🏀 Staff Spotlight! Let's hear it for Coach Toney Cooper! 📣
We are thrilled to celebrate Coach Cooper, our PHS Girls Basketball Head Coach as this week's Staff Spotlight as we recognize staff members who have been nominated by students! ✨Toney also works as a Lead Program Manager, Residential, for OG&E
In his 4th year leading our girls basketball program, Coach Cooper was nominated by numerous students for making a profound impact on their lives and prioritizing strong relationships. The overwhelming theme? "Coach Cooper helps me see the best in myself."
Thank you, Coach Cooper, for your dedication and commitment to uplifting our students both on and off the court! We appreciate you!
We are thrilled to celebrate Coach Cooper, our PHS Girls Basketball Head Coach as this week's Staff Spotlight as we recognize staff members who have been nominated by students! ✨Toney also works as a Lead Program Manager, Residential, for OG&E
In his 4th year leading our girls basketball program, Coach Cooper was nominated by numerous students for making a profound impact on their lives and prioritizing strong relationships. The overwhelming theme? "Coach Cooper helps me see the best in myself."
Thank you, Coach Cooper, for your dedication and commitment to uplifting our students both on and off the court! We appreciate you!
🎉🍎 Happy National Substitute Teacher Day! 📚🥳
A huge shout out to the absolute heroes who help keep our school running smoothly! Substitute teachers fill such a critical role, and we are so grateful for your hard work and commitment. I know firsthand how vital and often underappreciated this position is. I spent an entire year as a substitute teacher while trying to find my first teaching job many years ago. We appreciate you all!
A special THANK YOU to our amazing Purcell High School regular subs:
Kyle Perry
Patsy Slate
Megan Mitchell
(Also sending thanks to Lee Reimer, Marsha Barger, Geneva Oswalt and April Trumbo - not pictured)
To every substitute teacher everywhere: YOU ROCK! 🌟
Jason Sanders
Principal
Purcell HIgh School
A huge shout out to the absolute heroes who help keep our school running smoothly! Substitute teachers fill such a critical role, and we are so grateful for your hard work and commitment. I know firsthand how vital and often underappreciated this position is. I spent an entire year as a substitute teacher while trying to find my first teaching job many years ago. We appreciate you all!
A special THANK YOU to our amazing Purcell High School regular subs:
Kyle Perry
Patsy Slate
Megan Mitchell
(Also sending thanks to Lee Reimer, Marsha Barger, Geneva Oswalt and April Trumbo - not pictured)
To every substitute teacher everywhere: YOU ROCK! 🌟
Jason Sanders
Principal
Purcell HIgh School
A HUGE thank you to our amazing PHS student aides for delivering Sonic drinks to all our staff this morning!
We are so thankful for our entire PHS Staff and their dedication to student success, especially as we head into a break. A little treat goes a long way!
Go Dragons! 🐉
#PHS #StudentAides #StaffAppreciation #SonicTreats #GoDragons
We are so thankful for our entire PHS Staff and their dedication to student success, especially as we head into a break. A little treat goes a long way!
Go Dragons! 🐉
#PHS #StudentAides #StaffAppreciation #SonicTreats #GoDragons
🎉 Huge Congratulations to Coach Kurt Gray! 🎉
We are incredibly proud to recognize Purcell High School U.S. History teacher and Social Studies Department Chair, Kurt Gray, for receiving the National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award from the Norman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post! Kurt is pictured below with Norman VFW Post Commander Brett La Roche and Mark Atterson, Past President, Norman Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
A Champion for Civics Education
This award is a testament to Coach Gray's unwavering dedication to promoting citizenship education not only in his classroom but throughout our school and community. His teaching goes beyond textbooks, instilling vital civic values and lessons that truly impact his students' lives.
🎓 Preparing Future Citizens
In addition to his regular teaching duties, Coach Gray oversees the administration of the U.S. Citizenship test for all PHS students—a crucial requirement for graduation. His commitment ensures our students are well-prepared to become informed and engaged citizens.
Plus, we all know his history lessons are made even better by his great storytelling!
Way to go, Coach Gray! We are lucky to have you!
#PurcellHighSchool #PHSDragons #TeacherRecognition #CitizenshipEducation #VFW #CoachGray
We are incredibly proud to recognize Purcell High School U.S. History teacher and Social Studies Department Chair, Kurt Gray, for receiving the National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award from the Norman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post! Kurt is pictured below with Norman VFW Post Commander Brett La Roche and Mark Atterson, Past President, Norman Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
A Champion for Civics Education
This award is a testament to Coach Gray's unwavering dedication to promoting citizenship education not only in his classroom but throughout our school and community. His teaching goes beyond textbooks, instilling vital civic values and lessons that truly impact his students' lives.
