, foundation members and parents. Our Vision, “to be an inclusive home for all students, served through the focus of Empowerment, Excellence and Environment.

Join the Putnam City Family as we commit ourselves to fulfill our mission “to provide a transformative experience that ignites a passion for learning, sparks imagination, and empowers students to achieve personal success and enrich the community.”

Go Boldly!

Dr. Fred Rhodes, Superintendent

JAMES L. CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL

KENNETH COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Torch of Knowledge

Putnam City’s Torch of Knowledge is a symbol of the State’s premier District with a rich heritage in providing a top-quality education. Beginning in 1914, Putnam City is the State’s first and largest comprehensive, consolidated school district; known legally as “Independent School District No. 1 of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma (55-I-001).” The torch makes a profound statement about the district’s past but emphasizes that the district is moving forward, going boldly into the future as an innovative district, providing an excellent education in a diverse culture by preparing students to be self-navigating critical thinkers for life.

The symbol of a torch is a classic symbol of knowledge, which starts from an innovative mind, with a spark of passion, to creatively enlighten others. The torch is also symbolic of a winning team, working together to be first, to win the race. The base of the torch as a pen symbolizes the power of ideas transforming vision to reality. The light of the flame, bursting forth from the pen, symbolizes a lifelong passion for learning and hope for the future as a pathfinder, explorer, trailblazer, and trendsetter.

ARBOR GROVE ELEMENTARY

Putnam City Schools Official Academic Seal

PUTNAM CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Strategic Planning Process

Beginning with the 2022–23 school year, Putnam City implemented our five-year strategic plan. The strategic plan was developed collaboratively with feedback and direction from multiple stakeholders to establish a roadmap guiding Putnam City Schools into the future.

The planning process has included direct feedback from all our stakeholder groups. This consisted of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, workshops with the Board of Education, our site Administrators, Faculty and Staff, Students and Families, our Putnam City Schools Foundation and surveys of our greater Community. In the more than 1,800 survey responses, some of the most common terms we heard were “Family,” “Trailblazer,” “Innovative” and “Creative.”

From the feedback and guidance, the strategic plan was developed. A strategic plan is a way to define an organization’s path forward to achieve goals, fulfill a mission and ultimately meet a collective vision.

This strategic plan is structured with a core framework comprising of our vision, mission, core values and three focus areas. These three focus areas are empowerment, excellence and the environment. These areas provide focus for the development of the district’s 11 goals as well as the 77 subsequent objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are the critical (key) quantifiable indicators of progress toward achieving the goals and objectives. KPIs provide actionable elements for strategic and operational improvement. KPIs are reported annually in a supplemental report illustrating progress and are intended to be a variable element of the strategic plan to meet the changing needs of the district. This strategic plan is Putnam City’s way forward and is a guiding light illuminated by the torch of knowledge represented in the logo that challenges us all to GO BOLDLY into the future.

After a year of development, we are excited to present and initiate the Putnam City Schools Strategic Plan.

MAYFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL

WESTERN OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL

APOLLO ELEMENTARY

FOCUS AREAS

OVERHOLSER ELEMENTARY

EXCELLENCE

Excellence

Putnam City Schools provides academic excellence and enriched student experiences through INNOVATIVE and COMPREHENSIVE learning to prepare students for SUCCESS beyond school.

Academics and Beyond

Goal Objectives

Innovative (EX.1)

Putnam City is committed to ensuring all students are connected and engaged through modernized programs and extracurricular activities where students can apply their learned skills and knowledge to solve real-world challenges through meaningful solutions.

Goal

Comprehensive (EX.2)

Putnam City is committed to meeting the academic needs of all through a comprehensive curriculum and a multitude of services and support.

Focus EX

EX1.1s Provide a learning experience that extends critical and creative thinking skills through inquiry and application focused on problem-solving.

EX.1.2s Ensure learning materials, assignments, and facilities will promote excellence and inventive learning.

EX.1.3s Create a sense of student belonging and connectedness based on interests, needs, and readiness levels.

EX.1.4s Conduct program assessment to find strengths and needs for additional offerings in curricular, extracurriculars, programs, clubs, and athletics.

EX.1.5s Explore new avenues for expanding students’ college and career readiness.

EX.1.6o Motivate students by exploring innovative teaching and learning choices.

EX.1.7o Foster a shared, cross-curricular knowledge base of best practices in teaching and learning to encourage innovation and excellence.

EX.1.8o Advocate research-based approaches in innovative teaching and learning methodologies and support the growth of faculty and staff within these areas.

EX.1.9o Develop leadership capacity in teaching, curriculum design, development, assessment, and innovation across all levels.

Objectives

S EX.2.1s Ensure students develop and demonstrate high levels of literacy in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

O EX.2.2o Enhance district curriculum, instruction, and assessment resources to ensure they reflect the needs of the district through measured growth.

S EX.2.3s Invest in social-emotional learning (SEL) for all students by implementing a social-emotional learning curriculum.

