Mark your calendars for the PCMS choir concert.
This Friday is Hats Off to First Friday!
Join us for parent night!
🎉 Double the honor for PCCSS Nutrition! 🎉
We are proud to celebrate our Putnam County Charter School Nutrition Department for earning •TWO• outstanding awards recognizing their dedication to student health and wellness from the Georgia Department of Education.
🥗 The Turnip the Beet! Award – A national recognition for serving high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals through the Summer Meals Program.
🌱 The Georgia Farm to School Award – Honoring exceptional efforts to connect students with local agriculture, provide fresh locally grown foods, and teach children where their food comes from.
These achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of our nutrition team in ensuring students have access to healthy meals and meaningful learning experiences year-round. Congratulations on these well-deserved recognitions!
We are proud to celebrate our Putnam County Charter School Nutrition Department for earning •TWO• outstanding awards recognizing their dedication to student health and wellness from the Georgia Department of Education.
🥗 The Turnip the Beet! Award – A national recognition for serving high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals through the Summer Meals Program.
🌱 The Georgia Farm to School Award – Honoring exceptional efforts to connect students with local agriculture, provide fresh locally grown foods, and teach children where their food comes from.
These achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of our nutrition team in ensuring students have access to healthy meals and meaningful learning experiences year-round. Congratulations on these well-deserved recognitions!
Today marked the inaugural meeting of the 2026-2027 Superintendent's Faculty Advisory Council!
Following the success of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, Mr. Austin has expanded opportunities for collaboration by launching this new council, bringing together certified and classified staff representatives from across PCCSS. Meeting monthly with district leadership, council members will provide valuable feedback, share ideas, and help guide our continuous improvement efforts.
The council includes representatives from a variety of departments, including teachers, paraprofessionals, transportation, nutrition, and other key areas across the district. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the District hopes to gain a more well-rounded understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities within our school system.
We are excited to see this collaborative effort strengthen communication, support informed decision-making, and help us continue to Inspire, Innovate, and Excel throughout PCCSS!
Following the success of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, Mr. Austin has expanded opportunities for collaboration by launching this new council, bringing together certified and classified staff representatives from across PCCSS. Meeting monthly with district leadership, council members will provide valuable feedback, share ideas, and help guide our continuous improvement efforts.
The council includes representatives from a variety of departments, including teachers, paraprofessionals, transportation, nutrition, and other key areas across the district. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the District hopes to gain a more well-rounded understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities within our school system.
We are excited to see this collaborative effort strengthen communication, support informed decision-making, and help us continue to Inspire, Innovate, and Excel throughout PCCSS!
Kona will be on campus this Friday. Each cup is $5.
✨ It's almost time for PCCSS' Tinsel & Tiaras! 🎄
The Putnam County Charter School System Tinsel & Tiaras Holiday Pageant is BACK, and we can't wait to see our students shine on stage!
EVERY contestant will receive a tiara, rose, and sash, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will be awarded in every division.
📅 December 15, 2026
📍 The Plaza Arts Center
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
The pageant is open to all PCCSS students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Put on your favorite holiday dress, suit, or Sunday best and celebrate the season while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Age Divisions
• Tiny Princess (Pre-K–Kindergarten)
• Little Princess (1st–2nd Grade)
• Young Princess (3rd–5th Grade)
• Pre-Teen (6th–8th Grade)
• Young Teen (9th–10th Grade)
• Teen (11th–12th Grade)
*Registration is now OPEN! The entry fee is $35 through November 13 and increases to $50 after November 16. Spots are LIMITED, so don't wait to register ⬇️
https://putnamcountyga.schoolwindow.com/estore/putnam-county-high-school/tinsel-and-tiaras-pageant.html
For more information, contact:
April Smith – April.Smith@putnam.k12.ga.us
Kim Schell – Kim.Schell@putnam.k12.ga.us
The Putnam County Charter School System Tinsel & Tiaras Holiday Pageant is BACK, and we can't wait to see our students shine on stage!
EVERY contestant will receive a tiara, rose, and sash, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will be awarded in every division.