🎓 Preparing Future Citizens
In addition to his regular teaching duties, Coach Gray oversees the administration of the U.S. Citizenship test for all PHS students—a crucial requirement for graduation. His commitment ensures our students are well-prepared to become informed and engaged citizens.
Plus, we all know his history lessons are made even better by his great storytelling!
Way to go, Coach Gray! We are lucky to have you!
#PurcellHighSchool #PHSDragons #TeacherRecognition #CitizenshipEducation #VFW #CoachGray
Congratulations to PHS Senior Kaden Pliler, nominated for the Oklahoman's student of the week! Please consider voting for Kaden and/or sharing the link below. He is an outstanding young man who has represented his school and community with distinction in so many ways. We are proud of you Kaden!
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2025/11/17/the-oklahoman-student-of-the-week-poll-november-17/87253363007/
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2025/11/17/the-oklahoman-student-of-the-week-poll-november-17/87253363007/
📰 PHS Parent Newsletter
Get the latest Dragon news! This edition is packed with:
Safety Updates & Staff/Student Spotlights
Academic Spotlight on Electives
Activity News & Pics from Cheer, Band, Esports, Football, Softball, Basketball, Show Choir, Academic Team, and FFA!
Stay informed! Go Dragons!
https://secure.smore.com/n/91dqt
Get the latest Dragon news! This edition is packed with:
Safety Updates & Staff/Student Spotlights
Academic Spotlight on Electives
Activity News & Pics from Cheer, Band, Esports, Football, Softball, Basketball, Show Choir, Academic Team, and FFA!
Stay informed! Go Dragons!
https://secure.smore.com/n/91dqt
🔥 PHS Dragons Activity Schedule This Week! 🐉
Get ready for a busy week before break! PLEASE NOTE: School will be CLOSED next week (Nov 24-28) for Thanksgiving Break, resuming on Dec 1st.
This Week's Highlights (Nov 17-21):
MONDAY: 🦃 FFA Friendsgiving & 🎮 Esports Super Smash Showdowns!
TUESDAY: ✍️ Stuco Meeting and Sophomores take the Pre-ACT.
WEDNESDAY: 🤝 Key Club Meeting, Transitions Community Experience, and MATC Soph Interviews!
THURSDAY: ✈️ FCCLA Districts, Spanish Club Meeting, and 🏀 Boys Home Basketball Scrimmage!
Get ready for a busy week before break! PLEASE NOTE: School will be CLOSED next week (Nov 24-28) for Thanksgiving Break, resuming on Dec 1st.
This Week's Highlights (Nov 17-21):
MONDAY: 🦃 FFA Friendsgiving & 🎮 Esports Super Smash Showdowns!
TUESDAY: ✍️ Stuco Meeting and Sophomores take the Pre-ACT.
WEDNESDAY: 🤝 Key Club Meeting, Transitions Community Experience, and MATC Soph Interviews!
THURSDAY: ✈️ FCCLA Districts, Spanish Club Meeting, and 🏀 Boys Home Basketball Scrimmage!
🎮 Dragon Esports Recap! 🐉
Last week was full of fierce action in Super Smash Bros.!
🔥 Purcell Smash Red (Fatima Diaz, Angel Gonzalez, and Aden Gaddis) dominated, defeating the Bethany Bronchos with a 7-2 victory!
Purcell Smash White (Braeden Reeves, Gavin Woods, and Ezra Stell) put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to the Sapulpa Chieftains JV, 7-4.
Great job to all our Esports players on a competitive week, and huge congrats to Coach Kyle Perry! 💥
Last week was full of fierce action in Super Smash Bros.!
🔥 Purcell Smash Red (Fatima Diaz, Angel Gonzalez, and Aden Gaddis) dominated, defeating the Bethany Bronchos with a 7-2 victory!
Purcell Smash White (Braeden Reeves, Gavin Woods, and Ezra Stell) put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to the Sapulpa Chieftains JV, 7-4.
Great job to all our Esports players on a competitive week, and huge congrats to Coach Kyle Perry! 💥
🏆 Academic Team Finishes Runner-Up @ Regionals - Qualifies for Area !
PHS Academic Team excelled at Regionals yesterday, winning their first four matches and finishing as Regional Runner-ups! 🥈
This performance qualifies the team for the OSSAA Area Tournament on January 17th, with a chance to advance to State!
