An Educated Investment.

In Memory of Mark Bledsoe

The Putnam City Foundation would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Mark Bledsoe. Mark died December 22, 2011, after a sudden and devastating illness. It was our distinct pleasure and honor to work with Mark as president of the Putnam City Board of Education. Mark was also the executive director of United Suburban Schools Association. He was incredibly passionate and dedicated to public education, specifically to Putnam City Schools. His untimely passing will certainly be felt in the Putnam City district as well as the education community.

Memorial contributions may be made by check to Putnam City Schools Foundation, 5401 N.W. 40th, Oklahoma City, OK 73122. Credit card donations may be made through our website donor page. Please click here: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/PutnamCityPublicSchoolsFou_1/OnlineDonation.html

We would love to share this quote as seen on Mark Bledsoe's business card (and anyone who knew Mark would agree he lived every day): "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

PC West Band Director Recognized as

Oklahoma City Council and Rotary Club 29

Teacher of the Month

Pictured (l to r): Melanie Pealor, Edward Hudson (both of PCW High School), Meg Salyer (Rotary, Club 29), Caroline Gist (PC Foundation), Chuck Wiggin (President, Rotary, Club 29))

Edward Hudson, Band Director at Putnam City West, was recognized as the January "Teacher of the Month" by the Rotary, Club 29 and Oklahoma City Council on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

Some of Edward's accomplishments include: 2011 Young Music Educator of the Year for Oklahoma Music Educators Association; 2011 Putnam City West Teacher of the Year; student enrollment in band at PC West doubled within his first two years as band director; PC West band received a concert band superior rating last year, which has not been accomplished at the school in over 20 years.

Edward received a proclamation from Mayor Mick Cornett at the Oklahoma City Council Meeting as well as recognition at the Rotary, Club 29 Luncheon at the Petroleum Club on Tuesday.

The Putnam City Foundation congratulates Edward Hudson on this worthy recognition.

Friends of the Foundation iPad 2 Giveaway!

Congratulations to Patricia Henderson! She won an iPad 2 in our Friends of the Foundation giveaway. Other prize winners include: Marta Allen, Martha Beling, Carolyn Hill, Paul Hurst, Greg Kipf, Michelle Lewis, Catherine O'Connor, Jane Peitz, Megan Pollock, Lori Sawtelle, and Vicki Vaughan.

We thank ALL OF OUR FRIENDS for your continued support!!

Challenge Day

Imagine a world where every child feels safe, loved and celebrated-where bullying, violence and oppression are things of the past-this is the work of Challenge Day.
Maybe you have a heart for kids. Maybe you would like to see bullying end in our schools. Maybe you have heard of or even volunteered for Challenge Day. Maybe you have never heard of Challenge Day, but are intrigued by the idea of helping our future generations move in a positive direction. Whatever the reason, we invite you to support the Putnam City Foundation in continuing to bring Challenge Day to our high schools. Challenge Day is a powerful, life-changing character development program designed to eliminate the acceptance of teasing and bullying, increase personal power and self-esteem, and create positive peer support. Our schools are seeing results: fewer suspensions, less violence in the hallways, and students stepping out of their "groups" to develop new friendships.

Comments from students who participated in Challenge Day:
"This taught me so much about life and how to treat people."
"Challenge Day changed my outlook on people. I want to be more open. I will be a better friend."

At $50 per student, how many will you support?

Don't Miss the IRA Rollover Opportunity!
Gift now-Before December 31, 2011, if you are 70.5 years, you can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA to charity. It's not reported as income-100% goes to the charity or 501(c)(3) like the Putnam City Schools Foundation. Questions? Call Caroline Gist, 405-495-5200

Putnam City Public Schools Foundation
5401 N.W. 40th ●Oklahoma City, OK 73122 ●(405) 495-5200 ext 1205
Caroline Gist, CFRE, Executive Director ● www.pcf4kids.org

You Give, We Deliver, Kids Learn!

Public schools often lack resources for students to thrive. Teachers are spending $1 billion from their own pockets each year on supplies. DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for any individual to address this inequity, one classroom at a time.

To find Putnam City projects, click here http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/search.html?page=3&state=OK&community=11666:2 or go to donorschoose.org and search Projects, State, then District