🏅 Board Recognitions
At last night’s monthly board meeting, the Murray County Board of Education recognized several outstanding achievements!
Congratulations to North Murray High School student, Malia Schmidt, who was honored for earning the State Championship title in Track and Field! Malia claimed first place in the 400-meter dash with an impressive time of 57.42 seconds.
The Board also recognized the Nutrition Staff from Northwest Elementary School for receiving the Cafeteria Award of Excellence from the Georgia Department of Education—one of only 22 schools in the entire state to earn this distinction!
Pictured left to right: Nutrition Director Amanda Ridley, Meggin Shoemaker, Chelsea Shipman (Manager), Kathy Choate, Patricia Martin, Leigh Ann Shoemaker, and Principal Amy Petty.
We’re proud of these incredible accomplishments!
🎉 It’s National Coach Appreciation Day!
Declared by President Richard Nixon in 1972, this day recognizes the lasting impact coaches have—teaching teamwork, discipline, and resilience that last far beyond the game.
Today, we celebrate the dedicated coaches across Murray County Schools and the many community coaches who invest their time, energy, and heart into helping our students grow on and off the field.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and for inspiring the next generation of leaders!
Declared by President Richard Nixon in 1972, this day recognizes the lasting impact coaches have—teaching teamwork, discipline, and resilience that last far beyond the game.
Today, we celebrate the dedicated coaches across Murray County Schools and the many community coaches who invest their time, energy, and heart into helping our students grow on and off the field.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and for inspiring the next generation of leaders!
📢 Schedule Reminder - Mark Your Calendars
Friday, October 10th, is a Distance Learning Day for all students.
Teachers and staff will participate in professional learning.
Monday, October 13th, is a staff and student holiday in observance of Columbus Day.
Thank you for making note of these important dates! ✅
Friday, October 10th, is a Distance Learning Day for all students.
Teachers and staff will participate in professional learning.
Monday, October 13th, is a staff and student holiday in observance of Columbus Day.
Thank you for making note of these important dates! ✅
🌟 Happy Custodian Appreciation Day! 🌟
Today is School Custodian Appreciation Day, and we want to thank the incredible men and women who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Our custodians work tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to ensure students and staff have the best environment to learn and grow.
Thank you to our amazing custodial team for everything you do for Murray County Schools. We appreciate you today and every day! 👏✨
Today is School Custodian Appreciation Day, and we want to thank the incredible men and women who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Our custodians work tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to ensure students and staff have the best environment to learn and grow.
Thank you to our amazing custodial team for everything you do for Murray County Schools. We appreciate you today and every day! 👏✨
🌟 Good News Wednesday! 🌟
This week’s Good News Spotlight is on Mrs. Rachel Brindle, ESOL teacher at Spring Place Elementary! 💙💛
Mrs. Brindle recently shared about the SPE Helping Hands Pantry at the Nourish Conference, speaking straight from the heart and representing our system so well. Alongside Dr. Brock, she helped showcase the incredible work being done at Spring Place. 👏
Thank you, Mrs. Brindle, for the passion and dedication you bring to our students and community! 🌟
We love sharing the great things happening in Murray County Schools. If you’d like to nominate someone for a future spotlight, fill out our Good News form here: https://www.murray.k12.ga.us/forms/good-news-to-share
This week’s Good News Spotlight is on Mrs. Rachel Brindle, ESOL teacher at Spring Place Elementary! 💙💛
Mrs. Brindle recently shared about the SPE Helping Hands Pantry at the Nourish Conference, speaking straight from the heart and representing our system so well. Alongside Dr. Brock, she helped showcase the incredible work being done at Spring Place. 👏
Thank you, Mrs. Brindle, for the passion and dedication you bring to our students and community! 🌟
We love sharing the great things happening in Murray County Schools. If you’d like to nominate someone for a future spotlight, fill out our Good News form here: https://www.murray.k12.ga.us/forms/good-news-to-share
The numbers tell the story—
With an overall graduation rate of 93.1%, our schools continue to remain strong and perform above the state average of 87.2%.
Murray County High – 93.1%
North Murray High – 93.9%
Pleasant Valley Innovative – 88.9%
We know that there is always room to grow, and we are committed to supporting every student on their path to graduation.
Congratulations to our graduates of the Class of 2025 —you’ve set the bar high, and the best is yet to come!