Outstanding work students, and congratulations to Coach Jasmine Quinonez! 🎉🧠
#PHSAcademics #RegionalRunnerUp #RoadtoState#GoDragons
PHS Academic Team excelled at Regionals yesterday, winning their first four matches and finishing as Regional Runner-ups! 🥈
This performance qualifies the team for the OSSAA Area Tournament on January 17th, with a chance to advance to State!
Outstanding work students, and congratulations to Coach Jasmine Quinonez! 🎉🧠
#PHSAcademics #RegionalRunnerUp #RoadtoState#GoDragons
🎶 PHS Band earns honors! 🥁
Last week, our talented students auditioned for the SWOBDA Honor Band, competing against 1,200 musicians!
Huge congrats to those who earned a spot in the Honor Band:
Asa Bryne (Jr.)
Kenna Lee (Jr.)
Emma Schlotthauer (Soph.)
Nora O’Donnell (Fr.)
They'll be headed to Weatherford for a clinic and concert in late February! We are incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by every student who auditioned! 🌟👏
#PHSBand #HonorBand #MusicEducation
Last week, our talented students auditioned for the SWOBDA Honor Band, competing against 1,200 musicians!
Huge congrats to those who earned a spot in the Honor Band:
Asa Bryne (Jr.)
Kenna Lee (Jr.)
Emma Schlotthauer (Soph.)
Nora O’Donnell (Fr.)
They'll be headed to Weatherford for a clinic and concert in late February! We are incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by every student who auditioned! 🌟👏
#PHSBand #HonorBand #MusicEducation
🥗 Culinary Dragons are Cooking! 🧑🍳
Our PHS Culinary Basics students, led by teacher and Electives Dept. Chair, Stefanie Renfro, had an amazing week! They mastered the art of salad dressings in a hands-on lab, learning the difference between broken and emulsified vinaigrettes for perfect custom and healthy salads! 🧪
Plus, they provided delicious chili and tortilla soup for our Veterans Day Luncheon!
We love seeing our students build valuable life skills through engaging, hands-on learning! Great job, Dragons!
#PHSFACS #DragonCulinary #LifeSkills #CareerTech #HandsOnLearning
Our PHS Culinary Basics students, led by teacher and Electives Dept. Chair, Stefanie Renfro, had an amazing week! They mastered the art of salad dressings in a hands-on lab, learning the difference between broken and emulsified vinaigrettes for perfect custom and healthy salads! 🧪
Plus, they provided delicious chili and tortilla soup for our Veterans Day Luncheon!
We love seeing our students build valuable life skills through engaging, hands-on learning! Great job, Dragons!
#PHSFACS #DragonCulinary #LifeSkills #CareerTech #HandsOnLearning
🎤 Dragons Sharing Success! 🐉
PHS Teacher & Transitions Coordinator, Jenny Allen-Price, and several members of our student start-up business, Dragon Brew, presented at the Oklahoma Transitions Institute at the Tulsa Technology Center this week!
We are extremely proud of PHS students Lexie Ross, Christina King, and Collin Wilbur who shared their valuable experiences working in our Transitions program.
Thank you, Jenny and our amazing students, for promoting the powerful impact of service learning in schools! You are inspiring others! ✨👏
#PHSTransitions #DragonBrew #ServiceLearning #OKTransitions #StudentSuccess
PHS Teacher & Transitions Coordinator, Jenny Allen-Price, and several members of our student start-up business, Dragon Brew, presented at the Oklahoma Transitions Institute at the Tulsa Technology Center this week!
We are extremely proud of PHS students Lexie Ross, Christina King, and Collin Wilbur who shared their valuable experiences working in our Transitions program.
Thank you, Jenny and our amazing students, for promoting the powerful impact of service learning in schools! You are inspiring others! ✨👏
#PHSTransitions #DragonBrew #ServiceLearning #OKTransitions #StudentSuccess
⭐ Dragon Brew Employee of the Month! ⭐
Huge congrats to Brayden Scott! 🎉 Brayden was nominated by his team leaders for his strong work ethic and for consistently going above and beyond. We appreciate you!
Great job, Brayden! ☕🐉
Huge congrats to Brayden Scott! 🎉 Brayden was nominated by his team leaders for his strong work ethic and for consistently going above and beyond. We appreciate you!
Great job, Brayden! ☕🐉
🌟 PHS Staff Spotlight: Ethan Scott🌟
This week, we're shining a light on a staff member nominated by a student for making a huge difference!
This week's featured staff member is PHS Teacher and Coach, Ethan Scott! Ethan currently teachers Biology 2 and Forensics and coaches football, basketball, and track.
