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Save the date, Putnam County! It's time to celebrate the incredible achievements of our PCHS Class of 2024 graduates!
Join us for the Baccalaureate celebration this Sunday, May 5, at 3:00 pm in the PCMS Auditorium.
Mark your calendars for the big day: Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19, at 2:00 pm in the PCHS Gymnasium. Doors open at 12:30 pm on Graduation Day. Congratulations to all our graduates - you've made us #PutnamProud!
Putnam County Memorial Hospital has graciously given the following dates for free sports and activities physicals. They will take place in the Specialty Clinic (1926 Oak Street, Unionville, MO).
You must bring the physical forms with you, fill them out, and be accompanied by a parent. You do not need to make an appointment.
Forms will be available outside the high school and middle school offices and are linked below.
To expedite the process, please have your portion of the forms filled out before arrival.
2024-2025 Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form
2024-2025 Pre-Participation Documentation-Annual Requirement (Revised April 2023)
May 24, 2024 8:00 am - Noon
June 18: 8:00 am - Noon.
Become a difference maker! Join our team!
Putnam County R-1 Schools is now accepting applications for the following positions:
Middle School ELA (English Language Arts) Teacher
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE)
Full-Time Bus Drivers with benefits and training!
Paraprofessionals for 2024-2025
Visit the link below and apply today for non-certified positions and Mo Teaching Jobs or the underlined links for certified positions. Know someone who would be a great addition to our team? Hit that share button and help us recruit more top talent!
Questions about career opportunities? Feel free to call Lauren Shipley in the Superintendent's office at 660-947-3361 ext 301 or email lshipley@putnamcountyr1.net
**Certified Positions**
Interested applicants should send all application materials including a cover letter, resume, three reference letters, official transcript, and proof of certification to Dr. Heath Halley, Superintendent; Putnam County R-I Schools, 803 S. 20th Street, Unionville, MO 63565
Dear Putnam County R-I Community and Family,
It is with a mix of emotions that I share with you my intention to retire as the Superintendent of the Putnam County R-I School District, effective November 30, 2024. Serving as an educator has been an immensely rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have dedicated 20 fulfilling years to the students and families of Putnam County.
Our school district is truly exceptional, and I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of it, wearing various hats over the years – from coach to bus driver, from maintenance worker to food service provider, from teacher to friend, parent, and ultimately, your Superintendent of Schools. Working alongside our dedicated educators and support staff has been both a privilege and a pleasure. However, our community's unwavering support and dedication has truly made my tenure here a success. I sincerely appreciate the love and camaraderie I have experienced each day.
For two decades, I have traversed the same roads to work, witnessing the rich tapestry of history, tradition, challenge, and diversity that defines our community. This journey has been more than just a career; it has been a calling—a calling to serve a community that prioritizes its children and demonstrates unwavering support in countless ways. I am profoundly grateful for the deep passion and dedication I have been able to bring to my work, allowing me to serve my community while also prioritizing the needs of my own family.
Throughout my tenure, I have collaborated with exceptional Boards of Education – dedicated professionals who share a deep commitment to our community and its children. We have worked tirelessly to ensure student success, uphold stewardship principles, and provide exemplary service to our community. I am particularly proud of our collective efforts to enhance instructional initiatives, advocate for students and public schools, and invest in capital improvement projects that reflect our district's pride in its students and their educational experiences.
I will work with the school board and relevant stakeholders to identify and appoint a suitable successor. I will work and communicate with my successor to provide insights, share information, and facilitate a seamless transition.
Although my retirement marks the end of one chapter, our journey together is far from over. We still have important work to accomplish in the weeks and months ahead, and I am eager to continue our partnership as we navigate these challenges and opportunities together. Your involvement, as always, is vital and deeply valued.
Thank you, Putnam County R-I, for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Superintendent of Schools. It has been an honor and a joy to work alongside each and every one of you.
With love and great gratitude,
Heath
Help us congratulate our Putnam County R-1 Track and Field Varsity Boys! Putnam County wins the GRC Boys Track & Field Championship for the 2nd year in a row! We are #PutnamProud of your hard work!
Here are the All-Conference finishers for the boys team! Also, back to back Conference Champs!!
