Murray County Schools wants your input! Each month, we’ll be reaching out with a few quick questions (1–3) to help us improve classroom instruction, communication with families, and overall student support. Please take a moment to share your thoughts by scanning the QR code or visiting the link below. Your feedback helps us grow. Thank you for being a valued part of our school community!
Link: https://forms.gle/3c4thZzygfQbeFf78
Link: https://forms.gle/3c4thZzygfQbeFf78
Georgia Pre-K Week 2025
This week, we celebrated Georgia Pre-K Week — a time to recognize the incredible impact of early learning and the dedicated educators who make it possible!
Here in Murray County, we are proud to have an amazing Pre-K program led by Director Amanda Kimsey and staffed by outstanding teachers who give our youngest learners the best start possible.
Throughout the week, classrooms across the district welcomed special guest readers, including an annual favorite — Senator Chuck Payne! Thank you to all our readers and staff for making this week so special for our students.
🌟 Did You Know?
- The Georgia Pre-K Program was established in 1992 and is one of the first state-funded universal pre-kindergarten programs in the nation.
- It serves over 80,000 four-year-olds each year across Georgia.
- The program focuses on building a solid foundation in literacy, math, and social-emotional development — preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond.
👧🧒 Follow the Fun!
Want to see more of the exciting things happening with our earliest learners? Follow Murray County Schools Pre-K on Facebook to catch a glimpse inside our classrooms and celebrate our youngest little learners in action!
This week, we celebrated Georgia Pre-K Week — a time to recognize the incredible impact of early learning and the dedicated educators who make it possible!
Here in Murray County, we are proud to have an amazing Pre-K program led by Director Amanda Kimsey and staffed by outstanding teachers who give our youngest learners the best start possible.
Throughout the week, classrooms across the district welcomed special guest readers, including an annual favorite — Senator Chuck Payne! Thank you to all our readers and staff for making this week so special for our students.
🌟 Did You Know?
- The Georgia Pre-K Program was established in 1992 and is one of the first state-funded universal pre-kindergarten programs in the nation.
- It serves over 80,000 four-year-olds each year across Georgia.
- The program focuses on building a solid foundation in literacy, math, and social-emotional development — preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond.
👧🧒 Follow the Fun!
Want to see more of the exciting things happening with our earliest learners? Follow Murray County Schools Pre-K on Facebook to catch a glimpse inside our classrooms and celebrate our youngest little learners in action!
October is National Principals Month!
This month, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools every day. Our Murray County principals do so much more than manage buildings—they build relationships, foster learning, and create environments where students and staff can thrive.
Whether they’re greeting students at the door, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting teachers behind the scenes, our principals lead with heart, dedication, and a deep love for their schools.
Join us in thanking each of our principals for the countless ways they make a difference in the lives of our students, staff, and community!
This month, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools every day. Our Murray County principals do so much more than manage buildings—they build relationships, foster learning, and create environments where students and staff can thrive.
Whether they’re greeting students at the door, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting teachers behind the scenes, our principals lead with heart, dedication, and a deep love for their schools.
Join us in thanking each of our principals for the countless ways they make a difference in the lives of our students, staff, and community!
Don't forget the food drop is tomorrow at Murray County High School!
🏈 Congratulations to North Murray’s Hudson Hulett! 🏈
North Murray High School’s own Hudson Hulett has been named the Georgia High School Football Daily – Player of the Week!
Hudson has rushed for 1,157 yards so far this season, becoming the first quarterback in the state to surpass 1,000 rushing yards this year. Ted Langford with Georgia High School Football Daily presented Hudson with the award today.
In true Mountaineer spirit, Hudson credited his teammates and all of the NMHS students and staff for contributing to his success.
Honorable mentions were:
Offense: Layten Myers, Eli Smith, and the offensive line—Eddie Diaz, Robbie Herndon, Luca Burns, Sampson Suddeth, Caden Bowen, and Blane Tarvin.
Defense: Jacob Daley, Julio Perez, and Brayson Taylor.
Special Teams- Placekicker: Pablo Martinez.
Congratulations to Hudson on this incredible honor and to the entire North Murray Mountaineer football team and coaching staff for their hard work and dedication!
North Murray High School’s own Hudson Hulett has been named the Georgia High School Football Daily – Player of the Week!
Hudson has rushed for 1,157 yards so far this season, becoming the first quarterback in the state to surpass 1,000 rushing yards this year. Ted Langford with Georgia High School Football Daily presented Hudson with the award today.
In true Mountaineer spirit, Hudson credited his teammates and all of the NMHS students and staff for contributing to his success.
Honorable mentions were:
Offense: Layten Myers, Eli Smith, and the offensive line—Eddie Diaz, Robbie Herndon, Luca Burns, Sampson Suddeth, Caden Bowen, and Blane Tarvin.
Defense: Jacob Daley, Julio Perez, and Brayson Taylor.
Special Teams- Placekicker: Pablo Martinez.
Congratulations to Hudson on this incredible honor and to the entire North Murray Mountaineer football team and coaching staff for their hard work and dedication!
Good News Spotlight
This week’s Good News Spotlight shines on the incredible Woodlawn Elementary nutrition team!
They were nominated by Principal Pam Rich, who shared:
“I have the most fabulous cafeteria staff ever! They go way above and beyond for all of our students. They jump through hoops daily — from meeting the needs of PreK–5th graders with allergies, to preparing meals for HeadStart, to making sure every child who arrives late still gets a good breakfast before starting the day.
They embrace every crazy dress-up day, fix breakfast for lunch (complete with biscuits and gravy!), and pour their hearts into everything they do. These ladies are SO AMAZING — they certainly don’t do it for the money. They do it because of the love they have for our students and their dedication to making a difference. They recently scored a 100 on their food service inspection report, but I give them a 110!”
👏 Thank you to the Woodlawn Elementary cafeteria team for your kindness, creativity, and commitment to our students — you truly make a difference every single day!
This week’s Good News Spotlight shines on the incredible Woodlawn Elementary nutrition team!
They were nominated by Principal Pam Rich, who shared:
“I have the most fabulous cafeteria staff ever! They go way above and beyond for all of our students. They jump through hoops daily — from meeting the needs of PreK–5th graders with allergies, to preparing meals for HeadStart, to making sure every child who arrives late still gets a good breakfast before starting the day.
They embrace every crazy dress-up day, fix breakfast for lunch (complete with biscuits and gravy!), and pour their hearts into everything they do. These ladies are SO AMAZING — they certainly don’t do it for the money. They do it because of the love they have for our students and their dedication to making a difference. They recently scored a 100 on their food service inspection report, but I give them a 110!”
👏 Thank you to the Woodlawn Elementary cafeteria team for your kindness, creativity, and commitment to our students — you truly make a difference every single day!
🏅 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!