A student nominated him for "always making class fun and energetic and learning fun." Another student said "Coach Scott has impacted me in such a positive way. Since I joined football he's been the one who has always pushed me the hardest, which at times I hated, but looking back on it, made me stronger and shaped me into who I am today."
Thank you Coach Scott, for prioritizing strong relationships with students! Go Dragons! 🐉
This week, we're shining a light on a staff member nominated by a student for making a huge difference!
This week's featured staff member is PHS Teacher and Coach, Ethan Scott! Ethan currently teachers Biology 2 and Forensics and coaches football, basketball, and track.
A student nominated him for "always making class fun and energetic and learning fun." Another student said "Coach Scott has impacted me in such a positive way. Since I joined football he's been the one who has always pushed me the hardest, which at times I hated, but looking back on it, made me stronger and shaped me into who I am today."
Thank you Coach Scott, for prioritizing strong relationships with students! Go Dragons! 🐉
📣 Next Level Dragons: See the Success! ✨
We are beaming with pride to celebrate PHS Alum Mercer Martin, Class of 2023, who has been elected Student Body President at the University of Oklahoma, representing over 30,000 students!!
Mercer is making waves as a junior, double-majoring in Economics and Entrepreneurship. Starting with her leadership experience as PHS Stu-Co President and Senior Class President, she is now leading the Sooners on her S.P.I.R.I.T. Platform!
S – Strengthening Connections
P – Promoting OU Traditions
I – Integrating Resources & Access
R – Reinforcing Campus Fellowship
I – Initiating Norman Partnerships
T – Tying Students to the Local Community
Her commitment extends beyond campus, serving on the Board of the J.D. McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities.
Congratulations, Mercer! We are so proud of you!
We are beaming with pride to celebrate PHS Alum Mercer Martin, Class of 2023, who has been elected Student Body President at the University of Oklahoma, representing over 30,000 students!!
Mercer is making waves as a junior, double-majoring in Economics and Entrepreneurship. Starting with her leadership experience as PHS Stu-Co President and Senior Class President, she is now leading the Sooners on her S.P.I.R.I.T. Platform!
S – Strengthening Connections
P – Promoting OU Traditions
I – Integrating Resources & Access
R – Reinforcing Campus Fellowship
I – Initiating Norman Partnerships
T – Tying Students to the Local Community
Her commitment extends beyond campus, serving on the Board of the J.D. McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities.
Congratulations, Mercer! We are so proud of you!
A massive congratulations to Kaylin Vazquez and Mackenzie McKay who officially signed yesterday to continue their softball careers in college!
Kaylin is headed to Oklahoma Christian University and Mackenzie to North Central Texas College.
We celebrate not just these signings, but the tremendous amount of time, commitment, and excellence these two have poured into our program. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished for our program. Their next chapter will be amazing!
#Signed #StudentAthletes #SoftballLife #NextLevel
Kaylin is headed to Oklahoma Christian University and Mackenzie to North Central Texas College.
We celebrate not just these signings, but the tremendous amount of time, commitment, and excellence these two have poured into our program. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished for our program. Their next chapter will be amazing!
#Signed #StudentAthletes #SoftballLife #NextLevel
📣 Purcell High School Virtual Day Alert! 🚨
Don't forget: This Friday, November 14th, is a District Virtual Day!
Students: Work remotely. Your attendance is based on work submission.
Staff: Report to work as normal.
🔔 CRITICAL POLICY CHANGE for Virtual Days! 🔔
NEW WORK SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Starting this Friday, students must submit all virtual day work no later than 3:15 PM on Friday. (This is a change from the previous 11:59 PM deadline.) This helps significantly simplify our attendance procedures.
Attendance Reminder: Submission of work by the deadline counts as your attendance!
If a student cannot submit work by the 3:15 PM deadline: Please notify the teacher as soon as possible via email, Rooms, or Google Classroom.
Parents/Guardians and students can also contact the school directly on the virtual day if needed.
Thank you for your cooperation! Go Dragons! 🐉
Don't forget: This Friday, November 14th, is a District Virtual Day!
Students: Work remotely. Your attendance is based on work submission.
Staff: Report to work as normal.
🔔 CRITICAL POLICY CHANGE for Virtual Days! 🔔
NEW WORK SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Starting this Friday, students must submit all virtual day work no later than 3:15 PM on Friday. (This is a change from the previous 11:59 PM deadline.) This helps significantly simplify our attendance procedures.
