Latest news with #PutnamCitySchools
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Metro schools implement cell phone ban for upcoming school year
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Multiple metro schools are implementing a cell phone ban for students this school year. Oklahoma City Public Schools, Edmond Public Schools, Putnam City Schools and El Reno Public Schools have added this new policy to their rule books. RELATED STORY: New Oklahoma law prompts El Reno Public Schools to ban student electronic devices usage The policy says that students will no longer be permitted to use personal electronic devices throughout the entire school day, or from 'bell to bell'. This comes after Senate Bill 139 passed through the Oklahoma Legislature. Cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices will not be allowed to be used, accessed, or displayed by students during the day, including class time, passing periods, and lunch. Putnam City Schools calls the initiative 'Pause The Screen, Chase The Dream'. The goal is to reduce distractions, improve engagement and provide a safe and respectful space for students. According to Putnam City Schools: Students must silence and store all personal electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, wireless earbuds or headphones, tablets, and similar items District-issued devices are not included in this policy Wired headphones may be used with District-issued devices Bell-to-bell means from the start of the school day to the end of the school day, including lunch and passing periods Parents and guardians needing to contact their student should call the school office. Messages will be delivered, and students may use the office phone to return calls Students may use their personal devices in the following situations: During active emergencies requiring immediate communication for safety, including calls to 911 For medical monitoring needs, such as glucose checks As part of documented accommodations in a student's 504 Plan, IEP, or Medical Plan RELATED STORY: New bill would ban phones 'bell-to-bell' for middle and high school students Schools in the metro are responding to the change. 'While we must comply with the state's legislation, open communication remains a priority to OKCPS. We will measure the impact of this policy at schools and continue to collect feedback and make adjusts as needed.' says OKCPS. 'Edmond Public Schools believes in the power of presence and the importance of all students being present physically and engaged in the learning environment.' says EPS. 'The Putnam City Schools Board of Education approved an updated districtwide personal electronic device policy in compliance with a new Oklahoma law that requires all school districts to limit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day.' says PC. 'It is important to understand that this new policy is not about punishment—it is about creating the best learning environment possible for all students. Reducing distractions in the classroom supports academic success, student engagement, and stronger social connections.' said Matt Goucher, Superintendent of El Reno Public Schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Voters approve a $198.75 million bond proposal for Putnam City Schools
Voters approved a $198.75 million bond for Putnam City Schools on Tuesday that seeks to "elevate education excellence, modernize facilities and ensure safety for all students and staff." According to unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board, 70.35% of voters voted in favor of the bond and 29.65% voted against it. More: Oklahoma City public schools announce finalists for 2025 Teacher of the Year award Without increasing taxes, the bond will fund construction on two new dedicated centers. One center will be the Putnam City Innovation Campus that'll feature a Health and Wellness Complex on existing district land near Hefner Road and Council Road, according to a news release. The other will be a Special Services Transition Center at the Putnam City Centennial Campus near NW 39 and Ann Arbor Avenue. Other investments through the bond will provide advanced weapons detections systems to each elementary school and fund infrastructure improvements, including energy-efficient HVAC systems, roof replacements and multi-functional storm shelters. The bond also will support needs such as new buses, updated musical instruments, fine arts and athletics uniforms, along with textbooks, subscriptions, furniture and technology. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nearly $200M bond proposal approved for Putnam City Schools
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma City metro voters to consider multiple bond proposals for local schools
Voters across the Oklahoma City metro area will consider multiple bond proposals on Tuesday that seek to improve facilities within local school districts, including Putnam City Schools, Western Heights Public Schools and Cashion Public Schools. Voting for these propositions begins at 7 a.m. Tuesday before polls close at 7 p.m. Voters will decide whether to approve a $198.75 million proposal for Putnam City Schools that seeks to "elevate education excellence, modernize facilities and ensure safety for all students and staff." In a news release, the district boasts that the 2025 Innovation Bond will bring "state-of-the-art upgrades and expansions without increasing taxes." More: Three candidates compete for Oklahoma City schools board chairperson seat If passed, the bond would fund construction on two new dedicated centers. One center would be the Putnam City Innovation Campus that would feature a Health and Wellness Complex on existing district land near Hefner Road and Council Road. The other would be the Putnam City Centennial Campus near NW 39 and Ann Arbor Avenue. Other investments through the bond would provide advanced weapons detections systems to each elementary school and fund infrastructure improvements, including energy-efficient HVAC systems, roof replacements and multi-functional storm shelters. The bond also would support needs such as new buses, updated musical instruments, fine arts and athletics uniforms, along with textbooks, subscriptions, furniture and technology. Western Heights Public Schools is seeking approval from voters for a $146 million bond proposal with a 10-year repayment plan and no tax increase, according to a news release from the district's superintendent. "This bond is focused on addressing the challenges of our aging facilities while providing safer, more modern, and welcoming spaces for our students and staff," said Brayden Savage, the district's superintendent. The bond is split by two propositions that voters will see on their ballots. Proposition No. 1, totaling $142 million, would provide funds for repairs, construction and upgrades to the district's facilities along with textbooks, technology and school vehicles. Proposition No. 2, totaling $4 million, would provide funds for new buses. Cashion Public Schools is looking to pass a $39.93 million bond for campus updates, including a 30,000 square-foot high school expansion to include six new classrooms, four science labs, a parking lot, a field house, office spaces, a kitchen, a commons area and a cafeteria. The bond includes a 13-year repayment plan with a 15% tax increase. If passed, the bond will couple with a lease-purchase plan funded by the school district to free up space for a new high school by repurposing several rooms and moving the football field inside the track. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City metro voters to consider multiple education bond proposals
