Murray County Schools - Committed to Student Success... No Exceptions, No Excuses!

Merry Murray Christmas!

Friday will be early dismissal leading into Christmas break for Murray County Schools. School will dismiss at 11:30am.

🎉 Buzzing with Excitement! 🐝 🎉 Congratulations to the top 3 spellers from each of our 6 elementary schools and 2 middle schools! These talented students have mastered their words and earned their spot in the District Spelling Bee on January 28, 2025, at North Murray High School. Way to go students! #SpellingBeeStars #YouAreMurray

🌟 Good News Spotlight 🌟 We have another heartwarming Good News Spotlight, this time shining on two remarkable North Murray High School alumni, Bailey and Erin Blankenship, who embodied the true spirit of giving through their incredible event, the First Annual Santa Bowl! Bailey and Erin organized this community flag football tournament to raise money for Christmas assistance, bringing together numerous teams, a dedicated group of volunteers, and a whole day of fun and purpose. Thanks to their hard work and passion, the Santa Bowl was a resounding success, helping families in the Murray County community and contributing to Shop with Heroes. Their efforts brought joy and hope to so many during this special time of year. We are so proud of Bailey and Erin for their generosity and commitment to making a difference. Their inspiring work shows the power of giving back and reminds us of what can be achieved when we come together as a community. If you missed this year’s Santa Bowl, don’t worry—Bailey and Erin plan to bring it back next year! Be sure to keep an eye out for the event and join in on the fun and giving spirit. 🎅🏈

🎄✨ A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Community! ✨🎄 Thanks to our amazing community, WE DID IT! We had 50 needs on the Purposity Tree and ALL 50 have been met!! Murray County Schools is thankful for our amazing community and all you do. A special thank you to our Wellness Department for leading this effort. Our Wellness Director, Tara Jones shared: "I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support our community has shown through the Purposity Giving Tree. Your generosity and kindness have helped ensure that all the Christmas needs for our students and families have been met this holiday season. Because of you, our students and families will experience the joy and hope of the season. Your willingness to step up and make a difference embodies the spirit of giving and reminds us of the power of community. We are so fortunate to have a community that cares so deeply."

Don't forget the Mobile Food Pantry this Saturday at Murray County High School!

As the holiday season approaches, we are excited to share a meaningful way to support the students and families in our community. This year, the Wellness Department is hosting a Purposity Giving Tree as part of the Christmas in the Park event. The Giving Tree is an opportunity to bring joy and meet the needs of students who could use a little extra cheer this season. Through Purposity, we can easily and directly connect with these needs—whether it’s a warm coat, shoes, a Christmas gift wish, or other essential items. Every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of our students and their families. Here’s how you can participate: Visit the Giving Tree at Christmas in the Park and choose an ornament from the tree. Each ornament will have a QR code that links directly to Murray County School System's Purposity page, featuring a student's wish or need. If you cannot make it to the tree in the park you can scan the QR code below to help. Select a gift to fulfill—the gift will be sent directly to the MCS Wellness Department. From there, our counselors and social workers will ensure it is delivered to the family before Christmas Day. We are so grateful for your generosity and kindness in supporting this initiative. Together, we can make this holiday season unforgettable for the students we serve. If you have any questions or need assistance with Purposity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the MCS Wellness Department at 706-422-4560. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful effort!

At last night's Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Wright and the Board of Education celebrated the incredible service of several outgoing Board members who have dedicated themselves to the students, staff, and families of Murray County Schools. Greg Shoemaker, Chairman, has served on the Murray County Board of Education for nearly 20 years. His steadfast leadership and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on our district. To show our gratitude, past Vice Chair Heath Jones and current Vice Chair Kelli Reed presented Greg with a special token of appreciation. Aaron Phillips has devoted the past 8 years to serving as a Board member, consistently bringing thoughtful perspectives and a heart for service. Tanner Davis with 3 years of dedicated service, has been a valuable voice on the Board, contributing to key decisions that impact our schools. Serving as a member of the Board of Education is a unique and challenging role, requiring vision, dedication, and a passion for shaping the future of our community through education. Greg, Aaron, and Tanner have embodied these qualities, and their impact will be felt for years to come. While we will miss their presence and leadership, we are excited to welcome our new Board members in January and look forward to the bright future ahead for Murray County Schools. Please join us in thanking Greg, Aaron, and Tanner for their incredible service! #YouAreMurray

This morning, MCS and Northwest Elementary were honored to host State School Superintendent Richard Woods, who presented banners to our schools recognized as Math and Literacy Leaders! 🎉 Superintendent Woods praised the incredible work being done in Murray County Schools and shared his confidence that even more schools in our district will be celebrated next year. We’re proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their commitment to excellence in education. #YouAreMurray #LeadersInLearning

Don't forget Christmas in the Park tomorrow! Make sure to stop by the Purposity Tree.

