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Southwest Calloway Elementary's academic team finished in first place overall at the Heather Price Memorial Invitational competition at Morgan Elementary in Paducah on December 14th.
Numerous students placed in individual competitions. Isla Gupton finished first overall in Science and third in Arts/Humanities. Ryder Wallace finished first overall in Math. Blakelyn Gilbert scored second place in Language Arts and another second place in Arts/Humanities. Cooper Wheatley placed second in Arts/Humanities and sixth in Composition. Tristan Gomez finished second in Math and fifth in Social Studies. Kinley Brown placed second in Science and third in Math. Jesse Childress and Colt Hance both placed second in Social Studies, and Emry Munoz placed fourth in Science. In Composition, Clay Grogan and Maya Hughes earned seventh and eighth places. JR Wade placed seventh in math.
The team is coached by Southwest teacher Eden Boyd.
Calloway County Schools has named Melissa Bogard the December Laker Champion for Kids. Bogard is the front desk secretary and attendance clerk Southwest Calloway Elementary School.
The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
Bogard was nominated by a colleague, Southwest teacher Mallory Bybee.
“She is a true driving force at Southwest," wrote Bybee. "She meets everyone with a smile on her face. She supports faculty, staff, and students all day every day. She plays many different roles in our school from the fixer of boo boos to the finder of supplies to the attendance checker. Without her, Southwest would definitely not run as smoothly. We are thankful for her, and I believe she is a great choice for Laker Champion for Kids.”
Southwest principal Mark Mallory is also thankful for Bogard's efforts.
“Ask any parent with a child at Southwest who is the friendliest, most helpful person at the school, and I am sure they will immediately say her name," said Mallory. "She is often the first impression that many have of Southwest, and after speaking with her, they are filled with love and compassion. Whether it is helping with attendance, taking care of sick students, lifting up a colleague, or keeping me in line, Ms. Bogard is a true champion for everyone. She willing to do anything to help someone, except talk on the intercom. She is the heart of Southwest Elementary.”
Forty-two students from Calloway County Middle School and all three Calloway County elementary schools were selected to participate in the KMEA First District Honor Choir at Murray State on November 21st.
385 students from 29 western Kentucky schools were selected to participate.
East Calloway Elementary students chosen were Lily Carstens, Lawsyn Houk, Charleigh Miner, Katie Montoya, Jonah Sanders, Bailee Stone, Dallas Tripp, and Brantley Winchester.
North Calloway Elementary students chosen were Brielynn Runkle, Molly Falwell, Emma Suiter, Amelia Catlin, Olivia Catlin, Kate Darnell, Ellie Gandy, and Jessa Mills.
Southwest Calloway Elementary students chosen were Kaidence Ford, Maya Hughes, Meredith Riley, JR Wade, Braelynn Yates, Lennon Smallwood, and Cooper Wheatley.
Calloway County Middle School students chosen were Anya Fielders, Gus Russell, Payton Hixson, Bailee Cope, Maria Worley, Liliana Stamer, Lilliahna Burrall, Caroline Demarest, Willow Howland, Sammi Wright, Summer Carter, Daisy Parrish, Carter Kernell, Jacie Watkins, Zoey Joyner, Lorynn Russell, Kensley Hutson, William Solomon, and Noah Howland.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School teacher Amy Whisman has been selected to serve on the Reading and Writing Standards Assessment Review Team as a member of the Elementary Advisory Panel by the Kentucky Department of Education.
Whisman will be collaborating with The American Institutes of Research, Kentucky teachers, higher education leaders, and business and community members to review the Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing and the assessment blueprint.
This winter, Whisman will be involved in numerous work sessions in Frankfort with other members of the panel.
Five Calloway County teachers were recently recognized as graduates of the Leadership Initiative for Teachers from Murray Works and the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce.
Ten teachers total, five from Calloway and five from Murray, spent time this fall in the initiative to help bridge the gap between education and workforce through experiential learning. The teachers met with local leaders in business, non-profits, and government and explored numerous sites in the community. These teachers can now communicate to their students what resources and opportunities there are for them in the community.
Pictured are Calloway County LIFT graduates Jonathan Grooms (CCHS), Amanda Coleman (CCHS), Jenna Crouch (North), Teala Osborne (CCAIF), and Amber Gibbs (CCMS).