1st Team All-Conference-
4x800m Relay -(Avery Campbell-Johnson, Jacob Jones, Walter Hartwig, Jude Watt)
Shot - Mason Robinson
Javelin - Gideon Jones
100m - Diego Lopez
4x200m Relay - (Diego Lopez, Nick Roberts, Jacob Jones, Shiloh Tipton)
1600m - Avery Campbell-Johnson
400m - Jude Watt
800m- Avery Campbell-Johnson
3200m - Walter Hartwig, Boden Darling
2nd Team All-Conference-
Discus - Kollin Huse
High Jump - Jacob Jones
Pole vault - Brayten Spring
110m Hurdles - Corey Chapman
100m - Shiloh Tipton
1600m - Walter Hartwig
300m Hurdles - Jacob Jones
200m - Shiloh Tipton
4x400m Relay - (Gideon Jones, Matthew Blanchard, Chad Wysocki, Nick Roberts)
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the auditorium at Putnam County R-I School District echoed with applause and celebration as Mr. Jeremy Watt and Mrs. Haley Watt were honored as the MSTA Northeast Region Educators of the Year. The surprise announcement took place during an impromptu all-staff meeting after school, where the school community gathered together to surprise them and recognize their outstanding contributions.
Despite Dr. Halley's absence due to driving a school bus, his pre-recorded video message conveyed heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Watt's unwavering dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom. With over two decades of service, Mr. Watt's commitment to excellence shines through in everything he does, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Congratulations, Mr. Watt, Northeast Region High School Educator of the Year!
Also deserving of recognition, Mrs. Haley Watt was praised for her collaborative approach to communication within the school district. Through her tireless efforts, she has helped shed light on the remarkable achievements of students and staff alike, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community. Congratulations to Mrs. Watt, Northeast Region Associate Educator of the Year!
Keri Cottrell from MSTA added to the chorus of congratulations, acknowledging Mr. and Mrs. Watt's historic achievement as the first couple to be selected for these prestigious awards. Their nomination, interview, and subsequent selection are a testament to their exemplary dedication to education and their unwavering commitment to student success.
The culmination of this recognition will take place at an upcoming MSTA banquet in May, where Mr. and Mrs. Watt will be formally honored among colleagues across the region. As we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this remarkable duo, we are reminded of the profound impact they have had on our school community.
Join us in celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Watt's well-deserved recognition! Their accomplishments make us all #PutnamProud. And here's a fun fact: Both Mr. and Mrs. Watt come from a lineage of educators, further underscoring their deep-rooted commitment to the field of education.
Putnam County R-1 Schools is proud to announce its designation as a Project ADAM Heart Safe School, a testament to the dedicated efforts of our staff and community members. Led by Nurse Stephanie Gillum and our Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT), including Dr. Heath Halley, Tiffani Klinginsmith, Jamie Tipton, Donna Altiser, Calvin Heidenwith, Blane Robinson, Jeremy Watt, Kellyn Robinson, Brook Fleshman, and Brian Mayer, our school has undergone rigorous training and preparation to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors in the event of a cardiac emergency.
The Project ADAM initiative began in 1999 in Wisconsin after the tragic death of Adam Lemel, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while playing basketball. His parents, Patty and Joe, partnered with Children’s Wisconsin to establish Project ADAM, aiming to raise awareness and provide lifesaving resources to prevent similar tragedies. Today, Project ADAM has expanded nationwide, with over 200 lives saved and 38 affiliated sites in 29 states.
Sudden cardiac arrest in young people may be rare, but it is unpredictable and potentially fatal. However, immediate CPR and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase survival rates. Through our Project ADAM certification, Putnam County R-I Schools ensures that our staff are well-equipped and trained to respond swiftly and effectively to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives.
The designation ceremony was a memorable occasion, with Kaitlyn Bennett from Children's Mercy in Kansas City presenting the banner at last night's Putnam County Baseball game, highlighting the importance of this achievement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in this vital initiative and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all members of our school community.
