Putnam City Schools Foundation

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) enables students to further develop their natural creativity and problem solving skills by applying concepts learned in science and math to real-world applications of engineering and technology. STEM students practice 21st century skills while learning to build robots, construct windmills or compete in science fairs. Student enthusiasm for STEM can translate into future careers in those fields.  More than 3,800 elementary students in our district will benefit from this program this year.

This program provides English literacy classes to parents and youth in Putnam City Schools in an effort to help them overcome the language barrier. Individuals receive instruction in speaking, listening, reading and writing English, with a focus on citizenship and financial literacy.  Reading and writing classes for parents and youth are offered two evenings per week throughout the school year. Tutoring classes for school-age children and child activity classes are also offered during class times. Each participant receives approximately 215 hours of literacy instruction per year.   This year, 100 parents will have the opportunity to improve their English literacy. Parents participating in these classes are generally more secure in their jobs, better able to communicate with their child's teachers and more self-confident when speaking in English.  Classes are taught by staff of Putnam City Schools to ensure effectiveness of the program.

Teachers spend on average $500 each year from their own pockets on things for their classrooms. The YES! Grant was created to alleviate that burden as much as possible. Each year the Foundation provides a number of grants to classrooms and teachers throughout the district. The goal of these grants is to meet needs that enhance the educational opportunities of our students. Teachers can apply for these grants by completing the Foundation's grant application form and submitting it to the Foundation office. Each application is reviewed by Foundation staff and board members.  During the 2018-19 school year, 43 YES! Grants were awarded totaling $25,764 and impacted over 16,000 students.