Dear Parent/Guardian,
Spring state testing is approaching, and we want to share important information with you.
Your student may participate in the following assessments:
✏️ B.E.S.T. Writing (Grades 7–10) – March 31
📖 FAST ELA Reading (Grades 7–10) - Beginning May 1
➗ FAST Mathematics (Grades 7–8) - Beginning May 1
🔁 FAST Reading Retakes - Beginning May 1
🎓 End-of-Course (EOC) Exams (Algebra 1, Biology, Civics, Geometry, U.S. History) - Beginning May 1
🗳️ FCLE (Florida Civics Literacy Exam) - May 21
📅 Please review the attached testing calendars for specific dates for your student’s assessments.
Important Reminders:
⏰ Students must be at school on time on their assigned testing days
📍 Participation in required state assessments is mandatory; makeup testing is extremely limited
💻 Students are required to test on a school-issued Chromebook.
🚫 Students must remain at school for the entire test session
🎧 Students will receive accommodations included in IEP/ 504.
🔐 Test Content is secure. Students may not possess any electronic device during testing, including cell phones, smart watches, and smart glasses. Discussing specific test content with students is prohibited. Students may discuss their testing experience.
‼️ For more information about the Florida Statewide Assessments program, please visit the portal at https://flfast.org/fsa.html.
🐾Thank you for your support in helping your student be prepared and successful!
Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is underway! Families can secure future college costs at today’s plan prices with flexible options and affordable monthly payments. Starting early can make a big difference over time.
Learn more and enroll: https://bit.ly/49KqfVu
Student Crime Stoppers Program and Poster Contest Information
Crime Stoppers Poster Rules and Submission Form
Students in grades K–12 are invited to create an original poster centered around the theme “See It, Say It, Stop It.” The contest encourages students to use their creativity to share an important message about school safety and the shared responsibility we all have in speaking up when something doesn’t seem right.
This initiative helps students understand the importance of reporting concerns and promotes awareness of the Crime Stoppers tip line, which allows individuals to share information anonymously to help prevent potential violence and keep our schools safe.
Open to students in Grades K–12
Posters must be original student artwork
Size must be between 8.5x11 and 11x14
Artwork must follow the positive theme and school code of conduct
Entry Deadline: March 31, 2026
Posters may be dropped off or mailed to: Jordan Tilton at 410 St. Johns Avenue, Room 109, Palatka, FL 32177
Cash awards will be presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions, with additional opportunities for circuit-level recognition across four counties.
We encourage families and teachers to support students in participating in this meaningful opportunity to combine creativity with an important message about safety and responsibility.
🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/sOB2m8a4zWA
🎧 Listen here: www.putnamschools.org/page/the-pulse
In this episode of The Pulse, Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency highlights the incredible growth of the Interact Club at Palatka Jr.–Sr. High School. Sponsored by Rotary International, Interact connects students around the world through service and leadership.
From partnering with Feed the Need and Bread of Life, to assembling hygiene kits and winter care packages, supporting River Center movie nights, helping with Angel Trees, the Veterans Parade, and hosting fishing clinics, these students are making a meaningful impact.
More than service hours, Interact is about building leaders, strengthening community connections, and preparing students for life beyond high school. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about service, leadership, and the power of students making a difference.
#ProudtobePCSD
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Our JROTC Cadets are hosting the Tunnel to Towers 5K on April 4th to honor Palatka’s first responders. We currently have 25 participants and need your help to grow that number.
Register here: https://runwalkpalatka.t2t.org/Race/Events/FL/Palatka/TunnelToTowers5KRunWalkPalatkaFL
Team,
When trouble hits, we call our first responders. They are the men and women who have dedicated their lives to defending our community and keeping us safe. Now, it’s our turn to show up for them.
Our Palatka Jr. Sr. HS JROTC Cadets have worked tirelessly to plan and coordinate this event. This isn't just a run/walk; it’s a statement of gratitude for the fire, police, and EMS personnel who serve us every day.
How you can help right now:
Sign Up: Join us on April 4th. Whether you run or walk, your presence matters.
Forward This Email: Please send this to a few friends or family members—inside or outside the school district. We need to spread the word to make this a success for our city.
Let’s show our first responders that Palatka stands behind them.
Respectfully,
First Sergeant Regier
Palatka Jr. Sr. HS
Army JROTC Instructor
*Find out more about our JROTC program on our PJSHS website at PJSHS JROTC.
Thinking about your child’s future?
Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is happening now! Families can lock in college costs at today’s prices with flexible plans and affordable monthly options.
Start planning today: https://bit.ly/49KqfVu
Palatka Jr.–Sr. High School juniors and seniors experienced the powerful LifeFlight Experience, beginning with a powerful assembly featuring impactful videos and real-life stories about the consequences of distracted and unsafe driving. Speakers shared what they see every day, and the life-changing consequences that can follow a split-second decision behind the wheel.
The experience continued outside with a mock crash demonstration, where students watched firefighters use the Jaws of Life to extract a patient and witnessed a life flight helicopter land on campus to transport the patient for critical care.
Students also had the opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with first responders.
The message was clear:
Wear your seatbelt.
Put your phone down.
Stay focused behind the wheel.
At PCSD, we’re committed to shaping the future and helping our students make choices that will protect their lives for years to come.
Read more, see pictures, and watch a video from the event, here: https://www.putnamschools.org/article/2727456
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingTheFuture
We had the opportunity to celebrate our amazing seniors with a Chick-fil-A lunch. These awesome students are halfway through their senior year and working hard to finish strong!
A HUGE thank you to:
Deep South Pole Barns for purchasing the meal
Banners by Ally for creating our sign
Chick-fil-A St. Augustine, SR 16 & Inman Rd for a delicious meal
🇺🇸 In honor of President's Day, all Putnam County School District schools and offices will be closed Monday, February 16th. Have a safe weekend! 🇺🇸
#ProudtobePCSD
🚨 Survey Closing Soon!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
These are the 2nd semester Test Dates that can be used for GRADUATION CONCORDANCE and/or College Entrance & Scholarships [EXCEPT for the dates that indicate GRADUATION PURPOSES Only].
PJSHS will offer the NCR CLT10 on Wednesday, April 22 for students who need to earn concordant scores for graduation.
✅ Untimed test
✅ More flexible testing format
✅ Valid for students in grades 9–12
✅ Scores can be used to meet Florida graduation requirements only
💲 Cost: $25
🗓 Registration & payment deadline: Friday, March 13 at 3:00 PM
Students who need concordant scores for Algebra 1 or Reading should sign up with Mrs. Hanstein at
📧 khanstein@my.putnamschools.org
📊 Score Requirements:
• Reading Requirement: 39 combined score on Verbal Reasoning + Grammar/Writing
• Math Requirement: 14 on Quantitative Reasoning
With the untimed format, students may complete only the section(s) they need and submit once finished.
If your student needs this opportunity to meet graduation requirements, please be sure to register before the deadline! 🎓
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
Valentine Grams on sale this week!
Putnam County School District is inviting families and community members to participate in our Family & Community Partnership Survey.
This short, confidential survey helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to improve trust, communication, and partnerships.
🔗 https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdq83Stok1UGsBw
📌 Students in grades 4–12 and all PCSD staff will receive their own surveys this week.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of PCSD!