O EX.2.4o Strengthen the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure consistency in the delivery and integrity of academic interventions to increase achievement and reduce the achievement gap.

O EX.2.5o Focus on removing barriers created by opportunity gaps.

O EX.2.6o Continue and strengthen the use of formative and summative achievement data, at all levels, to raise student achievement and identify students in need of additional support.

S EX.2.7s Provide equal access to technology and tools for all students to ensure equal opportunities.

S EX.2.8s Ensure our students have the opportunity to engage in learning and growth through service learning and career-technical services to connect classroom learning to future careers.

O EX.2.9o Create new, and strengthen existing, partnerships and connections with universities, colleges, and local career centers.

WINDSOR HILLS ELEMENTARY

Goal

Success (EX.3)

EXCELLENCE

O EX.3.1o

Objectives Focus EX

Direct and support the district and school’s culture & climate in a manner that is positive, inclusive, and transformative.

S EX.3.2s Ensure that our students graduate from high school ready for college and career through implementation of Individual Career Academic Plans (ICAP).

S EX.3.3s Provide personalized plans for college/career beginning in seventh grade.

S EX.3.4s Work to ensure that students will read on grade level by third grade and continually grow in reading fluency and comprehension throughout their educational experience.

S EX.3.5s Ensure all students increase in academic achievement at all levels.

S EX.3.6s Continue to increase graduation rates to meet and exceed state average to above 90%.

O EX.3.7o Increase student attendance rates and lower chronic absenteeism to meet and exceed state averages.

O EX.3.8o Ensure equity of opportunity and access for all.

O EX.3.9s Ensure the curriculum is vertically aligned throughout grade levels and emphasizes mastery learning and application that meets the needs of all students.

S EX.3.10s Provide all necessary information to both parents and students to ensure academic success toward graduation and post-graduation endeavors.

S EX.3.11s Ensure 100% of English Language Development (ELD) students will continually progress towards an advanced level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Putnam City is committed to preparing all students for the future of their choice through graduation and beyond.

PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

Empowerment Relationships and School Culture & Climate

Putnam City Schools seeks to EMPOWER students, families, and staff by providing an INCLUSIVE and COLLABORATIVE CULTURE through EXTENSIVE SERVICES and effective COMMUNICATION.

Goal Objectives Focus EM

Inclusive & Collaborative Culture (EM.1)

Putnam City is committed to including all stakeholder voices in multi-level decision-making by providing the tools and opportunities for all to be involved and represented to collaboratively improve climate and culture.

Goal

Extensive Services (EM.2)

Putnam City is committed to providing all students with topquality academics and enrichment opportunities and seeks to make available health & social services to ensure success in school and life.

O S

EM.1.1o Develop and foster mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, government, higher education, and the community to meet the multiple needs of our students, families, and staff.

O EM.1.2o Create a common practice to seek employee and stakeholder input and feedback to inform decision-making.

EM.1.3s Support the celebration and recognition of multi-cultural events.

S EM.1.5s Structure the District Student Advisory Council to serve as a collaborative forum to advise the school direction on policies, regulations, curricula, school safety, climate, and culture.

S EM.1.6s Increase links between home and school by providing systemic opportunities for parent/family engagement.

EM.1.4o O Provide teachers with resources to ensure all students are represented appropriately within the curriculum and expand global, cultural, and diverse perspectives. O

EM.1.7o Strive to achieve collaborative leadership practices.

S EM.1.8s Enable students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Objectives

S EM.2.1s Engage students in learning systems that develop interpersonal skills both in and out of the classroom.

EM.2.3o Create a District organizational structure of wrap-around services and ensure accessibility.

O

EM.2.5s Enhance the District’s counseling programs to focus on meeting the emotional needs of our students.

S EM.2.6s Utilize integrated student supports to meet the needs of every student.

S EM.2.7s Expand and enrich learning and opportunities through vocational education.

HEFNER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Goal

Communication (EM.3)

Objectives

O EM.3.1o Increase communication to our community and stakeholders.

O EM.3.2o Utilize consistent all-way communication strategies to increase and improve District and community relationships. This includes social media, digital media, earned media, and all forms of communication (internal, external, crisis).

O EM.3.3o Create a platform to ensure an informed community through District storytelling focused on positive stories, good news, and showcasing the District.

O EM.3.4o Increase opportunities for public engagement to inform and provide opportunities for feedback.

O EM.3.5o Establish a connection with District and sites by ensuring professional branding is represented at all facilities throughout the District and increase District brand visibility throughout the community to promote unity and service.

O EM.3.6o Re-design and maintain District and school websites to better reflect the District’s vision, mission, and core values and increase usability.

Putnam City is committed to providing and improving consistent, and timely communication for all District stakeholders as well as continuing the development of prominent District and site marketing & branding campaigns

JAMES L. DENNIS ELEMENTARY

ENVIRONMENT

Environment Resources

Putnam City Schools welcomes all into a physically and emotionally SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT through efficient and quality OPERATIONAL, EMPLOYEE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY and FINANCIAL resources.

