We invite all Murray Independent School District volunteers and new volunteers to attend one of the scheduled yearly mandated trainings. Please mark your calendar with these upcoming dates!
The Murray Independent School DistrictThe Murray Independent Volunteer Program is one of the most successful in Kentucky, averaging 30,000 volunteer hours each year. Throughout the previous year, 547 volunteers attended the numerous volunteer trainings offered and became approved certified volunteers. This past year volunteers logged 32,463 hours through numerous programs and initiatives: Murray Elementary School (5,400), Murray Middle School (2,650), Murray Preschool-Head Start (1,638), Murray High School (700), MISD Athletics (6,200), MHS and MMS Band (10,800), Academic Clubs (2,200), and Booster Club (2,575), Back To School Block Party: 94, Tiger Christmas: 126 FRYSC Events: 80.
We invite you to be a part of our amazing Volunteer Team! #murrayschools
The Murray Independent School DistrictThe Murray Independent Volunteer Program is one of the most successful in Kentucky, averaging 30,000 volunteer hours each year. Throughout the previous year, 547 volunteers attended the numerous volunteer trainings offered and became approved certified volunteers. This past year volunteers logged 32,463 hours through numerous programs and initiatives: Murray Elementary School (5,400), Murray Middle School (2,650), Murray Preschool-Head Start (1,638), Murray High School (700), MISD Athletics (6,200), MHS and MMS Band (10,800), Academic Clubs (2,200), and Booster Club (2,575), Back To School Block Party: 94, Tiger Christmas: 126 FRYSC Events: 80.
We invite you to be a part of our amazing Volunteer Team! #murrayschools
Join our Facilities team at Murray Independent! We have openings for full time custodians within our schools for the 26-27 school year beginning as early as July 1st. For more information and to apply visit: https://murray.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5709058 #murrayschools
Tonight the first 2026-2027 Murray Independent School District Volunteer training will be held at MHS Cafeteria. The training is to approve all band volunteers for upcoming band camp and summer events.
However, anyone wishing to volunteer this year may attend the training. The training is at 6 p.m.
There will be other volunteer trainings held to accommodate our volunteer program and dates will be posted.
Thanks to our 2025-2026 MISD 547 volunteers who logged 32,463 hours! #murrayschools
However, anyone wishing to volunteer this year may attend the training. The training is at 6 p.m.
There will be other volunteer trainings held to accommodate our volunteer program and dates will be posted.
Thanks to our 2025-2026 MISD 547 volunteers who logged 32,463 hours! #murrayschools
💙💛🌾 The Murray FFA traveled to Lexington this week to participate in the Kentucky FFA State Convention and compete against some of the best FFA members from across the Commonwealth. 🌾💛💙
Representing Murray FFA in state-level competitions were:
🌟 Faith McCafferty – Agricultural Mechanics Speech and FFA Science Fair
🌟 Alexis Ray – Dairy Speech
🌟 Nick Bell – Crop Speech
🌟 Wyatt Leatherwood – Nursery and Landscape Speech
🌟 Kolbie Ewing – Greenhouse Speech
🌟 Milo Dillard – State Finals FFA Quiz
Competing at the state level requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. These students spent countless hours researching, practicing, studying, and refining their skills to earn the opportunity to represent Murray FFA on the state stage.
While we did not bring home any state titles this year, we are incredibly proud of these members for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to compete at the state level. They represented Murray FFA with professionalism, confidence, and pride.
🌾 Congratulations to all of our competitors on a job well done, and thank you for representing Murray FFA so well at the Kentucky FFA State Convention! 🌾
💙💛 #MurrayFFA #KentuckyFFA #StateConvention #LearningToDo #LivingToServe 💛💙 #murrayschools
Representing Murray FFA in state-level competitions were:
🌟 Faith McCafferty – Agricultural Mechanics Speech and FFA Science Fair
🌟 Alexis Ray – Dairy Speech
🌟 Nick Bell – Crop Speech
🌟 Wyatt Leatherwood – Nursery and Landscape Speech
🌟 Kolbie Ewing – Greenhouse Speech
🌟 Milo Dillard – State Finals FFA Quiz
Competing at the state level requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. These students spent countless hours researching, practicing, studying, and refining their skills to earn the opportunity to represent Murray FFA on the state stage.