π Senior Spotlight: Abbie Koenen π
Let's illuminate the accomplishments of Abbie Koenen, a remarkable member of the PCHS Class of 2024! ππ
π¨π©π§π¦ Family Bonding: Abbie is the daughter of Phil and Kim Koenen. Abbie cherishes moments riding side by sides and golfing with her family, creating unforgettable memories and strengthening their bond.
π Parental Inspiration: Abbie's parents serve as her biggest inspiration, constantly supporting and motivating her to excel academically and achieve her goals.
ποΈβοΈβ³ Extracurricular Enrichment: Abbie's involvement in FFA, FBLA, Golf, NHS, and Upward Bound has not only expanded her horizons but also transformed her into a more outgoing individual, fostering new friendships and personal growth.
π Proudest Achievement: Abbie's proudest achievement lies in her outstanding performance in high school golf, attending state championships all four years and continually improving her scores. Her success has even opened doors to play college golf!
π Memorable Moment: A heartwarming moment occurred when Abbie received a full ride to college and became a Pershing Scholar at Truman State University, a joyous occasion shared with her mom and celebrated with tears of happiness.
π± Personal Growth & Advice: From freshman to senior year, Abbie has learned the importance of prioritizing her own happiness and not trying to please everyone. Her advice to incoming freshmen emphasizes self-fulfillment and authenticity.
π Favorite Class: Any math class with Mr. Fleshman stands out as Abbie's favorite, thanks to his positive teaching style and the uplifting atmosphere he fosters.
π¨π©π§π¦ Quality Time: Abbie's favorite pastime away from school is spending quality time with friends and family, cherishing spontaneous moments and creating lasting memories.
π One Wish: Abbie's heartfelt wish is to spend a day with her late grandparents and great-grandparents, sharing with them the joy of her achievements and the milestones of her family.
π Three Words: Smart, Kind, Important – These words encapsulate Abbie's character and the positive impact she has on those around her.
π©π§π¦ Admired Figure: Abbie looks up to her mom, admiring her unwavering support and encouragement throughout her journey, instilling in her the confidence to pursue her dreams.
π Future Aspirations: Abbie plans to study accounting and business at Truman State University, aiming to become a CPA while playing college golf. In 5-10 years, she envisions herself working remotely for an accounting firm while managing her own farm.
π High School Experience: Abbie sums up her high school experience as eventful, fun, and exciting, filled with cherished memories and valuable lessons learned.
π¨π« Impactful Figures: Mr. Waugh, Mrs. Hinkle, Mr. Fleshman, and Mr. Carleton have all played significant roles in Abbie's academic and personal development, imparting valuable knowledge and shaping her future endeavors.
π Missed Moments: Abbie will miss seeing her friends Dylan and Parker every day, reminiscing about shared experiences and catching up on each other's lives.
π Favorite Quote: "Good things come to those who wait. But better things come to those who work for it." This quote resonates with Abbie's belief in the power of hard work and perseverance.
π Congratulations, Abbie! Your dedication, kindness, and ambition make us #PutnamProud! π #PCHSClassOf2024
π Senior Spotlight: David Ray π
Let's shine a spotlight on David Ray, an outstanding member of the PCHS Class of 2024! ππ
π¨π©π¦π¦ Family Bonding: David is the son of Roger and Lori Ray. David cherishes moments spent hunting with his family, finding joy and connection in these shared experiences.
π¨π« Inspiration from Coach: Coach Robinson serves as David's biggest inspiration, not just as a baseball coach but as a life coach who pushes him and his team to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. David says, "Coach Robinson inspires me because he just is an all-around amazing guy and he pushes not just me but the whole team to do our best. He's not just a baseball coach but a life coach as well."
π―βΎ Extracurricular Passions: David's involvement in trap shooting and baseball, particularly under Coach Robinson's guidance, has shaped him profoundly, teaching him valuable life lessons and fostering personal growth.
π Proudest Achievement: Participating in the State-run in baseball stands out.
π Memorable Moment: Sharing a memorable State Baseball trip with Cody Briggs, filled with first-time experiences and unforgettable memories, remains etched in David's mind as a highlight of his high school journey.
π± Personal Growth & Advice: David reflects on his growth as a person and offers sage advice to incoming freshmen: Take it slow, savor the moments, and don't rush through high school because it goes by faster than you think.
