Happy Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day!
Our maintenance team truly is the backbone of our school system. Whether it’s fixing something that broke overnight, preparing spaces for school events, or jumping in to help a program succeed, they are always ready to lend a hand. They support our schools, our staff, and each other in ways that often go unseen but are deeply appreciated.
Because of their dedication, our students and teachers can walk into buildings each day that are well cared for and ready for a full day of learning.
Please join us in saying thank you to these hardworking members of our Murray County Schools family. We are grateful for the pride they take in their work and the care they show our schools every single day.
These individuals represent the very best of our schools and community—serving others, leading well, and making a difference every day.
Murray County High School
Nominees: Iyali Perez, Caiti James, Ethan Peden
Community Champion: Braydon Colter
North Murray High School
Nominees: Ansley Buckner, Ella Headrick, Dylan Phillips, Dylan Rainey, Lucas Wiley
Community Champion: Landon Atkins
Pleasant Valley Innovative
Nominee: Braxton Stanley
Community Champion: Bryson Cannon
We were also proud to see several of our outstanding staff members recognized as Community Champion nominees, including Jennifer Cuenca and Chris Bishop. A special congratulations to Principal Audre Allen and her husband, Joe, who were named Community Champions.
We also want to celebrate two incredible partners who were recognized as Community Champions in their business fields: Chatsworth Ford and the Murray County Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for the way they support our students, schools, and community.
They are often the steady presence behind the scenes… the listening ear, the calm voice, the helping hand. They support our students through challenges, celebrate their growth, connect families to resources, and walk alongside them during some of life’s hardest moments.
Their work may not always be seen, but its impact is felt in classrooms, homes, and throughout our entire community.
To our school social workers — thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and the heart you pour into serving our students and families. We are grateful for you this week and every week.
#NationalSchoolSocialWorkerWeek #MurrayCountySchools
We couldn’t let CTAE Month wrap up without recognizing our CTAE Director, Tara Robinette.
Tara does an outstanding job leading our Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education programs and helping create opportunities for students to succeed beyond high school. In addition to serving as CTAE Director, she also oversees Data Collections and Enrollment — roles that require a great deal of organization and dedication.
Thank you, Tara, for your leadership and the work you do for our students and staff!
As we wrap up CTAE Month, we want to end it where it truly belongs — with our incredible students.
Our CTAE students are what make these programs so special. Their dedication goes far beyond the classroom. They put in early mornings, late afternoons, extra practice, competitions, and countless hours perfecting their craft. They don’t just participate — they commit.
From agriculture to cosmetology, healthcare to business, culinary to construction, welding and beyond — our students are taking full advantage of every opportunity to grow, compete, and represent our schools with excellence.
Just last week, students traveled to compete at SkillsUSA and in Perry, bringing home multiple awards in their pathways. Their hard work, professionalism, and pride in their craft truly set them apart.
We are so proud of each of you. Your commitment, character, and drive are what make CTAE shine in our district. Keep chasing those goals — the future is bright because of you!
Today, we’re proud to shine a light on Jim Miller, Lead ESS teacher over the POWER Program at MCHS!
Nominated by Hailey Dale, Mr. Miller has been such a blessing to our Exceptional Student Services team. He leads with a true heart for service — not only caring deeply for his students, but walking alongside their families as well.
He has brought a special spark to the POWER program through his personality, dedication, and the honor he shows in serving our students each day. His commitment to accountability and responsibility sets the tone, and with Mr. Miller, no detail is overlooked.
We are so thankful for educators like Mr. Miller!
Our School Resource Officers are more than a badge. They are mentors, protectors, encouragers, and trusted adults our students can count on. They build relationships in the hallways, cheer at ballgames, visit classrooms, and step in wherever they are needed.
Because of their presence, our students and staff feel safer, supported, and cared for. Their commitment to serving our children and our community does not go unnoticed.
We are grateful for their partnership, their sacrifice, and their heart for Murray County. 💙
If you see one of our SROs today, take a moment to say thank you!
Just a friendly reminder that Murray County Schools will be closed for Mid-Winter Break, Monday, February 16, through Friday, February 20.
Enjoy your break, Murray family! 💙
At today’s Murray County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, our STAR students and their selected teachers were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement. Congratulations to Landon Atkins (North Murray High School) and his selected teacher, Stacy Roland, and Owen Lam (Murray County High School) and his selected teacher, Keith Rollins. We are so proud of these students for their dedication and of the educators who have invested in them along the way.
We were also honored to see two of our very own recognized as Movers, Shakers, and Newsmakers — North Murray Assistant Principal Brooke Young and District Communications Coordinator Derichia Lynch. Their leadership and commitment to serving our schools and community truly make a difference.
