Murfreesboro City Schools seeks nominations for the inaugural MCS Hall of Fame.  The MCS Hall of Fame will recognize and honor exceptional career individuals (teachers and non-teachers) that have made significant contributions to Murfreesboro City Schools and its students.

The MCS Hall of Fame will help preserve the history and impact of Murfreesboro City Schools. Community members and staff are encouraged to nominate a teacher, bus driver, education assistant, cafeteria worker, maintenance staff, administrator or any employee that has made an impact on our community.

Up to ten individuals will be selected annually for this recognition. To be eligible for nomination, individuals must have been employed with MCS for a minimum of 10 years and retired for at least five years.  Inductees can be living or deceased.

MCS has a rich history of serving Murfreesboro for over 125 years.  Through this time, schools have changed in name and size.  School reports from 1895 show two schools with 641 students, and twelve teachers. From that time, MCS has grown to become one of the top twenty-five school districts in Tennessee with 13 schools serving over 9,500 students.

“The Hall of Fame is a unique opportunity to recognize citizens that have shaped education and individuals in Murfreesboro,” says Duke. “Whether the nominee served in 1895 or 2005, we want to celebrate their contribution to education through this recognition.”

Nominations can be submitted online or through a paper application. Both the online document and paper applications can be found by clicking on the links below.  Nominations are currently open and will be accepted through August 15.

Nominations can be submitted in the following categories:

• Heritage – Retired Pre-1970
• Tradition – Retired 1971 – 2000
• Contemporary – Retired 2001 – Present

 

Click the link below for the online application.

https://bit.ly/3bDHagC

Click here for the printed version (PDF) of the application. Call 615-893-2313 to have a nomination form mailed to you.

A selection committee including retired educators, current staff members, and community members has been formed to oversee the MCS Hall of Fame. The committee is comprised of Sandra Parks, Minerva Smith, Margie Jennings, Quinena Bell, Roseann Barton, David Scott, Dr. Max Moss, Jeanne Bragg, Maria Johnson, Dr. Trey Duke, and Lisa Trail.

Committee members will review all nominations and select the inaugural class of honorees.  A celebration will be held in September to recognize Hall of Fame members.

Murfreesboro City Schools and the MTSU Assessment, Learning, and Student Success (ALSS) Ed.D. Program announces a new collaboration to leverage expertise and resources through a research-practice partnership agreement. After months of planning, this formal collaboration will become a reality for MCS and MTSU doctoral students this fall enabling research and planning for MCS initiatives.

“The MTSU ALSS Ed.D. develops doctoral-level expertise through systematic, sustained cycles of inquiry in real-world educational environments. This collaborative partnership exemplifies and amplifies this applied learning with reciprocal benefits. We are very excited about this journey together,” says Dr. Kevin S. Krahenbuhl, Program Director of the ALSS Ed.D. Program.

Doctoral candidates now have the opportunity to center their learning specific to a local, real-world environment and have access to relevant and timely topics and schools to complete this research.

“This agreement allows the doctoral candidates to work on actual issues we are considering and allows us to apply the findings to today’s teaching environment in our district,” says Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools. “Research data will be shared with MCS leaders to help with strategic planning within our schools.”

Examples of the research may include topics around the effectiveness of one-on-one tutoring as it relates to student gains, or the effects of an aggressive truancy plan on absenteeism rates.

Additionally, MCS employees who enroll in the ALSS Ed.D. program will experience course topics and assignments that are relevant to their classrooms and daily work.

Murfreesboro City Schools is the 22nd largest school district in Tennessee with 13 schools serving over 9,500 students. Known. Safe. Challenged. Empowered.

(Photo from MCS School Board Meeting: Dr. Trey Duke, Ms. Sheri Arnette, Dr. Angela Hooser, Dr. Kevin Krahenbuhl, Dr. John L. Carter, MCS Board Chair Butch Campbell)

Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS), is proud to announce the appointment of Ranesa Shipman as Principal for Scales Elementary School. Shipman will replace Maria Johnson who is transitioning to an administrative position at MCS.