Four teachers from Calloway County Schools have received the Kentucky Reading Association's "30 Under 30" award. Pictured, left to right, are award winners Megan Milliken (East), Abby Montgomery (CCHS), Callie Wohlfarth (North), and Eden Boyd (Southwest).
The Kentucky Reading Association (KRA) recognized all award winners at their annual conference in Lexington on October 18th. Calloway County Schools boasts 4 of the 30 teachers recognized with this state-wide award.
KRA is a regional affiliate of the International Literacy Association and works to be a voice for literacy in Kentucky.
KRA chooses their award winners under these criteria:
"Being named among this distinguished group is as a reflection of their relentless dedication, creativity, and passion for literacy. Their innovative teaching methods, unwavering perseverance, and deep commitment to nurturing a love of reading in students have set them apart as leaders in the field. This recognition is not just a testament to their hard work, but also to the profound impact they are making in the lives of countless young learners.
"Their work goes beyond simply teaching children how to read; they are igniting imaginations, encouraging critical thinking, and opening doors to limitless possibilities. The influence they have on students is immeasurable, and their efforts are helping to shape a brighter future for them, one word at a time."
Kentucky Department of Education released school and district accountability data for the 23-24 school year on October 3rd.
As a district, Calloway County measured as a "Green" district in elementary and middle schools. The district measured as "Yellow" in the high school level.
Calloway County Farm Bureau presented $50 checks for classroom supplies to Yvonna Hooper (left, Southwest), Robyn Darnell (center, North), and Kara Boykin (right, East) for being selected in a "Favorite Teacher" contest. CCFB asked Facebook followers to tag their favorite elementary teachers and all three teachers received nominations from parents or former students. CCFB Women's Chair Rebecca Geurin visited the teachers this week and presented them with their awards.
Four schools in the Calloway County School District were named "One of America's Healthiest Schools" in 2024 by Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This annual recognition honors schools for implementing best practices to support the health of students, staff, and families. Eight hundred and seventy-nine schools across 30 states were awarded this year. Schools receive recognition in up to nine categories.
East Calloway Elementary, North Calloway Elementary, Southwest Calloway Elementary, and Calloway County High School all received this award for 2024. Each school applied for the award in the spring of last school year.
Calloway County Schools have received $120,000 as a part of a grant from the Kentucky Department of Education. All three Calloway elementary schools have received $40,000 for the 24-25 fiscal year from the Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Fund Grant. The purpose of the grant is to encourage schools to use high-quality instructional resources for literacy in grades K-3.
Only 96 elementary schools received funds from this highly competitive grant. Calloway boasts the only three schools west of Kentucky Lake to receive the award.
Each Calloway elementary school has used their grant funds to purchase Lexia Core 5 for all students in grades K-2 for the next five school years. Lexia Core 5 is an online, adaptive, and self-paced program for students to learn, practice, and improve their foundational literacy skills. The program will be used as a supplement to regular in-person teacher-led instruction.
Ryan Marchetti was the grant writer for all three schools and believes the program will boost the district’s reading achievement.
“We really value early literacy in our district, and this program will be a great boost for our students and teachers,” said Marchetti. “It is a real challenge to continually provide students with differentiated instruction, and this program makes that possible. I am truly excited to see how this will boost our early literacy achievement.”
Pictured left to right are Southwest principal Mark Mallory, North principal Melinda Hendley, Director of PD/PR Ryan Marchetti, and East principal Monica Williams.
Calloway County Schools has named Tina Ryan the August Laker Champion for Kids. Ryan is a school nurse who splits time between East and Southwest elementary schools.
The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
Ryan was nominated by Jodinna Clayton, the nurse at North Calloway Elementary.
“She is always ready to lend a hand to her fellow co-workers,” said Clayton. “No matter how busy she may be and will tell us we can call her anytime. She is always cheering us on and letting us know how appreciative she is for us.”
“She takes time to thoroughly meet the needs of students who have health concerns,” wrote East principal Monica Williams. “She is kind and compassionate whether it’s an itchy mosquito bite, loose tooth, scraped knee, or everyday medication. She jumps in to lend a hand whenever needed and takes her job seriously. She is a true team player with teachers and parents alike. Her presence makes East a better place.”
Southwest principal Mark Mallory also commends Ryan for her efforts at his school.
