Many positive things happening at North Putnam

To the Editor:

I wanted to take this opportunity to write a letter as both a North Putnam alum and a parent living within the North Putnam Community School Corporation.

While I do have some insight into the recent happenings, my purpose in writing this letter is to let the other residents of Putnam County know that the actions of a few who chose to disregard rules and act so scrupulously as individuals does not in any way reflect on the majority of staff, administration, and student body within the hallways of North Putnam Schools.

Our school system has done so many positive things recently that I felt compelled to write in with some of these stories, some of which were recently shared with me by high school English teacher, Sheri Roach.

First, Mrs. Roach's students raised many pounds of canned food items for the local food pantries last fall to help feed local families. This also goes along with the "Fill the Bus" campaign started by transportation employee Randy Neeley and his fellow employees. All schools participated and they very effectively raised enough non-perishable food items to fill an entire school bus! In addition, the elementary schools have also started working with a large food bank to help ensure that students have a way to help get food to the homes of those who need it through the "Back-Sack" program.

Next, there was also a Film Literature class that did four different fundraisers -- including a daily bake sale for three weeks -- which raised over $400 in the final weeks of the first semester. They used this money to supply Christmas gifts for a family of four plus they bought groceries and gifts for another family of two headed by a single mother.

North Putnam Schools also won the county competition for the Putnam County RISE energy conservation and pledges. The students urged their parents to make pledges to conserve energy and to recycle. The recycling program at our schools is very effective -- especially at Bainbridge Elementary thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Hankins and her crew!

Finally, the corporation also recently started a Grief/Loss Counseling Group to help those in the community that are dealing with the loss of loved ones. Plus there is an alternative school program available in the evening for those needing to earn credit in an alternative format.

These are just a few examples of the many, many positive things that the students, staff and administration do at North Putnam schools.

I am proud to live within this school district and call myself an alumnus. We have so many good people working for our corporation in all jobs that I want them to know how much I appreciate all they do to give not only my kids, but all of the students in each school, a great environment to learn in.

Mark Hoke

Bainbridge