Shipman has over ten years of experience as a teacher and assistant principal with Wilson County Schools. She has served as an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

“Ranesa is an incredible motivator and brings a wealth of talent to MCS. She is committed to excellence and has a passion for students,” says Duke. “I look forward to the creativeness she will bring to Scales Elementary and our district.”

Shipman received her Educational Specialist Degree from MTSU and is currently a doctoral candidate projected to graduate in 2023. She received her master’s in education from Cumberland University and her bachelor’s degree from Alabama A & M.

Shipman is skilled in developing differentiated learning content to promote inclusive learning for students and staff with diverse learning abilities. Her background includes curriculum management, continuous improvement, and operational management.

“Shipman stands out as an exceptional administrator,” says Maria Johnson. “I know our Scales Superstars will embrace her leadership.”

Scales Elementary School was built in 2005 and is located on St. Andrews Drive. Scales is one of the largest elementary schools in Murfreesboro with a population of approximately 950 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. In addition to a history of excellence in education, Scales also has dynamic music, art, and drama programs.

“Scales has a rich history within the community, and I am honored to follow the legacy of the administrators that served before me,” says Shipman. “This is a tremendous school and I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, students and families that are the Scales Superstars.”

Shipman will join the leadership team of Murfreesboro City Schools beginning July 2022.

Murfreesboro City Schools Nutrition Department is feeding children across the city through their Summer Food Service Program during June and July.

The CHOW Bus will be hitting the pavement in an effort to provide easier access to healthy and nutritious meals for children ages 18 and under during the summer break. In addition to designated school cafeterias, Patterson Park, McFadden Center, and Discovery Center will serve as summer feeding sites for breakfast and lunch.

“The school year isn’t the only time children get hungry,” says Sandy Scheele, nutrition supervisor for Murfreesboro City Schools. “The summer food service program allows us to effectively reach our students all year.”

Children do not have to register in advance, simply stop by one of the locations at the designated times to enjoy a healthy meal.  Murfreesboro City Schools is a district of thirteen schools committed to the academic and personal success of each child.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services administers the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Free meals will be available to children 18 years of age and under without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap.

See below for a complete list of participating locations, dates, and times of meals.

SITE	BREAKFAST	LUNCH
Cason Lane Academy	7:15-8:00	10:45-12:00
Hobgood Elementary	7:15-8:00	10:45-12:00
Northfield Elementary	7:15-8:00	10:45-12:00
John Pittard Elementary	7:15-8:00	10:45-12:00
The Discovery Center	8:30-9:00	12:00-12:30
McFadden Center	9:00-9:30	12:00-12:30
Patterson Park	9:00-9:30	12:00-12:30
Chariot Pointe Apartments	8:00-8:15	11:00-11:20
The 902 Apartments	8:25-8:40	11:30-11:50
Rolling Acres Apartments	8:50-9:05	12:00-12:15
Spring Valley Apartments	9:10-9:25	12:20-12:35
Abbington Apartments	9:30-9:45	12:40-12:55
Green Meadows Apartments	8:30-8:45	11:20-11:35

 

 

The wheels are rolling and the doors are open to thousands of books for your summer reading fun. Join us at any stop on the route Monday through Friday during June and July.

BOB Flyer

BOB is refueled this summer by the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. Visit GovernorsFoundation.org for more more information about programs and resources.

MCS is hosting a new or gently used children’s book drive. Help us stock up BOB the Book Bus before it hits the road this Summer.
You can drop off books at MCS Central Office all summer or Wilson Bank & Trust and Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics May 23 – 31st.

Questions? Email charise.mcdaniel@cityschools.net

Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) is thrilled to announced that Black Fox, Hobgood and Salem Elementary were named Tennessee Designated STEM/STEAM Schools during the Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit in Nashville today. These schools were three of only twenty-seven schools in Tennessee to receive this designation in 2022.

