Hoot Happenings!
Check out Ochwilla Elementary's Newsletter with lots of important information to start off the 2025-26 school year!
PreK Parents!
We are excited about the start of a new school year and to have your child join us in PreK. We want to make this transition as easy as possible for you and your child.
We will have a staggered start time just for our PreK students on the first day of school. Your child will arrive at school at 8:15AM, on Monday, August 11th. Our PreK teachers and assistants will meet their students at the front of the school at 8:15, with carts to carry school supplies to the class. Teachers will show their students their morning routines. Beginning August 12th, PreK will arrive at the same time as all students. Gates open at 7:20 and the tardy bell rings at 7:50.
We hope this staggered start time on the first day of school will help parents and students ease into the brave new world of education. Our desire and mission is for Ochwilla to be a safe and fun place to learn.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 11th, at 8:15AM.
Kindergarten Parents!
Kindergarten students will have a staggered start time the first day of school. Your child will arrive at school at 8:45AM, on Monday, August 11th. Parents/guardians will sign in through the front office and walk their child to the Media Center. You must bring a photo ID in order to be signed in and walk on campus. Teachers will then walk students to class, modeling their morning routines. Once students leave the Media Center, we ask parents to please remain in the Media Center for coffee and donuts and a brief informational session along with an introduction to staff you may interact with during your child’s first year of school.
We hope this staggered start and parent meeting will help parents and students ease into the brave new world of education. Our desire and mission is for Ochwilla to be a safe and fun place to learn.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 11th, at 8:45AM.
Kindergarten students will have a staggered start time the first day of school. Your child will arrive at school at 8:45AM, on Monday, August 11th. Parents/guardians will sign in through the front office and walk their child to the Media Center. You must bring a photo ID in order to be signed in and walk on campus. Teachers will then walk students to class, modeling their morning routines. Once students leave the Media Center, we ask parents to please remain in the Media Center for coffee and donuts and a brief informational session along with an introduction to staff you may interact with during your child’s first year of school.
We hope this staggered start and parent meeting will help parents and students ease into the brave new world of education. Our desire and mission is for Ochwilla to be a safe and fun place to learn.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 11th, at 8:45AM.
Revised Kindergarten Supply List.
🎒 Back to School & Tax‑Free Savings Coming Soon!
The State of Florida’s Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday runs August 1–31, 2025! Families can save on qualifying school supplies, clothing, shoes, and more — tax free all month long!
We’re sharing this info to help support our PCSD families as they prepare for the new school year. Learn more about eligible items here: https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool
Need your child’s supply list?
Find school and grade-level lists in one spot: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-supply-central
Looking for Meet & Greet / Orientation Dates & Times? Check the district schedule by school here: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/orientation-dates-times
Tip: Teachers often share classroom-specific supply needs during Meet & Greet events, so it’s a great time to attend and prepare for Day 1!
#ProudtobePCSD
The State of Florida’s Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday runs August 1–31, 2025! Families can save on qualifying school supplies, clothing, shoes, and more — tax free all month long!
We’re sharing this info to help support our PCSD families as they prepare for the new school year. Learn more about eligible items here: https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool
Need your child’s supply list?
Find school and grade-level lists in one spot: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-supply-central
Looking for Meet & Greet / Orientation Dates & Times? Check the district schedule by school here: https://www.putnamschools.org/o/pcsd/page/orientation-dates-times
Tip: Teachers often share classroom-specific supply needs during Meet & Greet events, so it’s a great time to attend and prepare for Day 1!
#ProudtobePCSD
Meet the Teacher
Supply Lists for 1st and 2nd grades.
Supply Lists for PK. Kindergarten. 3rd. 4th, 5th & 6th are ready.
1st and 2nd grade will be posted on Monday.
1st and 2nd grade will be posted on Monday.
As we get ready to welcome students back on August 11th for the 2025–2026 school year, we encourage all families to prioritize student health and safety now.
Please ensure your child’s required vaccinations and physical examinations are up to date before the first day of school. Vaccinations can be completed through your child’s healthcare provider or the Putnam County Health Department. If your student will need prescription medication or treatments during school hours, please provide a current, signed physician order. Over-the-counter medications require a signed parent consent form. For detailed health requirements and resources, visit our district Health Services page: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/health-services
Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!
S.T.E.M. SUMMER CAMP – SPOTS LIMITED!
Calling all future scientists, engineers, and creators! The 3rd Annual PH STEM Summer Camp is back for students in grades K–12 — packed with hands-on STEM activities and a field trip to the Cade Museum!
Melrose Public Library
July 25–26, 2025
25 participants max!
Register now: https://bit.ly/PHSTEM2025
Learn more: www.PHStemCamp.com
PCSD's Pre-K Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year!
If your child will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025, they are eligible to enroll in our high-quality Pre-K program.
Our Pre-K classes are available at:
📍 Central Area: Mellon Learning Center
📍 West End: Robert H. Jenkins Elementary, Ochwilla Elementary, Melrose Elementary
📍 South End: Middleton-Burney Elementary
To get started, complete the Pre-K Application and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the state of Florida. Instructions and necessary links can be found on our website: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/pre-k
💡 Key Details:
✔️ The State of Florida covers the first 3.5 hours of Pre-K.