While we did not bring home any state titles this year, we are incredibly proud of these members for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to compete at the state level. They represented Murray FFA with professionalism, confidence, and pride.
🌾 Congratulations to all of our competitors on a job well done, and thank you for representing Murray FFA so well at the Kentucky FFA State Convention! 🌾
💙💛 #MurrayFFA #KentuckyFFA #StateConvention #LearningToDo #LivingToServe 💛💙 #murrayschools
See you today! #murrayschools
Please mark your calendars! More details will be posted later! #murrayschools
Be sure and mark your calendars! #murrayschools
The Community Education Advisory Council in collaboration with MKY Cares is gearing up for our second annual Mistletoe Marketplace. This year's event will be November 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and November 22, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Hosted at the Area Technology Center on 126 Robertson Road North, the 2025 evet included 23 outside vendors and five school organizations. Patrons enjoyed early holiday shopping, food trucks, and performances by Murray High and Calloway County High School choirs. ATC HOSA, Carpentry, Machine Tool, Welding, and Culinary participated. A festive holiday spirit was enjoyed by all with special appearances by Santa Claus, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. Because of the huge succes last year and attendance, the Murray Transit Authority has offered to provide transportation to the event from Murray High School. Special thanks to them for this service!
Reserve your booth space early----we invite vendors to reserve the open spots by visiting: https://rb.gy/pqd00a.
Hosted at the Area Technology Center on 126 Robertson Road North, the 2025 evet included 23 outside vendors and five school organizations. Patrons enjoyed early holiday shopping, food trucks, and performances by Murray High and Calloway County High School choirs. ATC HOSA, Carpentry, Machine Tool, Welding, and Culinary participated. A festive holiday spirit was enjoyed by all with special appearances by Santa Claus, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. Because of the huge succes last year and attendance, the Murray Transit Authority has offered to provide transportation to the event from Murray High School. Special thanks to them for this service!
Reserve your booth space early----we invite vendors to reserve the open spots by visiting: https://rb.gy/pqd00a.
The Murray Police Department offered the Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy for Murray Middle School students who will enter fifth, sixth, and seventh grades for the 2026-2027 school year. Students applied through an application process at this no cost program. Two sessions were offered, and each session lasted four days.
The Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy is a camp designed for students who have a desire to learn what police officers do while at the same time educating them on issues that they may face in the future. Students attended classes on various law enforcement activities such as crime scene investigation, traffic stops and more. Students also learned strategies on how to deal with peer pressure, cyber bullying, school safety, and underage drinking. The program also encouraged each student’s leadership, communication, nd teamwork potential by allowing them to participate in team building exercises, public speaking exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
MMS students are pictured with SRO Officers, Jeremy Partin (Murray Elementary), and Mike Ray (Murray High) and Murray Police Department guest speaker. #murrayschools
The Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy is a camp designed for students who have a desire to learn what police officers do while at the same time educating them on issues that they may face in the future. Students attended classes on various law enforcement activities such as crime scene investigation, traffic stops and more. Students also learned strategies on how to deal with peer pressure, cyber bullying, school safety, and underage drinking. The program also encouraged each student’s leadership, communication, nd teamwork potential by allowing them to participate in team building exercises, public speaking exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
MMS students are pictured with SRO Officers, Jeremy Partin (Murray Elementary), and Mike Ray (Murray High) and Murray Police Department guest speaker. #murrayschools
The Murray K-5 Soccer Camp kicked off today at the Murray High School Mallory France Soccer Complex . Murray students were seen throught the complex with coaches and assistants learning the fundamentals of soccer. It's great to see our coaches and students on the field this summer! #murrayschools
Join our team for the 2026-2027 school year! We have just a few open positions left for the new school year including positions for instructional assistants and custodians. To view all positions and to apply visit https://murray.schoolspring.com/ #MurraySchools
Join our team for the 2026-2027 school year! We have just a few open positions left for the new school year including positions for instructional assistants and custodians. To view all positions and to apply visit https://murray.schoolspring.com/ #MurraySchools
During the Murray Independent School District Closing Day Ceremony we honored our 2026 MISD Retirees. We send appreciation for their years of service and dedication to the Murray Tiger Legacy of Tradition, Pride, and Excellence..