Black Fox, Hobgood and Salem join Overall Creek, Discovery, Bradley Academy, Cason Lane and Erma Siegel Elementary in achieving the coveted STEM designation making MCS one of the leading districts in STEM accreditation in the state. STEM or STEAM is the acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

The Tennessee Department of Education and the STEM Leadership Council developed this designation to identify and recognize schools in their commitment to teaching STEM and integrating strategies that ultimately prepare students for success in the 21st century. The Tennessee STEM School Designation denotes that a school meets the highest standards of science, technology, engineering, art, and math instruction and is a model for schools across the state.

“I am delighted that these three schools received this well-deserved honor. This achievement is the result of hard work and planning by our administrators, teachers, and students,” says Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools.  “The schools are engaged in real-world learning across content areas connecting today’s STEM learning to our future workforce.”

STEM education is a unique approach to teaching and learning that fosters creativity and innovative thinking in all students. STEM is focused on building critical and creative thinking and analysis skills by addressing how students view and experience the world around them.

“MCS educators are incorporating the STEM model into their daily teaching. Ultimately, our five-year goal calls for all thirteen MCS schools to receive this designation,” says Duke. “As a district, we are committed to ensuring our schools are preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, today.”

To receive this momentous designation, Black Fox, Hobgood and Salem successfully completed the designation rubric including five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and post-secondary partnerships. As part of the process, schools were required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM education for the next five years.

“The teams that led this application process were diverse and diligent in making the STEM process individualized for their school’s success,” says Lea Bartch, MCS Science Coordinator. “No two STEM schools look alike. Strong STEM teaching and learning is grounded in inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities.”

Murfreesboro City Schools is a proud district of 13 schools serving over 9500 students.

Murfreesboro City Schools is proud to announce the 2021-2022 winners of the Murfreesboro Student Art Show. The 32nd annual art show, held at the Murfreesboro City Hall Rotunda, highlights student art selected by each school’s art teacher as the Best of MCS in art and design.

The complete art show can be viewed at CityTV’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDsIs9AulyI.

The 2021-22 winners include:
Best of Show:
Morgan Lee, Hobgood

Kindergarten:
1st – Emmerson Brownlee, Reeves-Rogers
2nd – Rhodes Fisher, Northfield
3rd – Hudson Stroop, Overall Creek

First Grade:
1st – Addison Acuna, Hobgood
2nd – Iris Cook, Overall Creek
3rd – Roen Napier, Cason Lane

Second Grade:
1st – Simon Ha, Black Fox
2nd – Savannah Lee, Reeves-Rogers
3rd – Sophia McNeal, Erma Siegel

Third Grade:
1st – Payton Davis, Hobgood
2nd – Emily Villatoro-Mancia, Black Fox
3rd – Gianna Langley, Cason Lane

Fourth Grade:
1st – Khloe Edgell, Overall Creek
2nd – Ruby Denton, Erma Siegel
3rd -De’Ricko Ferguson, Cason Lane

Fifth Grade:
1st – Corine Malcolm, Overall Creek
2nd -Lauren Sawmha, John Pittard
3rd – Jude Austin, Overall Creek

Sixth Grade:
1st – Ali Bautista-Ortiz, Black Fox
2nd – Bella Zmuda, Cason Lane
3rd – Sophia Dang, Black Fox

Eighteen teachers from Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) received their Tennessee Employment Standard for Gifted Teaching on April 23 after completing the Middle Tennessee State University/Murfreesboro City Schools Gifted Academy.  Since its inception in 2015, almost 200 teachers have graduated from the academy.

 

The Gifted Academy, sponsored by The Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation, MTSU and MCS, aims to expand gifted education programs by equipping teachers with tools to identify and engage gifted students. The program presents teachers with advanced training to assist in planning higher level thinking activities and detailed tasks for gifted learners.