🌟 Good News Spotlight 🌟 We have received another incredible Good News nomination, this time recognizing Greg Burns, the talented and dedicated Band Director at Gladden Middle School, for his commitment to students at Chatsworth Elementary School! CES Principal Audre Allen shared, “Mr. Burns is giving up his planning period each Monday to help the CES band students. These kids wouldn’t have band without his unselfishness! He even created handouts with examples of positive self-talk and encouragement to practice. He is one of a kind!” His principal at Gladden Middle, Jennifer Jones, added, “He goes above and beyond not only for GMS but for his community. He’s an active member of his church and is always positive, even in difficult situations.” Thank you, Mr. Burns, for going above and beyond to inspire young musicians and for showing how dedication and passion can change lives. Your selflessness and support make a lasting impact! 🎶✨ You can catch Mr. Burns at the Christmas Concert tonight at GMS at 7:00 PM. I know he and his students would love to have you attend! #GoodNewsSpotlight#YouAreMurray You can share your story of Good News here: https://www.murray.k12.ga.us/forms/good-news-to-share

🎄✨ Tis the Season for.....The Purposity Tree! ✨🎄 Christmas in the Park is THIS Friday! Murray County Schools will bring back the Purposity Tree—a simple and meaningful way to spread joy this holiday season. Here’s how it works: 🎁 Stop by our Purposity Tree in the park. 🎁 Choose an ornament. 🎁 Scan the QR code to meet a real need for a local student—whether it’s essentials or a special gift. Your generosity will help brighten the season for families in our school district and community. Together, we can make a difference! Let’s rock around the Purposity Tree and share the spirit of the holidays. We can’t wait to see you there! Kick-off starts at 5:00 pm in the Chatsworth City Park.🌟 Can't make it Friday? No problem, stop by anytime over the next couple weeks to pick an ornament OR scan the QR code below and give from right where you are! #YouAreMurray #Purposity

Did you know? Special Education Day is celebrated every year on December 2 to commemorate the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) into law in 1975. This landmark legislation granted children with special needs access to free, high-quality public education, changing countless lives for the better. Today, we honor the incredible special education teachers, our ESS department, and therapists in Murray County Schools who carry out the spirit of IDEA every day. Your dedication, compassion, and tireless work make a profound impact on our students and their families, ensuring all learners have the opportunity to thrive. 💙 Thank you for all that you do to empower and inspire! 👏🌟 #NationalSpecialEducationDay #IDEA #MurrayCountySchools #SpecialEducationMatters #ThankYou #YouAreMurray

🍂🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from Murray County Schools! 🦃🍂 This Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for the amazing students, dedicated teachers, caring staff, and supportive families who make up our wonderful community. Your hard work, kindness, and partnership truly make Murray County Schools a special place to learn and grow. As you gather with loved ones, may your holiday be filled with warmth, joy, and gratitude. Thank you for being a part of our MCS family. Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡 #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #WeAreMurray#YouAreMurray

🌟 Another Good News Spotlight! 🌟 Back in September, Aven Cameron, Jace Cameron, and Ben McGrath displayed incredible bravery when they noticed Ms. Brindle's house on fire at 2 a.m. They immediately ran to wake her family and helped them to safety. Their heroic actions did not go unnoticed! Their principal, Dr. Daphne Winkler, recognized them for their courage and quick thinking, and we want to echo her pride in these young men. Although this story has already been shared widely, we are honored to celebrate Aven, Jace, and Ben as shining examples of kindness, selflessness, and community spirit. This is a perfect example of the good news we want to share! 👏 #GoodNewsSpotlight#YouAreMurray You can share your story of Good News here: https://www.murray.k12.ga.us/forms/good-news-to-share

🎉 Happy Substitute Teacher Appreciation Day! 🎉 Today, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible substitute teachers who step in and ensure learning never skips a beat. 💚🍎 Your flexibility, dedication, and care make a world of difference for our students and staff. A special thank you also goes to ESS for partnering with us to provide such amazing substitute teachers who keep our classrooms running smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you! Let’s all take a moment to thank a substitute teacher today — because of you, learning thrives! ✨ #YouAreMurray

🦃🍂 Thanksgiving Break Reminder! 🍂🦃 Thanksgiving holidays begin Monday, November 25th, and run through Friday, November 29th for all students and staff. We hope you enjoy this time with family, friends, and plenty of delicious food! 🧡 We'll see everyone back on Monday, December 2nd!

🌟 Good News Spotlight 🌟 We received a wonderful Good News nomination recognizing Shelley Arthur, our dedicated executive secretary at Bagley Middle School! Shelley was nominated by Jen Jones, the mom of a proud Bagley Blazer. She shared, 'My daughter says she is always smiling and goes the extra mile to make kids feel special.' Her principals were not surprised by the nomination. “She treats all the kids like they are her own,” said Adrian Stone, Assistant Principal at Bagley Middle School. “She is always helpful, always willing to lend a hand,” added Principal Greg Welch. Thank you, Shelley, for bringing joy and kindness to our school community and for being a true example of warmth and care. Your positive impact is felt by so many!"

🏹🏈🤼‍♂️🎉 There are lots of events happening at our middle and high schools! From archery and football to cheer and wrestling, as well as fine arts there are plenty of ways to support our talented students. Check your school's social media and websites for event details, and come out to show your school spirit! Wishing all our teams the best of luck as they compete.

Don't forget the food drop this Saturday!