We wish you the best on the next chapter of your journey, and don't forget to let us hear from you! #murrayschools
We wish you the best on the next chapter of your journey, and don't forget to let us hear from you! #murrayschools
During this week Murray and Calloway County school students (6th-9th grade) are attending an ATC Summer Camp at the Murray Calloway County Area Tecnology Center.
Students are enrolled in Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Machine Tool, and Nursing classes. During this complimentary camp, students are experiencing hands-on learning experiences and career opportunity pathways. #murrayschools
Students are enrolled in Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Machine Tool, and Nursing classes. During this complimentary camp, students are experiencing hands-on learning experiences and career opportunity pathways. #murrayschools
During the Closing Day Ceremony for the Murray Independent School District, John Karanja, Murray High School English teacher, and David Hightower, Murray Middle School custodian, were named the overall CFSB Tiger Pride winners for Murray Independent School District for the 2025-2026 school year.
Both individuals were first recognized as monthly Tiger Pride winners after being nominated by their peers for their dedication, positivity, and service to their schools. From that distinguished group, Karanja and Hightower were selected as the district’s overall winners because of their extraordinary contributions to Murray Independent and their longstanding commitment to excellence.
At Murray High School and Murray Middle School, students and staff alike know their names and recognize the impact they make each day. Whether through teaching, mentoring, encouraging students, or creating welcoming school environments, both men have become integral parts of their school communities. Their efforts, relationships, and consistent dedication help make MISD a stronger and more vibrant place for students, staff, and families.
District leaders noted that both Karanja and Hightower exemplify the spirit of Tiger Pride through their daily actions, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Their influence reaches far beyond their job titles and leaves a lasting impression on the countless students and colleagues they encounter each year.
Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, recognized Hightower with other Murray staff monthly honorees: Jay Baron, Emily Belanger, Hightower, Meinschein, Crista Jennings, Andrea Morris, Walter Arnold, Marianne Baucom, and Julie Stone.
Karanja was recognized by Meinschein with fellow Murray Independent educators, Emily Parker, Amanda Pittman, Renee Ramsey, Shannon Harrell, Meinschein, Karanja, Beth Myers, Hunter Carter, and Laurie Edminster.
Melanie Jarvis, MISD Director of the CFSB Tiger Pride Program and Director of Student Services, said it has been an honor to provide the incredible Murray Independent School District (MISD) faculty and staff with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate one another through the CFSB Tiger Pride Award this year. “ The work happening in our schools each day deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, and this award serves as a small, yet meaningful way to do just that. We are grateful to CFSB and the MISD Foundation for partnering with us to ensure our teachers and staff receive these well-deserved tokens of appreciation and recognition.”
(photo one David Hightower with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent)
(photo two David Hightower with Murray Tiger Pride Staff honorees and Meinschein)
(photo three John Karanja with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent)
(photo four John Karanja with Murray Tiger Pride Educator honorees and Meinschein)
#murrayschools
We look forward to seeing you today! #murrayschools
The Kentucky chapter of American School Band Directors Association recognized the Murray High School Wind Ensemble for their exemplary performance at the 2026 KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. “Our organization values excellence and we are excited to encourage directors and their students with the following recognition,” said Robin Barker, American School Band Directors Association, Kentucky State chair.
Murray High School Band, joins other band programs who received a perfect score- (21), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. These groups were awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Highest Distinction.” Those band programs who received a near perfect score (22), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment will be awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Distinction.”
“We’re very proud of our students for earning this recognition from ASBDA. Their hard work and dedication made this possible, and this honor is a great reflection of the culture and commitment within the Murray Tiger Band,” said Hunter Carter, MHS Tiger Band Director.
Barker offered his congratulations, “You and your students should be proud of this achievement. Best wishes to you and your band in all your future musical endeavors.”
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Murray High School Band, joins other band programs who received a perfect score- (21), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. These groups were awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Highest Distinction.” Those band programs who received a near perfect score (22), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment will be awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Distinction.”
