Putnam City’s icon is the Torch of Knowledge.
The Torch makes a profound statement about the District’s rich heritage as a leading district in the State of Oklahoma. But it also emphasizes that the District is moving forward and going into the future as an innovative district, providing an excellent education in a diverse culture.
This symbol of the torch is a classic symbol of knowledge, which starts from an innovative mind, with a spark of passion, to creatively enlighten others.
The light of the flame, bursting forth from the pen, symbolizes a lifelong passion for learning and hope for the future as a pathfinder, explorer, trailblazer and trendsetter.
At Convocation 2023, Kathlyn Reynolds was recognized as the very first recipient of the Putnam City Luminary Award. The Luminary Award is reserved for a notable person who represents a bright light, a shining star, a visionary; one whose spark of light is transferred to others through inspiration and enlightenment.
Wiley Post Elementary is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
Kathlyn Reynolds was a member of the inaugural faculty of Wiley Post and contributed to the creation of a progressive, innovative, open concept school which became an international showplace, attracting educators from as far away as Japan, to learn about the future of education.
Wiley Post Elementary in the early years, was on the cutting edge of providing a strong arts education to all students. Kathlyn Reynolds was the driving force behind advancing all the arts to all students; working tirelessly to make plans, raise funds to bring in artists in residence to provide experiences for students in drama, theatre, music, dance, creative writing and the visual arts. Mike Wimmer, Doobie Potter, Howard Hanger, Rhonda Clark, Greg Burns, Al Bostick, Janey Crain, Dwe Williams and Mike Stiglets, to name a few, were artists in residence who spent weeks each year working with students to give them creative experiences in all the arts. Under Kathlyn’s leadership as part of the fine arts program, Wiley Post distinguished itself as one of the first Arts in Education, School of Distinction, in the State of Oklahoma and later recognized by the US Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School.
At the heart of Wiley Post Elementary is the library media center and this is where Kathlyn Reynolds was “on stage” and performed each and every morning in Early Beat. Kathlyn created “Early Beat” which was a schoolwide gathering where all faculty, staff, students and patrons began their day with music, coming together to salute the flag, sing patriotic songs and celebrate the day. Early Beat became known internationally and became the model for other schools to emulate. Parents and visitors often came to the school in the morning, just for Early Beat, because they wanted to start their day on a positive note.
Early in her career, Kathlyn Reynolds quickly became known as the ultimate music educator. Because of being highly trained in Kodaly and Orff, she became in demand as a national clinician to lead choral festivals and train other music educators. She, along-side Cristi Cary Miller, has composed and published countless songs and music units such as: Sing Say, Dance Play; Ready, Set, Go Orff!; Rhythms, Rounds and Joyful Sounds. These publications are still being used in numerous schools across the country. She has recorded numerous children’s musical albums and was honored at the Music Educators National Conference in Chicago where her Singing Blue Angels were the only elementary school choir invited to perform.
For three generations, Kathlyn Reynolds has instilled in her daughter, Denise Leonard, and in her granddaughter, Jessica Huffman, not only a love a teaching, but a love for and dedication to the Putnam City School District. Her daughter, Denise, taught and retired from James L. Dennis Elementary and granddaughter, Jessica, is a teacher at Tulakes Elementary.
And in the 109 year history of the Putnam City School District, Kathlyn Reynolds has distinguished herself as the one and only State Teacher of the Year, having received this State honor in 1982.
Because of Kathlyn’s love of music and dedication to the Putnam City School District she has continued to remain involved after retirement. She and Cristi Cary Miller created the very first District Honor Choir for Grades 5-8 and she continued leading this choir after retirement. She has volunteered countless hours at Tulakes Elementary. And she still comes back during the holiday season to teach and lead her well-loved “I Love Christmas” song to new audiencesduring the holiday season.
Kathlyn Reynolds continues to be a leading ambassador for Putnam City Schools, by promoting the District through her activity in state organizations such as the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association, music organizations, endorsing and promoting school bond programs, and serving as the District’s greatest cheer leader everywhere she goes.
We congratulate Mrs. Kathlyn Reynolds as the very first Putnam City Luminary Award!