📅 December 15, 2026
📍 The Plaza Arts Center
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
The pageant is open to all PCCSS students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Put on your favorite holiday dress, suit, or Sunday best and celebrate the season while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Age Divisions
• Tiny Princess (Pre-K–Kindergarten)
• Little Princess (1st–2nd Grade)
• Young Princess (3rd–5th Grade)
• Pre-Teen (6th–8th Grade)
• Young Teen (9th–10th Grade)
• Teen (11th–12th Grade)
*Registration is now OPEN! The entry fee is $35 through November 13 and increases to $50 after November 16. Spots are LIMITED, so don't wait to register ⬇️
https://putnamcountyga.schoolwindow.com/estore/putnam-county-high-school/tinsel-and-tiaras-pageant.html
For more information, contact:
April Smith – April.Smith@putnam.k12.ga.us
Kim Schell – Kim.Schell@putnam.k12.ga.us
Oh, what a SPOOKTACULAR time we had at our annual Friendly Fright Fest! 🎃👻 From dancing and games to arts and crafts and connecting with our community friends, our students enjoyed a day filled with laughter, excitement, and Halloween fun! The smiles, laughter, and pure joy made every moment special and reminded us why this event means so much! 🥰
We were especially excited to welcome our friends from Morgan County who joined us for this year's festivities! We loved having you celebrate with us, and we hope you had just as much fun as we did!
A HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful community partners, dedicated volunteers, teachers, staff, and everyone who lent a helping hand to make this event such a success! A very special shoutout to our PCCSS Superintendent's Student Advisory Council high school volunteers for giving their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help make the day extra special! Your willingness to serve and connect with our students made a difference! 👏🏾
Friendly Fright Fest is a beautiful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose—to create meaningful experiences, celebrate ALL abilities, and make sure everyone has a place to belong! 🧡
To everyone who helped bring this event to life, THANK YOU! We couldn't have done it without you! Same time next year? We think YES! 🎃👻🧡
We were especially excited to welcome our friends from Morgan County who joined us for this year's festivities! We loved having you celebrate with us, and we hope you had just as much fun as we did!
A HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful community partners, dedicated volunteers, teachers, staff, and everyone who lent a helping hand to make this event such a success! A very special shoutout to our PCCSS Superintendent's Student Advisory Council high school volunteers for giving their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help make the day extra special! Your willingness to serve and connect with our students made a difference! 👏🏾
Friendly Fright Fest is a beautiful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose—to create meaningful experiences, celebrate ALL abilities, and make sure everyone has a place to belong! 🧡
To everyone who helped bring this event to life, THANK YOU! We couldn't have done it without you! Same time next year? We think YES! 🎃👻🧡
Innovation is more than trying something new. It is seeing potential where others may not, taking risks, building connections, and creating opportunities for students to grow in ways they never imagined. Our first nine weeks Innovative Spotlight winner embodies all of these qualities.
When this individual first joined the PCMS family, many may have noticed a quiet and reserved educator who preferred to sit in the back of meetings, content to listen and learn. She did not seek the spotlight. Instead, she focused on her students, her craft, and the work that mattered most.
Then the music began.
The sounds of clarinets, trombones, saxophones, and drums filled the halls. Along with the beautiful notes came the squeaks, squawks, missed rhythms, and miskeys that are all part of the learning process. Yet somehow, while working with one student or one section of the band, this teacher could hear every sound in the room. From the back corner to the opposite side of the ensemble, her ear would catch the smallest mistake, and she would quickly respond, "Wait, let's do that again."
That level of awareness, attention, and individualized instruction is differentiation at its finest.
In her classroom, every student is challenged according to their needs. Every musician is given opportunities to improve. Every learner is seen, heard, and encouraged to grow. She understands that excellence is not achieved by teaching everyone the same way, but by meeting students where they are and helping them reach where they can be.
Her innovation extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. Through strong collaboration between PCMS and PCHS, she has helped build bridges that connect students across grade levels and create a seamless musical experience. Whether performing in both the PCMS and PCHS Showcases or working behind the scenes alongside students, she exemplifies what true collaboration looks like.
She has also empowered students to lead. This year, a student-led performance initiative resulted in our first band student leader, creating opportunities for ownership, responsibility, and leadership within the program.
Because of her vision, the sounds of harmony are doing more than creating music. They are bringing students together, strengthening connections across secondary grade levels, and helping both students and teachers soar to new heights.
Innovation is one of the cornerstones of our district's mission, and this educator demonstrates its meaning every single day through creativity, collaboration, leadership, and a relentless commitment to student growth.
Please join me in congratulating our First Nine Weeks Innovative Spotlight Winner, Mrs. Brittany Loftin!
Mrs. Loftin, thank you for inspiring students to find their voice, their confidence, and their leadership potential. Your passion for innovation and dedication to excellence continue to make a lasting impact on our school community.