With an overall graduation rate of 93.1%, our schools continue to remain strong and perform above the state average of 87.2%.
Murray County High – 93.1%
North Murray High – 93.9%
Pleasant Valley Innovative – 88.9%
We know that there is always room to grow, and we are committed to supporting every student on their path to graduation.
Congratulations to our graduates of the Class of 2025 —you’ve set the bar high, and the best is yet to come!
Flu Shot Reminder
Flu season is here! Murray County Schools wants to remind our families that flu shots will be available for students soon.
➡️ Please note: Flu shots are completely optional.
They are not required, but are a resource provided for families who would like their child to receive one.
If you’d like your child to participate, please be sure to complete and return the consent form. No student will receive a flu shot without parent/guardian permission.
Keeping our students healthy helps keep everyone learning strong!
Flu season is here! Murray County Schools wants to remind our families that flu shots will be available for students soon.
➡️ Please note: Flu shots are completely optional.
They are not required, but are a resource provided for families who would like their child to receive one.
If you’d like your child to participate, please be sure to complete and return the consent form. No student will receive a flu shot without parent/guardian permission.
Keeping our students healthy helps keep everyone learning strong!
✨ Pass the Torch Tradition ✨
This morning at Mountaineer Stadium, North Murray seniors welcomed kindergartners from their feeder elementary schools for a special tradition — Pass the Torch. 💛🖤
Seniors passed a Mountaineer t-shirt to the Class of 2038, symbolizing pride, tradition, and the bright future ahead for our youngest Mountaineers!
At Murray County Schools, we’re proud to celebrate traditions like this that connect our students, schools, and community across generations.
This morning at Mountaineer Stadium, North Murray seniors welcomed kindergartners from their feeder elementary schools for a special tradition — Pass the Torch. 💛🖤
Seniors passed a Mountaineer t-shirt to the Class of 2038, symbolizing pride, tradition, and the bright future ahead for our youngest Mountaineers!
At Murray County Schools, we’re proud to celebrate traditions like this that connect our students, schools, and community across generations.
🍎 Today’s the Day – Crunch for Lunch! 🍎
Murray County Schools are joining students across Georgia today, Friday, September 26th, to celebrate Crunch for Lunch!
This fun, statewide event promotes healthy eating while supporting our Georgia farmers. Students across the district will be taking a big crunch into fresh, Georgia-grown apples as part of their school meals today. 🍏🍎
Grab an apple and join us—let’s celebrate Georgia agriculture and good nutrition together. Let’s hear that crunch!
#CrunchForLunch #GeorgiaGrown #FarmToSchool
Murray County Schools are joining students across Georgia today, Friday, September 26th, to celebrate Crunch for Lunch!
This fun, statewide event promotes healthy eating while supporting our Georgia farmers. Students across the district will be taking a big crunch into fresh, Georgia-grown apples as part of their school meals today. 🍏🍎
Grab an apple and join us—let’s celebrate Georgia agriculture and good nutrition together. Let’s hear that crunch!
#CrunchForLunch #GeorgiaGrown #FarmToSchool
🧡 As we move into the final days of September, we pause to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
It’s important to remember: you are not alone, and help is always available. 💙
Murray County Schools provides resources and support through our Wellness Department. You can find these and more on our district website under Student Wellness.
It’s important to remember: you are not alone, and help is always available. 💙
Murray County Schools provides resources and support through our Wellness Department. You can find these and more on our district website under Student Wellness.
✨ Good News Spotlight ✨
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! 👏💻
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! 👏💻
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
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.
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.
Georgia Reads Day is Here!
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!
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!
Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the food drop at North Murray High School. The drop begins at 8:00 am, but the line starts to form early!
✨ Good News Spotlight ✨
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!
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!
Happy National IT Professionals Day! 🎉
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!
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!
Each year, we are asked to share important information with families about diabetes awareness in children. Early detection is vital, and knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.
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.
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.
These are great opportunities to get out and show your school spirit as we celebrate our hometown game this Friday!
Bonfire -Thursday
Tailgate - Friday
Whether you’re an Indian or a Mountaineer, there’s one thing we can all agree on…CHICK-FIL-A!
Show your school pride and fuel up with your favorite chicken at the Chick-fil-A in Dalton Mall! 🐔❤️
Rep your team, grab your crew, and let’s make this spirit week delicious!
🍎 Chattanooga Mobile Food Bank Dates 🍎
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!
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!
