Returning school employees receive surprise

The Ponca City Public School district reported a good start to the 2015-16 school year on Thursday.

Several school administrators spent the morning visiting schools, meeting students and teachers and making sure everything was running smoothly. Superintendent Dr. David Pennington is shown in the picture with Laura Layton’s class at West Middle School.

“I appreciate Mrs. Layton and her students for allowing me to share their first day with them," Pennington said. "The first day of school is always very exciting. We had a great start to the school year all across the district. I am looking forward to another very successful school year for the students and staff of the Ponca City School district.”

All returning employees were greeted with a surprise this morning. School administrators hand-delivered each one a check (stipend) for returning to work for the district. Certified employees received a $500 check, and support personnel received varying amounts based on their job classification and length of their contract.

Dr. Pennington wanted to do this for employees to show them how much the Ponca City Schools appreciate them coming back to work this year.