Congratulations, Mrs. Brittany Loftin! 🎶🦅🎉
When this individual first joined the PCMS family, many may have noticed a quiet and reserved educator who preferred to sit in the back of meetings, content to listen and learn. She did not seek the spotlight. Instead, she focused on her students, her craft, and the work that mattered most.
Then the music began.
The sounds of clarinets, trombones, saxophones, and drums filled the halls. Along with the beautiful notes came the squeaks, squawks, missed rhythms, and miskeys that are all part of the learning process. Yet somehow, while working with one student or one section of the band, this teacher could hear every sound in the room. From the back corner to the opposite side of the ensemble, her ear would catch the smallest mistake, and she would quickly respond, "Wait, let's do that again."
That level of awareness, attention, and individualized instruction is differentiation at its finest.
In her classroom, every student is challenged according to their needs. Every musician is given opportunities to improve. Every learner is seen, heard, and encouraged to grow. She understands that excellence is not achieved by teaching everyone the same way, but by meeting students where they are and helping them reach where they can be.
Her innovation extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. Through strong collaboration between PCMS and PCHS, she has helped build bridges that connect students across grade levels and create a seamless musical experience. Whether performing in both the PCMS and PCHS Showcases or working behind the scenes alongside students, she exemplifies what true collaboration looks like.
She has also empowered students to lead. This year, a student-led performance initiative resulted in our first band student leader, creating opportunities for ownership, responsibility, and leadership within the program.
Because of her vision, the sounds of harmony are doing more than creating music. They are bringing students together, strengthening connections across secondary grade levels, and helping both students and teachers soar to new heights.
Innovation is one of the cornerstones of our district's mission, and this educator demonstrates its meaning every single day through creativity, collaboration, leadership, and a relentless commitment to student growth.
Please join me in congratulating our First Nine Weeks Innovative Spotlight Winner, Mrs. Brittany Loftin!
Mrs. Loftin, thank you for inspiring students to find their voice, their confidence, and their leadership potential. Your passion for innovation and dedication to excellence continue to make a lasting impact on our school community.
Congratulations, Mrs. Brittany Loftin! 🎶🦅🎉
Our September Support Person of the Month is a courageous lion who helps empower every new teacher and support staff member who joins the PCMS family. Starting a new job can be intimidating. New team members often arrive feeling quiet, reserved, and uncertain as they navigate a new environment. But that quickly changes when they meet this month's honoree. With her welcoming spirit, encouraging words, and willingness to help, she teaches others to find their confidence, embrace challenges, and step boldly into their roles. She does not simply welcome people to PCMS; she helps them become part of our family. As members of the Isibindi House know, lions are strategic and creative. They understand when to observe, when to plan, and when to lead. However, this fierce lion never hesitates to step forward when support is needed. She leads with power, strength, and determination, always striving to help others succeed. Whether she is offering guidance, answering questions, encouraging a colleague, or helping someone through a difficult moment, she consistently demonstrates what servant leadership looks like. Her impact extends far beyond her daily responsibilities because she invests in people. She helps build confidence, create connections, and strengthen the culture of PCMS. Her courage inspires others to be brave. Her positivity encourages others to persevere. And her commitment to supporting our staff makes our school a better place for everyone. For her dedication, her fierce support of others, and the strength she brings to the PCMS family each day, please join me in congratulating Mrs. Rocky as our September Support Person of the Month! Mrs. Rocky, thank you for the countless ways you encourage, empower, and uplift those around you. We are grateful for your leadership, your heart, and your commitment to making PCMS stronger every day. Congratulations, Mrs. Rocky!
✨ Celebrating Excellence in Education! ✨
Last night, we had the honor of celebrating four outstanding educators at our annual Teacher of the Year reception! These incredible individuals exemplify the passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence that make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the PCCSS community.
Each honoree represents the very best of education, inspiring students, supporting colleagues, and helping shape the future of Putnam County, one student at a time.
👏 Please join us in congratulating our 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year! We are #PutnamProud of these exceptional educators and grateful for the impact they make every day!
💙 Mr. Marcus Swain — Putnam County Primary School
💙 Mrs. Tonika Pettigrew — Putnam County Elementary School
💙 Mrs. Elizabeth Harkins — Putnam County Middle School
💙 Mrs. Rebekah Esau — Putnam County High School
Thank you to these educators and to all our dedicated teachers who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. Your work matters, and we are proud to celebrate you!
*To view all the pictures from last night Teacher of the Year reception, please visit the District's Facebook page.