“She exemplifies the true spirit of this award through her unwavering dedication and service to the students of Calloway County,” said Mallory. “Her ability to handle tough situations with grace and empathy has not gone unnoticed, whether sharing a laugh or offering comfort in challenging times. Students entering the nurse's office know they will be met with fairness, love, and respect, creating a safe haven within our schools. Her professionalism shines brightest when navigating difficult conversations with parents, maintaining her composure and commitment to student well-being even in the face of adversity. Her tireless efforts and genuine care for our students make her a most deserving recipient of this honor.”
Calloway/Murray FRYSC Back to School Block Party
July 30th, 4-7pm at CFSB Center at Murray State
Games for kids, School Supplies Assistance, School Physicals, Health Care Resources, Community Resources, Refreshments
Calloway County Preschool Center
Pickup Registration Packets
July 18 (Thursday) registration packet pick-up 8:00am – 4:30
“Open House” – August 1 (Thursday) 5:00-7:00
East Calloway Elementary School
Registration for All Students K-5 - Returning & New (includes any K not already registered)
July 18 (Thursday) 7-10am and 3:30-6:30pm - complete all paperwork and pay school fees
"Back to School Nights” Meet the Teacher
July 29 (Monday) 4:30-6:30pm– Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade
August 1 (Thursday) 4:30-6:30pm – Kindergarten, First and Second Grade
North Calloway Elementary School
Registration for All Students K-5 - Returning & New (includes and K not already registered)
July 18 (Thursday) 10:00 am–6:00 pm complete all paperwork and pay school fees
July 19 (Friday) 8:00 am–3:30 pm complete all paperwork and pay school fees
"Back to School Nights” Meet the Teacher
July 29 (Monday) Third Grade at 5:00 pm, Fourth Grade at 5:30 pm, and Fifth Grade at 6:15 pm
August 1 (Thursday) Second Grade at 5:00 pm, First Grade at 5:45pm and Kindergarten at 6:30 pm
Southwest Calloway Elementary School
Registration for All Students K-5 - Returning & New (includes any K not already registered)
July 18 (Thursday) 10:00am–6:00 pm complete all paperwork and pay school fees
July 19 (Friday) 8:00 am- 3:00p.m. complete all paperwork and pay school fees
"Back to School Nights” Meet the Teacher
July 29 (Monday) 5:30 pm – First and Second Grade
July 30 (Tuesday) 5:30 pm – Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade
August 1 (Thursday) 5:30 pm– Kindergarten
Summer Office Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Tuesday – Thursday (hours may vary during holiday weeks)
Calloway County Middle School
Smooth Sailing Transition Event for incoming 6th graders
August 1 (Thursday) 8:00 am-1:00 pm; please call (270)762-7333 to register in advance
Registration and Orientation; pay school fee & pickup schedules
July 23 (Tuesday) 12:00-7:00 pm
Back to School Night
August 5 (Monday) 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Summer Office Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on Monday – Friday (hours may vary during holiday weeks)
Regular Office Hours begin on August 1: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Calloway County High School
New Student Registration:
July 9 (Tuesday) New Student Enrollment – Day 1
July 30 (Tuesday) – New Student Enrollment – Day 2
The following are dates for students to pick up their schedules and pay fees:
July 23 (Tuesday) Freshman and Seniors Schedule Pick-up
July 24 (Wednesday) Sophomores and Juniors Schedule Pick-up ▪ July 25 (Thursday) New
Student Schedule Pick-up
August 1 (Thursday) – Back to School Night – 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Calloway County Schools has named Josh McKeel the May Laker Champion for Kids. McKeel is the district's director of pupil personnel and deputy superintendent.
The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
McKeel was nominated by seventeen different faculty and staff members in the school district.
“He is a true example of a Laker for Life,” said CCMS bookkeeper Renee Lax. “He truly does whatever it takes to make our district a great place. I have seen him directing traffic in the pouring rain, picking up trash outside, and stopping to help others if he sees they need help.”
North principal Melinda Hendley said McKeel is “a true servant and always looking for ways to help those he comes in contact with. It’s not uncommon to see him wearing multiple hats and fulfilling all of those expectations that come with them. He is filled with compassion and kindness and has a passion to help our students become as successful as they can.”
Southwest principal Mark Mallory stated, “He is one of the most professional, helpful, and supportive colleagues I've had the privilege of working with over the years. He always has an open door and goes out of his way to assist staff in any way he can. There is no one more deserving and fitting of this recognition than him.”