✔️ A full-day program is available for $180 per month (financial assistance is available).
✔️ Applications are available at Pre-K school sites and the PCSD Pre-K Office (301 Mellon Rd, Palatka, FL).
Secure your child’s spot today! For questions, call our Pre-K Office at (386) 312-4906.
#ProudtobePCSD #ShapingtheFuture
📢 PCSD Parents, Staff & Students – We Need Your Input!
We are conducting our 2025 Spring Title I Survey, and your feedback matters! As a Title I school district, we receive federal funding to support student success, and your responses help us improve our Parent and Family Engagement Program.
Take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape the future of PCSD! 🏫✨
📅 Survey open from March 21 – April 10, 2025
🔗 Click here to take the survey or scan the QR Code in the flyer: https://putnamschools.typeform.com/to/wQXumb4K
✅ Thank you for your support! 💙
#ProudtobePCSD
All PreK - 5th Grade are invited to our New World Reading Initiative Family Literacy Night, January 28th, at 5:30PM. You MUST register in advance for the pizza dinner.
PCSD schools will release 2 hours early tomorrow! View the early release schedule here: https://www.putnamschools.org/page/school-times
#ProudtobePCSD
Hurricane Milton Update- 10/10/24, 5:00PM: We are grateful for those in our community who have worked to keep everyone safe during Hurricane Milton!
Friday, October 11: PCSD schools/offices are CLOSED so we may assess any possible damage to our facilities and clean up those used for shelters.
Monday, October 14: PCSD schools/offices are OPEN for a teacher planning day. Monday is a student holiday.
Tuesday, October 15: PCSD schools/offices are OPEN for all students and staff as a regular school day. The previously scheduled staff in-service day will be cancelled to provide a regular school day and make-up some of the instructional time lost due to 6 days missed for Hurricane Helene and Milton. The Florida Dept. of Education requires a certain number of hours each term for students to earn instructional credits in all grade levels. This is required of all districts even after weather events cause school closures.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our staff and families as we work to bring schools back to order after this unfortunate event. Thank you!
Hurricane Milton Update- 10/9/24, 10:00AM:
All PCSD schools/offices will be closed on Friday, October 11. All after-school programs/athletic activities are cancelled through Friday, October 11. Students were already out of school Monday, October 14, and Tuesday, October 15, for planning and staff development days. Therefore, at this time, staff will return Monday, October 14, and students will return Wednesday, October 16. We will update everyone as we get more information.
The following shelters are OPEN: Ochwilla Elementary (general population & pets), Jenkins Elementary (general population- no pets), Kelley Smith Elementary (special needs only), Browning-Pearce Elementary (general population- no pets), and Middleton-Burney Elementary (general population- no pets).
Please stay informed by following updates from the Putnam County Emergency Management: www.facebook.com/PutnamCountyEM. Thank you, and stay safe!
Storm Update 10/7/24 5:30PM:
Due to developing information regarding Hurricane Milton and traffic concerns in Florida, we will be closing schools tomorrow, October 8th.
All PCSD employees should look for an email from supervisors regarding any staff who may be needed tomorrow to prepare for the storm and shelters.
Thank you, and stay safe!
Hurricane Milton Update as of 9:00AM 10/7/24:
All PCSD schools/offices will be closed on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. Schools/offices will be open on Tuesday, October 8.
All after-school programs/athletic activities are cancelled beginning Tuesday, October 8- Thursday, October 10.
A decision for Friday, October 11, will be made at a later time.
The following shelters will open starting Tuesday, October 8, at 6:00PM: Ochwilla Elementary (general population & pets), Jenkins Elementary (general population- no pets), Kelley Smith Elementary (special needs only), Browning-Pearce Elementary (general population- no pets), and Middleton-Burney Elementary (general population- no pets).
We will update everyone as we get more information. Please stay informed by following updates from the Putnam County Emergency Management: www.facebook.com/PutnamCountyEM.
Thank you and stay safe!
PCSD is working closely with Putnam County Emergency Management to monitor Hurricane Helene and its potential impact. Update as of 12:00PM, 9/25/24:
All PCSD schools will be closed on Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th. All extracurricular activities on these days are canceled.
Extracurricular activities for today, Wednesday, September 25th, will continue as normal.
The following general population shelters will open Wednesday, September 25th at 8:00PM: Ochwilla Elementary (pets), Browning-Pearce Elementary, and Middleton-Burney Elementary. Kelley Smith Elementary will open Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00PM for special needs only.
We will update everyone as we get more information. Please stay informed by following updates from the Putnam County Emergency Management: www.facebook.com/PutnamCountyEM, call center is open (386) 329-1904.
PCSD is working closely with Putnam County Emergency Management to monitor Tropical Storm Helene and its potential impact as it is expected to develop into a hurricane.
Update as of 3:00PM, 9/24/24:
Tomorrow, September 25, all schools and after-school activities are in session.
Thursday, September 26, all schools and after-school activities are cancelled.
Kelley Smith Elementary School will be opened Wednesday evening for special needs only.
Decisions about other shelters will be made Wednesday. We will update everyone as we get more information. Please stay informed by following updates from the Putnam County Emergency Management. Thank you!