Attendance Reminder: Submission of work by the deadline counts as your attendance!
If a student cannot submit work by the 3:15 PM deadline: Please notify the teacher as soon as possible via email, Rooms, or Google Classroom.
Parents/Guardians and students can also contact the school directly on the virtual day if needed.
Thank you for your cooperation! Go Dragons! 🐉
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Veterans
We extend our most sincere gratitude to all the veterans who joined us for our Veterans Day Assembly today as well as Veterans everywhere. 🙏 It is a true honor to continue this cherished tradition at our school each year.
Your service to our country is a powerful, living example of the values we hope to instill in our students: service to school, community, and country. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event special:
Purcell High School National Honor Society officers, members, and sponsor Sam Resendiz for an outstanding assembly.
PHS Choir and director Cindy Donaldson for a great performance.
PHS Band and directors David Hilger and Jacob Willing for the moving performance of the service branch songs. PHS Sophomore Brendan O'Donnell for his moving rendition of Taps.
A very special thanks to our guest speaker, Lt. Colonel Grant Frankenberg, whose message about finding your passion in life truly resonated with our students!
Thank you all for making this a memorable and meaningful day.
#VeteransDay #PurcellProud #Service #ThankYouVeterans
We extend our most sincere gratitude to all the veterans who joined us for our Veterans Day Assembly today as well as Veterans everywhere. 🙏 It is a true honor to continue this cherished tradition at our school each year.
Your service to our country is a powerful, living example of the values we hope to instill in our students: service to school, community, and country. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event special:
Purcell High School National Honor Society officers, members, and sponsor Sam Resendiz for an outstanding assembly.
PHS Choir and director Cindy Donaldson for a great performance.
PHS Band and directors David Hilger and Jacob Willing for the moving performance of the service branch songs. PHS Sophomore Brendan O'Donnell for his moving rendition of Taps.
A very special thanks to our guest speaker, Lt. Colonel Grant Frankenberg, whose message about finding your passion in life truly resonated with our students!
Thank you all for making this a memorable and meaningful day.
#VeteransDay #PurcellProud #Service #ThankYouVeterans
📢 Purcell FFA Shines Bright at Central Area AFR Speech Contest! 🏆
WOW! What a night for our members! We are bursting with pride for all 7 students who competed, showing incredible effort and determination.
A huge congratulations to our State Qualifiers! 🌟
Carli – 1st in Sr. Agriscience
Kaden – 1st in Sr. Natural Resources
Grady – 2nd in Intermediate Agribusiness
And big shout-outs to those placing high in their divisions:
Jaxson - 3rd in Sr. Animal Science
Brody - 3rd in Intermediate Animal Science
Chase - Senior Natural Resources
Grady F - Junior Agriscience
None of this would be possible without the support and leadership of our Purcell FFA instructor, Erica Keen! Thank you for everything! 🙏
#PurcellFFA #AFRSpeech #StateBound #FFA #SpeechContest
WOW! What a night for our members! We are bursting with pride for all 7 students who competed, showing incredible effort and determination.
A huge congratulations to our State Qualifiers! 🌟
Carli – 1st in Sr. Agriscience
Kaden – 1st in Sr. Natural Resources
Grady – 2nd in Intermediate Agribusiness
And big shout-outs to those placing high in their divisions:
Jaxson - 3rd in Sr. Animal Science
Brody - 3rd in Intermediate Animal Science
Chase - Senior Natural Resources
Grady F - Junior Agriscience
None of this would be possible without the support and leadership of our Purcell FFA instructor, Erica Keen! Thank you for everything! 🙏
#PurcellFFA #AFRSpeech #StateBound #FFA #SpeechContest
Purcell High School Veterans Day Assembly Livestream
Join us today at 11:00 AM as the Purcell High School National Honor Society honors our veterans. We invite you to view the ceremony via our live broadcast if unable to attend. (see link below or scan QR code in graphic)
Community and parents, please utilize the upper seating section on the home (south) side of the gym . Students will sit on the ground level. Veterans and their families will be greeted and escorted by NHS members.
Link to Livestream:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/purcell-high-school-purcell-ok/evtffe841bb4b
Join us today at 11:00 AM as the Purcell High School National Honor Society honors our veterans. We invite you to view the ceremony via our live broadcast if unable to attend. (see link below or scan QR code in graphic)
Community and parents, please utilize the upper seating section on the home (south) side of the gym . Students will sit on the ground level. Veterans and their families will be greeted and escorted by NHS members.
Link to Livestream:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/purcell-high-school-purcell-ok/evtffe841bb4b