Last night, we had the honor of celebrating four outstanding educators at our annual Teacher of the Year reception! These incredible individuals exemplify the passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence that make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the PCCSS community.
Each honoree represents the very best of education, inspiring students, supporting colleagues, and helping shape the future of Putnam County, one student at a time.
👏 Please join us in congratulating our 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year! We are #PutnamProud of these exceptional educators and grateful for the impact they make every day!
💙 Mr. Marcus Swain — Putnam County Primary School
💙 Mrs. Tonika Pettigrew — Putnam County Elementary School
💙 Mrs. Elizabeth Harkins — Putnam County Middle School
💙 Mrs. Rebekah Esau — Putnam County High School
Thank you to these educators and to all our dedicated teachers who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. Your work matters, and we are proud to celebrate you!
*To view all the pictures from last night Teacher of the Year reception, please visit the District's Facebook page.
PCCSS was well represented at today's Georgia Council for the Social Studies (GCSS) Conference!
Staff members from Putnam County Middle School joined educators from across the state for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and the exchange of innovative instructional strategies that strengthen social studies education and enrich student learning.
We are also proud to celebrate Putnam County High School's Dr. Michael Mortimer, who served as a conference presenter. Dr. Mortimer shared how true crime-style historical investigations can be used to engage students in document-based inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and deeper historical thinking in U.S. History classrooms.
Thank you to our educators for representing PCCSS and bringing new ideas back to our classrooms!
Staff members from Putnam County Middle School joined educators from across the state for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and the exchange of innovative instructional strategies that strengthen social studies education and enrich student learning.
We are also proud to celebrate Putnam County High School's Dr. Michael Mortimer, who served as a conference presenter. Dr. Mortimer shared how true crime-style historical investigations can be used to engage students in document-based inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and deeper historical thinking in U.S. History classrooms.
Thank you to our educators for representing PCCSS and bringing new ideas back to our classrooms!
Tonight, we proudly celebrate Mrs. Harkins at the district's Teacher of the Year banquet alongside the outstanding educators representing our schools. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, kindness, and passion she brings to our scholars each and every day.
Mrs. Harkins makes a lasting difference in the lives of students, and we are honored to have her as part of our school family. Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!
Mrs. Harkins makes a lasting difference in the lives of students, and we are honored to have her as part of our school family. Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!
It is our privilege to recognize our September Teacher of the Month, someone who carries an incredible amount of the weight of our school while doing so with enthusiasm, positivity, and a heart for service.
This individual fully supports the mission, vision, and goals of both our district and our school. The energy he brings to PCMS is contagious. He approaches each day with a positive attitude and is constantly looking for ways to make our school better for students, staff, and families.
What makes him truly special is that his impact reaches far beyond academics. At the heart of everything he does is a genuine love for people. He is continually encouraging others, praying for others, and finding ways to build student leadership beyond the classroom walls. He understands that education is about developing the whole child and helping students become confident, capable leaders.
As a teacher, he sets the standard for what an academically challenging environment should look like. He pushes students to reach their maximum potential and never settles for less than their best. When you walk into his classroom, you will see students actively engaged, participating, collaborating, and challenging themselves to achieve goals that extend far beyond grades and test scores.
His leadership does not stop in the classroom. Whether he is energizing students during a pep rally, leading House celebrations, or helping create memorable experiences for our school community, he consistently steps forward to serve. His passion for school culture and student engagement helps make PCMS a place where students want to be.
Perhaps one of the things I admire most about him is a question he often asks during conversations: “We want to do what’s best for students, right?” That simple question reflects who he is at his core. Every decision, every conversation, and every effort is grounded in what is best for kids.
For his commitment to students, his outstanding leadership, his positive influence, and his dedication to making PCMS the very best it can be, please join me in congratulating Coach Beau Beasley, our September Teacher of the Month!
Many thanks to Lakeside Church for feeding our staff and covering lunch duty for teachers today. The hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and sodas were a welcome surprise and we are grateful.
Next week is Red Ribbon Week. Let's celebrate a drug free life.
❤️💙🦅 Thank You, Putnam County! 🦅💙❤️
What an incredible evening of school spirit, community pride, and Homecoming celebration!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students at the Homecoming Parade and Community Pep Rally. Seeing families, alumni, staff, and community members lining the parade route and gathering together afterward was a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special.
A special thank you goes to our teachers, staff, students, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers who dedicated their time, creativity, and hard work to designing floats, preparing for the parade, and representing our schools with pride.
