Back in 1914, we inked our spot as Oklahoma’s first consolidated school district. Since then, we’ve always done things a little differently.
Whether it’s putting tech in the hands of every student or offering unparalleled opportunities inside and outside the classroom, we go above and beyond to provide an education that’s one step ahead of the rest.
It’s in the passion of our people and our rich resources. It’s in our commitment to building up engaged global citizens — while having a little fun too.
You could call us a trailblazer. You’d be right.
We’ll continue setting the standard for an education that’s top of its class.
We all have a spark flickering inside us. It’s that fire in your belly that moves you forward.
At Putnam City Schools, our spark motivates us to be the best we can be. For our students. For our teachers. For our parents and for our community. By following this brand guide, we can empower others to GO BOLDLY in their education and in life.
Our education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Neither is our brand. We have a unique narrative that guides our voice, informs our actions, and inspires our audiences.
To blaze new trails for self-navigating critical thinkers.
Go boldly.
To be the premier district for a futurefocused education.
Building up the leaders of tomorrow doesn’t come with a road map. That’s where our values come in. They’re our torch, blazing the way forward and guiding everything we do.
We celebrate our differences as one Putnam City family.
We think outside the box to provide an exceptional education for all.
We champion the whole student, not just their educational life.
We encourage life-long learners by fostering interest in everything.
We carve the path that leads the next generation to thrive.
Our brand is more than just a school district or a snazzy logo. It’s who we are. A great way to think about our brand is in terms of the roles we play. Depending on the situation, Putnam City Schools steps into the shoes of the Explorer, the Creator, and the Sage.
GOAL: To make something with meaning and value.
STRENGTHS: Creativity, independence, inspiration, self-motivation
The Creator is a wizard at building value out of the previously untapped. Imaginative, inventive, and artistic, they create unforgettable experiences and crave freedom of expression.
GOAL: To discover something new and make it matter.
STRENGTHS: Boldness, curiosity, initiative, vision
The Explorer finds purpose in forging new paths. Often described as trailblazing, adventurous, and motivated, they defy the expected and enjoy learning about the world around them.
GOAL: To teach others about the world.
STRENGTHS: Wisdom, guidance, thoughtfulness, empathy
The Sage believes knowledge is a powerful tool for change. Wise, engaged, and a truth seeker at heart, they aim to make the world a better place by learning everything they can about it — and sharing that knowledge with others.
Just like each person in our hallways, our brand has a distinct voice and personality. It guides how we speak, write, and express ourselves. But most of all, it informs how we make people feel.
Next stop? The future, of course. From resources to tech to learning style, we have a point of view — and it’s always a few steps ahead of the curve. With students as our focus and positivity as our power, we’re ready for whatever comes next.
FEELS:
• Pioneering, but not domineering.
• Optimistic, but not naive.
• Modern, but not cold.
At Putnam City Schools, we ignite excitement and wonder. We’re an optimistic leader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. A curious adventurer who leaves no stone unturned.
As Oklahoma’s first consolidated school district, we’ve set the standard for a future-focused education. And we don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.
Putnam City Schools is Forward-Thinking, Inclusive, and Enthusiastic.
NOT:
Putnam City Schools offers a modern education that prepares Northwest Oklahoma City students for life outside the classroom.
We’re proud to be a school district for everyone. Regardless of our uniquities, we meet people where they are with compassion and thoughtfulness. It’s more than lip service. We actively support and celebrate each other, with “us,” “we,” and “our” statements as the standard.
FEELS:
• Understanding, but not coddling.
• Socially aware, but not preachy.
• Collaborative, but not reductive.
SOUNDS LIKE:
No matter our zipcode, we are all Putnam City Proud.
NOT:
Our district is proud to serve a large student population of diverse ethnicities, religions, ages, identities, and socioeconomic statuses across 27 schools.
Exploring our world gets our gears engaged, because we know the journey of learning goes beyond the classroom. We’ll gladly share what we’ve been up to. And we’re not afraid to brag a little on our spectacular people.
FEELS:
• Fun, but not goofy.
• Confident, but not bullish.
• Spirited, but not childlike.
SOUNDS LIKE:
X marks the spot! Patriots take state! Congratulations to Putnam City West’s speech and debate team.
NOT: Congratulations to Putnam City West’s speech and debate team, who won the state championship tournament.
Since day one, PCS has been one step ahead of the rest. Whether it’s academics, extracurriculars, or support for our teachers, we’re the example. Not the exception.
Modern, well-rounded, and highly adaptable, Putnam City Schools offers the best public education experience in the region.
We know students are more than their schoolwork. There’s a reason our resources and activities are top notch. The life skills they need to succeed go far beyond just book smarts.
Spanning 27 schools and 19,000+ students, the PCS family is diverse. No matter our differences, we stick together as one district and collaborate to reach our goals.
Putnam City Pride radiates across everything we do, from the classroom to the basketball court to the board room.
The PCS flame flickers across generations of families and continues to make a lasting impact on our city, state, and country.
As one of Oklahoma’s largest school districts, Putnam City Schools serves many different groups of people. Each has different motivations and goals. When speaking as Putnam City Schools, it’s important to connect with each of our audiences while staying true to who we are.
Guardians of students who attend a school within the district.
“I want my child to get the best education possible.”
They know their child’s wants, needs, and motivations better than anyone else.
They want their child to succeed and will seek out the avenues to get there.
They have limited time to simmer on information and make decisions.
Part-time and full-time educators and support staff who work at a school within the district.
“I want to feel supported and valued.”
They understand students and parents because they interact with them most.
They strive to make a difference in the lives of students, academically and personally.
They want to be in the loop when it comes to decisions that affect their students and themselves.