πΎπ₯ Favorite Class: Agricultural class holds a special place in David's heart, igniting his passion for thinking outside the box, building things, and welding, which he sees as essential skills for shaping his future.
π³ Favorite Pastime: David's favorite thing to do away from school is to hunt, enjoying the serenity of nature and the thrill of the hunt in God's creation.
π One Wish: If David had one wish, it would be to hunt in all 50 states, fulfilling his adventurous spirit and love for the great outdoors.
π Three Words: Humorous, Ornery, Loyal – These words encapsulate David's personality and character traits.
π¨π¦π¦ Admired Figure: David admires his dad for his unwavering support and encouragement, always pushing him to do his best in everything he pursues.
π₯ Future Aspirations: After high school, David plans to assist a local bulldozing business and hopes to pursue a career in the filming industry for the outdoor channel, combining his love for the outdoors with his passion for film-making.
β³ High School Experience: David sums up his high school experience as "Not long enough," expressing his fondness for his peers and the memories they've created together. He says, "I'm gonna miss everyone."
π¨π« Impactful Figure: David shares, " Mr. Watt, because he is always asking everyone if they are having a good day and we always talk about hunting and he has similar interests as me and he is just a great guy in general."
π Missed Moments: David says, "I will miss my friends so much." David will miss the camaraderie and friendships he's formed during his high school years, cherishing the bonds forged over shared experiences.
π΅ Favorite Quote: "I'm not here for a long time, I'm here for a good time." – George Strait. This quote reflects David's zest for life and his determination to make the most of every moment.
π Congratulations, David! Your passion, humor, and dedication make us #PutnamProud! π #PCHSClassOf2024
π Senior Spotlight: Maddy Darling π
Let's celebrate the achievements and spirit of Maddy Darling, a shining star in the PCHS Class of 2024! ππ
π¨π©π§π§ Family Fun: Maddy cherishes quality time with her family, whether it's watching shows like Savoir or bonding over homemade cheesecake desserts. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
π Inspiration from Mom: Maddy finds her biggest inspiration in her mom, whose intelligence, kindness, and unwavering support serve as guiding lights throughout her high school journey.
π£ Cheerleading Camaraderie: Maddy's involvement in cheerleading has not only honed her skills but also provided opportunities to forge new friendships. Cheerleading has been a platform for Maddy to connect with others and embrace teamwork.
π Yearbook Memories: Contributing to the creation of the yearbook has been a source of pride for Maddy, allowing her to make lasting memories and leave her mark on the school community.
π§ Personal Growth & Advice: Maddy reflects on her growth in knowledge and skills since freshman year, offering sage advice to incoming freshmen: Be kind, make friends, join the yearbook staff, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.
πΈ Favorite Class: Maddy's favorite class has been Yearbook, where she has not only honed her skills but also forged meaningful friendships and created cherished memories.
πΏπ¨ Away from School: When away from school, Maddy enjoys indulging in good snacks, watching TV, and unleashing her creativity through activities like coloring.
π« One Wish: Maddy's wish is to meet her idol, Selena Gomez, a testament to her adventurous spirit and admiration for inspiring figures.
π Three Words: Funny, Kind, Adventurous – these qualities embody Maddy's vibrant personality and positive outlook on life.
π©π§π¦ Admired Figure: Maddy looks up to her mom, recognizing her as the epitome of kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support.
π Future Plans: Maddy plans to support her mom with her cleaning business, embracing a path filled with fun and fast-paced experiences.
π High School Experience: Maddy's high school journey has been characterized by fun, friendships, and rapid growth, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories and meaningful experiences.
π©π« Impactful Figure: Maddy acknowledges the impact of Miss Alex Handling, who embodies humor and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on Maddy's high school experience.
π Missed Moments: Maddy will miss the daily interactions and camaraderie with her friends, a testament to the close-knit community fostered at PCR-I.
π Favorite Quote: "Be a voice, not an echo." – A powerful reminder for Maddy to embrace her uniqueness and make her mark on the world.
π Congratulations, Maddy! Your kindness, adventurous spirit, and zest for life make us #PutnamProud! π #PCHSClassOf2024