“We’re very proud of our students for earning this recognition from ASBDA. Their hard work and dedication made this possible, and this honor is a great reflection of the culture and commitment within the Murray Tiger Band,” said Hunter Carter, MHS Tiger Band Director.
Barker offered his congratulations, “You and your students should be proud of this achievement. Best wishes to you and your band in all your future musical endeavors.”
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The 2025-2026 Murray Elementary School Yearbook was dedicated to MES kindergarten teacher Robin Brown, in recognition of Brown’s retirement after 30 years’ service to Murray Elementary school where he taught second grade for 12 years and Kindergarten for 18 years. Brown is pictured with his mother, Doris, a longtime volunteer for Murray Elementary School, and Murray Elementary teachers and yearbook sponsors, (left Magen Wood , and far right-Mackenzie Cadagin). #murrayschools
(pictured PTO Officers): Allie Gibbs, Lauren Rudesill, Amanda Story, Annie Dail and Jessica Jeffress
(students pictured): Martin Romero Kane, Harper Pittman, Ava Schmitt, and Matthew Lusk were selected for the outside and inside cover illustrators
During a special Murray Elementary School assembly the 2025-2026 Tiger Tales Book was unveiled and dedicated to the Murray Elementary School PTO. Murray Elementary School third grade teacher, Amanda Pittman is theTiger Tales sponsor and produces the book each year. Students submit writings for the anthology each year.
Originally implemented as Scribbles, the bound book showcases work by students from kindergarten through third grade. The Murray Independent School Foundation For Excellence provides funding assistance each year to this project that features writing and artwork from Murray High School alumni from over an almost 30-year history. Additionally, the Murray Elementary School PTO also provides funding for this annual project.
#murrayschools
During the Murray Independent School District May Board meeting, Laurie Edminster, MHS English teacher, was recognized as the May CFSB Tiger Pride Educator Award recipient., and Jay Baron, MISD Bus Driver, was recognized as the May CFSB Tiger Staff Award Recipient. We congratulate Mrs. Edminster and Mr. Baron on these honors, and for nurturing our students each and every day.
Nominations for Mrs. Edminster described her dedicated daily guidance. “Laurie’s instructional excellence is evident in her students’ achievements. Under her guidance, AP passage rates have consistently remained well above both the state and national averages, a reflection of her exceptional content knowledge, strategic planning, and ability to motivate students at all levels. For all the exceptional work that Laurie does with her advanced courses, she is also aphenomenal supporter of students who need that extra nudge She is a conscientious and reflective person who continually seeks ways to enhance learning experiences and ensure student success.”
Nominations for Mr. Baron described his dedicated daily guidance---“Jay knows every student who rides his bus by name and takes the time to know their stories, families, and needs. He is consistently positive, dependable, and welcoming, and he rarely has behavior issues because of the strong relationships he builds with students. He communicates well with staff, knows our teachers, and is deeply invested in our students and school community. Students are genuinely disappointed when their bus assignment changes because of the connection they have with him. His pride in our district, commitment to our community, and care for our students are evident every single day. He truly embodies Tiger Pride.”
#murrayschools
Nominations for Mrs. Edminster described her dedicated daily guidance. “Laurie’s instructional excellence is evident in her students’ achievements. Under her guidance, AP passage rates have consistently remained well above both the state and national averages, a reflection of her exceptional content knowledge, strategic planning, and ability to motivate students at all levels. For all the exceptional work that Laurie does with her advanced courses, she is also aphenomenal supporter of students who need that extra nudge She is a conscientious and reflective person who continually seeks ways to enhance learning experiences and ensure student success.”
Nominations for Mr. Baron described his dedicated daily guidance---“Jay knows every student who rides his bus by name and takes the time to know their stories, families, and needs. He is consistently positive, dependable, and welcoming, and he rarely has behavior issues because of the strong relationships he builds with students. He communicates well with staff, knows our teachers, and is deeply invested in our students and school community. Students are genuinely disappointed when their bus assignment changes because of the connection they have with him. His pride in our district, commitment to our community, and care for our students are evident every single day. He truly embodies Tiger Pride.”
#murrayschools