Congratulations to all who were recognized this morning! Murray County is blessed with outstanding students, educators, and leaders.
These educators are introducing students to career pathways, hands-on learning, and real-world skills at such an important stage. Middle school is where curiosity begins to turn into confidence, and our CTAE teachers help spark that vision for the future.
We are so thankful for the creativity, encouragement, and heart they pour into our students each day. You are making a difference that will last far beyond the classroom.
All month long, we’re celebrating our incredible Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. We’re kicking things off by spotlighting our amazing high school CTAE teachers and staff — the folks who pour into our students daily, guiding them with skill, patience, and heart. We are truly thankful for each of you and the work you do.
CTAE gives students hands-on learning experiences, industry certifications, and career pathways that lead to college, the workforce, and beyond. These programs help our students discover their talents and walk confidently into their futures — and we’re so grateful for the educators who make that possible.
🎉 Congratulations to Our STAR Students and Teachers! 🎉
Our Board of Education proudly recognized two outstanding students and the educators who helped shape their success through the STAR program.
North Murray High School
STAR Student: Landon Atkins
STAR Teacher: Stacy Roland, Bagley Middle School
Murray County High School
STAR Student: Owen Lam
STAR Teacher: Keith Rollins, Murray County High School
The STAR program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving seniors based on SAT scores and class ranking, along with the teachers who have made a lasting impact on their academic journey. We are so proud of these students and teachers for this well-deserved recognition!
South End Schools will be having a meeting next week at MCHS. RSVP required: https://rsvp.eftours.com/2bs9e5c (meeting details on the RSVP page). Attend in person for a chance at a $500 scholarship! Email Mr. Winkler (case.winkler@murray.k12.ga.us) OR Ms. Martin (kassandra.martin@murray.k12.ga.us) with any questions.
North End Schools, reach out to Ms. Henson (michelle.henson@murray.k12.ga.us) for details on how you can sign up for this trip of a lifetime!
We are excited to welcome our newest learners to Murray County Schools! Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten will be held on:
🗓 Thursday, March 19, 2026
⏰ 12:00–5:00 PM
📍 At your child’s districted elementary school
Eligibility:
Kindergarten: Must be 5 years old by September 1, 2026
Pre-K: Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026
We can’t wait to partner with you as your child begins their educational journey here at Murray County Schools!
This week, we celebrate and thank our incredible school counselors who serve our students with compassion, wisdom, and a servant’s heart. Every day, they walk alongside our students — offering guidance, encouragement, and support through both the joys and challenges of school life.
From academic planning to social-emotional support and everything in between, our counselors play a vital role in helping every child grow, thrive, and succeed. We are truly blessed by their dedication and the love they pour into our schools.
Thank you to our counselors for all you do — your impact reaches far beyond the classroom!
🌟 Good News Spotlight 🌟
We are proud to recognize Angela Ausmus, as nominated by Kayla Flood and the SPE ESS team, for the incredible heart and dedication she shows to our ESS students not only at Spring Place Elementary, but across the district.
Angela plans many of our district ESS events, including the ESS Christmas Party, and works closely with businesses in the Chatsworth community to secure donations that help make these special moments possible. Because of her initiative and servant heart, students are able to experience simple joys like meeting Santa, playing games, and creating crafts in a safe, welcoming environment.
She goes above and beyond—not just at Spring Place, but across the entire district—and we are truly blessed to have her as part of our ESS family. Thank you, Angela, for all you do for our students! ❤️
MCS Families —
Murray County Schools will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3rd. Our transportation team has been out checking road conditions across the county.
While most routes are safe, there are a few morning bus routes we do not feel are safe to run at this time due to lingering icy spots. Warmer temperatures should allow these routes to run in the afternoon.
Morning routes not running:
Richard Bennett Rd
Brushtown Rd
Temple Grove Rd (Richard Bennett Rd to Halls Chapel Rd)
CCC Camp Rd (Crandall Ellijay Rd to dirt)
Crandall Ellijay Rd
Coffey Church Rd
Hooker Rd
Worley Mill Circle
We apologize for any inconvenience, but the safety of our students and staff is at the forefront of our decision-making. Families who live on these roads are asked to please notify the school if their child will be late or unable to attend. Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we keep student safety our top priority.
Our crews have been out checking road conditions across the county, and due to widespread icy and hazardous roads that make travel unsafe for school buses and student drivers, all Murray County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 2.
Information regarding extracurricular activities will be shared directly from each school.
We will continue to monitor conditions and share timely updates.
Sharing a few of the pictures from our road checks today.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we always place the safety of our students, staff, and families first. Stay safe and warm!
