It’s Wednesday, and that means it’s time for a little good news to carry us through to Friday! 🌟
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Matthew Henry, Technology Specialist for Bagley Middle and Woodlawn Elementary!
Matthew was nominated by teacher and athletic director Ed McEntire, who shared:
“I just want to give a huge shout-out to Matthew Henry. As someone who has been a tech before, I understand how much work goes into the job. Matthew goes above and beyond—not just to get the job done, but always with the students’ best interest in mind."
Thank you, Matthew, for your dedication and for keeping things running smoothly at Bagley and Woodlawn! 👏💻

At Murray County Schools, we believe attendance is a team effort. When students show up every day and arrive on time, they build confidence, strengthen friendships, and stay on track for success. But when absences or even small amounts of tardiness add up, the impact is bigger than you might think.
👉 Here’s what it looks like when just a little time is missed due to being late:
10 minutes per day = 50 minutes per week → nearly 1 ½ weeks per year → almost ½ a school year over 13 years
20 minutes per day = 1 hour 40 minutes per week → about 2 ½ weeks per year → nearly 1 school year over 13 years
30 minutes per day = half a day per week → about 4 weeks per year → nearly 1 ½ school years over 13 years
1 hour per day = 1 day per week → about 8 weeks per year → more than 2 ½ school years over 13 years
The Georgia Department of Education defines Chronic Absenteeism as missing more than 10% of the school year (16 days), excused or unexcused. Murray County Schools currently ranks 128th out of 181 districts in student attendance. That tells us we can do better — together.
We need your help. Please make attendance and timeliness a top priority in your home. Unless your child is sick or there is a family emergency, send them to school every single day, on time.
Our shared goal isn’t just to improve numbers — it’s to give every Murray County student the best chance to succeed. With your partnership, we can build a culture of consistency, responsibility, and success for all.
Let’s do this together — one day (and one morning!) at a time.

Today, Murray County Schools is proud to join families across Georgia in celebrating the joy of reading!
Reading doesn’t just open books—it opens doors. When we read together, we build memories, grow imaginations, and strengthen the love of learning in our children.
Here are some fun ways to celebrate today at home:
✨ Curl up and read your favorite story as a family
✨ Act out a scene or create an alternate ending together
✨ Visit the library and find a “new favorite” book
✨ Share a memory of a book you loved growing up
✅ Share your reading moments and tag us with #MurrayReads and #GeorgiaReads
💡 Did you know September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month? A free public library card can help kids discover books, online learning tools, and even passes to parks and museums!
Together, we’re building stronger readers and a stronger Murray County!




We’re excited to share some well-deserved recognition for our Director of Federal Programs, Dr. Donna Eskut! She was recently nominated by Assistant Principal Zach Vess, who shared how Dr. Eskut’s expertise, patience, and leadership have made a lasting impact on our schools and administrators.
Mr. Vess said: “Over the past year, Donna has become a true expert in federal programs, especially in the areas of funding and Title I. Her deep knowledge and willingness to share it have made a lasting impact on our team.” He added that Donna works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring everything is aligned and compliant, while always making time to support assistant principals with clarity, patience, and purpose.
Federal Programs play a key role in providing resources and opportunities for students across Murray County, especially through Title I funding. Thanks to Donna’s leadership, these resources are used effectively, compliantly, and with students at the heart of every decision.
Thank you, Dr. Eskut, for being such a valuable part of our district family!

Today, we celebrate the amazing IT professionals who keep our schools and district running smoothly—from the district office to every classroom.
MCS has an amazing tech team! Their work behind the scenes ensures students can learn, teachers can teach, and our schools stay connected. Thank you for all you do!

If your child shows these signs, please talk with your doctor about screening. With the right care, children with diabetes can live healthy, active lives.
📌 See the flyer below for more details and resources.





We’re grateful to partner with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to serve our community. Below are the upcoming dates for the Mobile Food Bank.
Mark your calendar — and don’t worry, we’ll post a reminder each week before the Saturday distribution!
Thank you to everyone who helps make these events possible!

👏 Congratulations to our staff members who became MindSet Certified this summer!
MindSet Safety Management focuses on prevention, proactive strategies, and fostering positive environments that benefit both staff and students. Thank you for going above and beyond to strengthen our schools and support our community!

Called Meeting Notice





A new school year brings new bus routes. We appreciate your patience during this first week as our drivers adjust to updated routes and stops.
Pick-up and drop-off times may vary slightly as drivers learn their routes and our new riders settle into their routines.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep transportation safe and smooth for all students!
Any questions regarding transportation, contact the Murray County Schools Transportation Department at 706-695-2196.

Murray County Schools is looking for children who may need special education services. This includes children ages birth through 21 who live in Murray County.
📞 For more information, call 706-695-2252.


🎒✨ Back 2 School Bash is THIS Saturday at Murray County High! ✨🎒
August 9, 2025 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Here’s what you need to know before you arrive:
✅ Enter through the main/front office entrance of MCHS
✅ Pre-registered? Head to check-in
✅ Not registered? Stop by the registration table
🚗 Parking is available at MCHS, the football field, Central Office (CO), and the old rec center. Shuttles will be available to transport you to the front entrance.
🎒 Supplies and resources will be available while they last, so we encourage you to come early!
**Please note students need to be present.
👥 We are expecting a large crowd, so please be patient with us as we work to serve every family.
We can’t wait to see you there—it’s going to be a great day!