Children in grades PK-12 who attend a school within the district.
“I want to enjoy learning.”
They view the world through their own lens first.
They want to know they are cared for and supported.
They respond well to incentives and out-of-the-box experiences.
District leadership and board members.
DECISION MAKERS
They want to make choices that positively impact the district.
GOAL-ORIENTED
They see beyond the day-to-day details to the big picture.
UNDER PRESSURE
They are accountable to many different people in the district.
Businesses, nonprofits, and partners that support the district.
“I want to make a difference in my community.”
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
They seek out ways to get involved with their community.
HIGHLY INVESTED
They want to go deeper than the surface to leave an impact.
OPTICS MATTER
They are interested in seeing how their support tangibly impacts the district.
“I want PCS to be the school district of choice.”
Before sitting down to write for Putnam City Schools, use this checklist to ensure your language is on-brand, consistent, and intentional.
1 2 3 4 5
Who are they? How do you want them to feel? What do they want to hear? What do they need to hear?
What action do you want them to take? To inspire change? To enroll their student? To excel in their exams? community.”
Read it out loud. Ask yourself: does it sound like something a real person would say?
Use short sentences. Choose lively verbs. Say yes to contractions. Pack a punch. Active language communicates passion.
Is your messaging hitting the right notes? Does it sound forward-thinking, inclusive, and enthusiastic?
Our logo is the visual representation of our brand and values. The main Putnam City Schools logo celebrates our past, leads our present, and lights the way forward for our future. From district signage, stationery, and our website to business cards, t-shirts, and beyond, this version is our go-to look.
THE FLAME
Bursting forth from the pen, the flame symbolizes a lifelong passion for learning — and hope for the future.
SANS-SERIF TYPOGRAPHY
The mark is coupled with bold sans-serif typography to provide a feeling of modernity.
TORCH
The torch symbolizes the trailblazing spirit of Putnam City Schools.
THE PEN
Mightier than the finest sword. Forming the handle of the torch, the pen symbolizes the power of ideas.
* WHEN IN DOUBT, USE THE PRIMARY LOGO!
We’re not a sit-back-and-see kind of brand. We go boldly. And we’re proud of it. Our secondary Spirit Logo is lively, contemporary, and inspiring. It should only be used for district pride materials and events.
Sometimes we need to button up a bit. That’s where the Academic Seal logo steps in. The seal is reserved for our most special occasions and should be used rarely and sparingly to preserve its prestige.
USE ON:
• T-shirts and apparel
• Pins
• Buttons
NOT:
• Stickers
• Pep rally collateral
• Merchandise
• Official documents
• Primary brand communications
USE ON:
NOT:
• Business cards
• Letterhead
• Diplomas
• Embossed seals
• Graduation collateral
• Building statement pieces
• Swag items
• Spirit materials
• Merchandise
• Primary brand communications
When the Primary Logo or Spirit Logo cannot be used in full color, single color and black and white versions should step in.
Putnam City Schools’ color palette is made up of Bold Blue, Torch Orange, and Grove Gold.
Typography
Our primary font is Fieldwork Hum Bold. It’s fresh, welcoming, and youthful, just like Putnam City Schools. The font is included in the Adobe Fonts library or can be purchased on fontspring.com.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
0123456789
Fieldwork Hum Regular can be used for body copy.
If Fieldwork Hum Bold is unable to be used, Montserrat Bold can be substituted and is found on Google Fonts.
Fieldwork Hum Regular Montserrat Bold
0123456789
The composition of the Putnam City Schools logo, the representation of its components, and its colors may not be altered. Under no circumstances may the logo be modified, distorted, or recreated. Some examples of unacceptable modifications and incorrect uses of the logo are shown here.
Old versions
Do not use old versions of the Putnam City Schools logo. Use only the latest version of the logo available.
Size
Do not make the logo any smaller than one-inch wide.
On Photography
Do not superimpose the full color Putnam City Schools logo on any image that obscures the logo or makes it hard to see or read.
Colored Backgrounds
Do not use the full color logo when on a dark background.
Altering
Do not distort, recreate, recolor or alter the proportions of the Putnam City Schools logo.
Effects
Do not use effects on the logo such as a drop shadow, shading, or adding a stroke.
Photography brings our brand to life, embodying our bold spirit and celebrating the people that carry the torch forward.
From kindergarteners to school nurses, teachers to board members, we go boldly both as individuals and a district. Confidence shots radiate our signature Putnam City Pride.
When creating Confidence photos, aim for:
• Subject looking directly to camera
• Staged subject, either centered or on a third
• Confident smile/smirk/facial expression
• Lower angle medium shots
• Subject framed by relevant setting
In our book, learning is a team sport. Our photography reflects that by showing collaboration between teachers and students in a welcoming, meaningful way.
When creating Connection photos, aim for:
• Two or more people interacting
• Authentic moments & emotions
• Diversity (ethnicity, age, gender)
• Non-camera aware subjects
• Warm, supportive tone
A PCS education isn’t just about pencils and papers. It’s on the move, from the chemistry lab to curtain call. Photography wise, this translates to a mix of classroom and activity action shots.
When creating Active Learning photos, aim for:
• Lively on-the-move shots
• Candid unstaged moments
• Both classroom & extracurricular activities
• A showcase of PCS programs
• Either camera aware or non-aware subjects
A single color overlay may be used only on historical photos to spotlight our heritage in a fresh way. High contrast black and white versions may also be used.
When creating Legacy photos, aim for:
• Photos that showcase a variety of generations
• Photos that communicate pride and joy
• People, places, and items of interest
• Film grain and nods to history
• Photos that work in conjunction with brand creative
Overlay Tip
The overlay works best after changing an image to black and white.