 

The 2022-23 Gifted Academy Cohort Graduates are: Michael Hebron, Marina Dupes, Christina Barnes, Kaitlyn Campbell, Charlotte Young, Crystal Landis, Nicole Jones, Kristin Bowers, Megan Mayton, Jennifer Beets, Amber Robinson, Katherine Tennant, Deming Wehby, Janice Michelle Grande, Alexandria Thornton, Emma Arnette, Kayla Stephens, and Kelsey Faye Bond as well as James Scannell from RCS.

 

The Academy allows classroom teachers to participate in professional development to learn additional approaches of delivering instruction to address the unique needs of advanced students.  Additionally, MCS has Gifted Specialists working in the schools with teachers and parents to assure that gifted and talented students are connecting to thought-provoking learning experiences.

Murfreesboro City Schools is proud to announce the 2021-2022 Employees of the Year including teachers and support staff. Teachers and staff were chosen by their peers for the honor based on their commitment to excellence. These honorees were recognized for their outstanding abilities and their willingness to devote their professional lives to enrich the lives of students.

School Level Teachers and Staff of the Year are:

Black Fox Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Kim Inglis and Kristy Lewis

Educational Assistant of the Year – Taylor Puckett

Support Staff of the Year – Barbara Smith

Bradley Academy

Teacher of the Year – Macari Harrison and the late Donna Beers

Educational Assistant of the Year – Kashia Smith

Cason Lane Academy

Teacher of the Year – Amy Walker and Kristy Timberlake

Support Staff of the Year – Beth Velandra

Discovery School

Teacher of the Year – Kelly Holman and Melissa Carnes

Educational Assistant of the Year – Shanna Johnson

Support Staff of the Year – Tracy Giles

Erma Siegel Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Devontae Kelley and Jennifer George

Educational Assistant of the Year – Diedre Springfield

Support Staff of the Year – Shannon Helton

Hobgood Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Nichole Bell and Olivia Calvo

Educational Assistant of the Year – the late Jodi Stone

Support Staff of the Year – Shavon Thomas

John Pittard Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Francina Jackson and Stephanie Stephens

Educational Assistant of the Year – Lisa Thomas

Support Staff of the Year – Rebecca Haigh

Mitchell-Neilson Schools

Teacher of the Year – Amy Adcock, Ashlee Walker, and Clinton Staggs

Educational Assistant of the Year – Emily Sutherland

Educational Assistant of the Year – Andrew MacDavid

Northfield Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Rachel Davenport and Shirelle Ford-Jackson

Educational Assistant of the Year – Courtney Mobley

Support Staff of the Year – Lori Lemonds

Overall Creek Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Anna McDonald and Amanda Turnbo

Educational Staff of the Year – Mary Bailey

Support Staff of the Year – Jennifer Darling

Reeves-Rogers Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Malia Rankins and Brittany Davison

Support Staff of the Year – Chelsea Phillips

Salem Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Kimberly Kahle and Lance Pearcy

Educational Assistant of the Year – Tanya Estrada

Support Staff of the Year – Lacie Young

Scales Elementary

Teacher of the Year – Jessica Sorth and Kayla Embry

Educational Assistant of the Year – Dena Mabry

Support Staff of the Year – Cynthia Hamilton

 

District Level Recognition included:

Principal of the Year – Tiffany Strevel

Supervisor of the Year– Sheri Arnette

Central Office Support Staff of the Year– Rhonda Gore

Transportation Team Member of the Year – Joe Golden

Custodial Team Member of the Year – Robert Orr

Maintenance Team Member of the Year – Scott Nichols

ESP Staff of the Year – Connor Macneil and Jayla Hancock

ESP Assistant of the Year – Jami Parnell

Two educators were selected as System-level honorees and will represent MCS at the regional level. The 2021-22 MCS System-level Teacher of the Year recipients are: Lance Pearcy from Salem Elementary and Kim Inglis from Black Fox Elementary.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year program is designed to promote recognition, respect, and appreciation for teachers, to stimulate interest in teaching as a career, and to encourage public involvement in education.