Goal Objectives Focus

Safe Home (EN.1)

Putnam City is committed to providing a safe learning environment for Students, Staff, and the Community to ensure the opportunity for all to learn and thrive.

O EN.1.1o Provide safe and supportive learning and working environments through secured campuses, upgraded security systems, and safety procedures.

O EN.1.2o Continue to upgrade and review safety systems and District and building policies to ensure a safe place.

O EN.1.3o Ensure staff is well-trained with safety procedures and that all safety procedures are updated.

S EN.1.4s Provide consistent and accessible resources for students’ social-emotional health and well-being.

S EN1.5s Support schools in the collaborative development and implementation of a code-of-conduct that is researched, collaborative, and based on restorative practices.

Goal

Operational (EN.2)

Putnam City is committed to operations that provide safe and supportive schools and District sites that encourage innovative learning and practices while providing exceptional and timely customer service.

Objectives

O EN.2.1o Use District resources effectively and efficiently to benefit students and staff.

S EN.2.2s Ensure facilities that are safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and provide for the needs of students.

O EN.2.3o Invest in a system to identify and track progress toward site needs and the long-term sustainability of our buildings.

S EN.2.4s Provide safe and prompt transportation for students.

S EN.2.5s Provide students with quality food services.

WILL ROGERS ELEMENTARY

ENVIRONMENT

Goal

Employee (EN.3)

Putnam City is committed to meeting the academic needs of all students by investing in and supporting a highly trained and highly effective staff.

Objectives

O EN.3.1o Establish a culture of professionalism where all staff models respect, trust, and collaboration.

O EN.3.2o Recruit, develop, and retain an effective, diverse, and culturally responsive workforce.

O EN.3.3o Provide a staff development program that prepares our employees to meet the educational, developmental, and environmental needs of our students and promotes personal and professional growth.

O EN.3.4o Establish and maintain community partnerships to attract quality applicants for all positions.

O EN.3.5o Continue to prioritize competitive compensation.

O EN.3.6o Improve onboarding processes and opportunities.

O EN.3.7o Provide leadership, resources, and training for innovation and implementation of evidencebased approaches for in-person, blended, and online teaching and learning.

O EN.3.8o Enhance and support a comprehensive faculty mentoring program.

O EN.3.9o Analyze yearly staffing requirements and financial resources to meet District needs.

Goal

Information Technology (EN.4)

Putnam City is committed to preparing all students to be safe, responsible, capable, and innovative digital citizens and professionals in support for the future of their choice after graduation.

Objectives

O EN.4.1o Target systems upgrades, improve system automation and interconnectability.

O EN.4.2o Continue to provide and enhance an effective, integrated technology system for management, communication, and classroom instruction.

O EN.4.3o Continue to provide a modern technological infrastructure that supports all instructional and administrative needs.

O EN.4.4o Continue to provide students with technology tools and know-how to be successful in their future endeavors in higher education and careers.

Goal

ENVIRONMENT

Financial (EN.5)

Putnam City is committed to sustaining a balanced budget while supporting academic excellence and expanding resources for students and staff.

Objectives

O EN.5.1o Operate in a fiscally responsible, effective, and efficient manner in all financial matters to ensure adequate resources to support continuous improvement in student achievement, employee support and overall District success.

O EN.5.2o Actively seek alternative revenue streams to meet the needs of District goals.

O EN.5.3o Continue to analyze all District costs to ensure the allocation of resources are effectively meeting and supporting District goals and initiatives.

O EX.5.4o Continually work to upgrade and automate financial systems to increase efficiency and access.

I HELP STUDENTS DREAM BIG BY TALKING ABOUT THEIR DREAMS. MY STUDENTS HELP ME DREAM BIG BY REMEMBERING TO TAKE THE SAME ADVICE I GIVE - BREATHE, MAKE SMART GOALS AND BE THE BEST ME.”

I LOVE HOW MY TEACHERS ARE ALWAYS THERE TO HELP ME LEARN AND GROW. I ALSO MAKE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS IN MY CLASSES.”

Katy, Student

I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVOCATE FOR MY STUDENTS EVERYDAY, CONNECT FAMILIES WITH RESOURCES AND PARTNER WITH TEACHERS TO EMPOWER OUR STUDENTS TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES THEY CAN BE.”

Lauren Pruiti, M. Ed., Mayfield Middle School Counselor

Hope Shinn, M. Ed., Rollingwood Elementary Counselor

Acknowledgments

Board of Education: Administrative Cabinet

Office #1: Steve Burger

Office #2: Jay Sherrill

Office #3: Judy Mullen Hopper

Office #4: Charity Avery

Office #5: Gail LoPresto

Superintendent:

Dr. Fred Rhodes

School Administrators

Faculty & Staff

Students & Families

Putnam City Schools Foundation

Oklahoma State School Board Association

Brandon Carey

We sincerely appreciate the valuable contributions of everyone who generously gave their insights and expertise in creating this plan.