When our schools and community come together to celebrate our students, we create traditions that strengthen connections, build pride, and remind our children how deeply they are supported. We are truly Putnam Proud and grateful to be part of a community that shows up, cheers loud, and supports our students every step of the way.
*To see more pictures from last night's Homecoming Parade and Community Pep Rally, please visit the District's Facebook page.
What an incredible evening of school spirit, community pride, and Homecoming celebration!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students at the Homecoming Parade and Community Pep Rally. Seeing families, alumni, staff, and community members lining the parade route and gathering together afterward was a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special.
A special thank you goes to our teachers, staff, students, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers who dedicated their time, creativity, and hard work to designing floats, preparing for the parade, and representing our schools with pride.
When our schools and community come together to celebrate our students, we create traditions that strengthen connections, build pride, and remind our children how deeply they are supported. We are truly Putnam Proud and grateful to be part of a community that shows up, cheers loud, and supports our students every step of the way.
*To see more pictures from last night's Homecoming Parade and Community Pep Rally, please visit the District's Facebook page.
Scholars in Mrs. Harkins' Read 180 classroom recently enjoyed a nutritious and delicious surprise thanks to Mrs. Carr, who visited the class and brought fresh kiwi fruit for everyone to sample.
The scholars were excited to try the vibrant green fruit, and it quickly became a classroom favorite. Many students enjoyed the kiwi's sweet and tangy flavor, while others were eager to learn about its nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, kiwi is a healthy snack that supports overall wellness and healthy habits.
Mrs. Carr took time to share information about the fruit and encourage scholars to make nutritious food choices. Her thoughtful visit provided both a fun tasting experience and an opportunity for students to learn about healthy eating.
The scholars greatly appreciated Mrs. Carr's generosity and enthusiasm. Her visit brought smiles, sparked curiosity, and helped make healthy nutrition an exciting topic in the Read 180 classroom. It was truly a memorable experience that the students will not soon forget.
The scholars were excited to try the vibrant green fruit, and it quickly became a classroom favorite. Many students enjoyed the kiwi's sweet and tangy flavor, while others were eager to learn about its nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, kiwi is a healthy snack that supports overall wellness and healthy habits.
Mrs. Carr took time to share information about the fruit and encourage scholars to make nutritious food choices. Her thoughtful visit provided both a fun tasting experience and an opportunity for students to learn about healthy eating.
The scholars greatly appreciated Mrs. Carr's generosity and enthusiasm. Her visit brought smiles, sparked curiosity, and helped make healthy nutrition an exciting topic in the Read 180 classroom. It was truly a memorable experience that the students will not soon forget.
It's time to celebrate the great accomplishments of our scholars! The first 9 weeks has come to an end and report cards will be sent home tomorrow. Please be sure to ask your scholar for their printed report card. Remember that you can always find their grades in Infinite Campus.
What’s the recipe for a great story?
Today, the PCMS Learning Commons was cooking up something special with author and screenwriter Michael Lucker!
Students in Mrs. McElvey’s classes rolled up their sleeves for an immersive writers’ workshop and discovered the essential ingredients behind a great movie or narrative:
A scoop of GENRE
Add a memorable HERO
Mix in a worthy VILLAIN
Raise the STAKES
Stir in a meaningful THEME
Top it all off with the perfect TITLE
Mix those ingredients together, add plenty of imagination, and you’ve got the beginnings of a winning movie pitch and, ultimately, a great story!
We are incredibly grateful for the partnership between PCCSS and the Georgia Writers Museum, which continues to bring talented authors and storytellers into our schools and gives our students opportunities to learn firsthand from professionals who make their living through the written word.
Today, our students weren’t just talking about stories. They were learning how to build them.
Today, the PCMS Learning Commons was cooking up something special with author and screenwriter Michael Lucker!
Students in Mrs. McElvey’s classes rolled up their sleeves for an immersive writers’ workshop and discovered the essential ingredients behind a great movie or narrative:
A scoop of GENRE
Add a memorable HERO
Mix in a worthy VILLAIN
Raise the STAKES
Stir in a meaningful THEME
Top it all off with the perfect TITLE
Mix those ingredients together, add plenty of imagination, and you’ve got the beginnings of a winning movie pitch and, ultimately, a great story!
We are incredibly grateful for the partnership between PCCSS and the Georgia Writers Museum, which continues to bring talented authors and storytellers into our schools and gives our students opportunities to learn firsthand from professionals who make their living through the written word.
Today, our students weren’t just talking about stories. They were learning how to build them.