Three students from Southwest Calloway Elementary School were the winners of the Murray Main Street “Mini Murals Project” contest. Their artwork is now on display in the 500 block of Main Street in Murray after recently being painted by Elias Reynolds Art.
In the fall, students ages 5-18 were encouraged to submit colorful and bright custom artwork aligned to the theme “Kindness Matters.” The artwork was selected by a mural review committee from Murray Main Street.
While all the winners' artwork is displayed in the mural, Murray Main Street also gave awards for first, second, and third place. Fourth grader Rylan Murphy won $500 for his first-place entry. Third grader Taeshun Frame received $250 for second place, and third grader Layla Gray took third place and received $100.
Murray Main Street director Deana Wright said the project was funded by an anonymous donor.
“We are so thankful to our anonymous donor for making this project a possibility,” said Wright. “It’s important for us all to remember that ‘Kindness Matters’ and we were thrilled to have over 75 entries in the competition. Congratulations to the three winners! We love what kindness means to you and are happy to share with everyone who visits downtown!”
The lot where the mural is located is owned by Mark and Karen Welch, who are both active members of the Murray community.
Calloway County Schools has named Kellye Steele the April Laker Champion for Kids. Steele is a fifth-grade teacher at Southwest Calloway Elementary School.
The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
Steele was nominated for the award by Southwest principal Mark Mallory.
"Her dedication to the students of Calloway County is unmatched," said Mallory. “As a fifth-grade teacher here, she has dedicated over 30 years of service to the students of Calloway County. She maintains high expectations for all of her students, pushing them to reach their full potential. Though her teaching style may seem strict at first, her students quickly come to see her genuine care and concern for their growth and development. She goes above and beyond by also running the after-school LASER program at Southwest. She commits her time to providing a safe, enriching environment for students well beyond the regular school day and even through the summer months. In addition, she volunteers her time to help with academic team competitions, further demonstrating her commitment to student enrichment."
Steele also works closely with Calloway County Preschool principal Leisha Barlow in the district’s childcare program.
“Many people are unaware that she not only works tirelessly to meet the needs of the students in her classroom but has worked the last several years as the LASER site director to help ensure that all students enrolled at Southwest have access to after school childcare services,” said Barlow. “She works to provide a fun, educational program that helps many of the working families at Southwest. She also has recently served as the summer LASER director and has forged relationships with students from all over our district. She is always working to ensure that the students in K-5 across our district have fun, high-quality experiences during the summer months.”
Calloway County teacher Rhonda Wicker has been named the 2023-24 Challenger Learning Center Outstanding Educator. Wicker received her award as a part of the President's Awards during the Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program held at West Kentucky Technical College on March 28.
Wicker is the district's gifted and talented teacher, and works with students in all three elementary schools, Calloway County Middle School, and Calloway County High School. Wicker works closely with The Challenger Learning Center in Paducah to provide enrichment opportunities for the district's gifted and talented students.
"We are very proud of Ms. Wicker for winning this award," said Calloway County Superintendent Tres Settle. "She is a phenomenal asset to our district and does an excellent job pushing and accelerating her students. We are thrilled she is receiving this recognition so others in our region can see how impactful she is for our students."
As a leader in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center and its international network of more than 40 Challenger Learning Centers use space-themed simulated learning environments to engage students in dynamic, hands-on opportunities. The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah is a result of a partnership between Paducah Junior College, Inc. and West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The center opened in 2002 and has flown thousands of "missions" through school visits, summer camps, after school programs, and professional development for teachers.
Pictured (L to R) are WKCTC President's Awards recipients: Wicker, Shirley Massie, retired Paducah educator, Casey Henderson, Carlisle County Superintendent, Linette Hamilton, retired McCracken County educator, and WKCTC President Anton Reece.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School's academic team won its third consecutive Governor's Cup Regional Championship on March 23 at Fancy Farm. Seventeen schools from the region qualified during district competition.
Southwest's Quick Recall Team finished first overall at the competition. The Future Problem Solving Team finished second overall.
Numerous students placed in individual competitions. Hannady Loveless finished first in Science, and Daniel Briedwell finished first in Social Studies. In Language Arts, Madison Purdy finished first and Azlyn Rose finished fifth. In Science, Kinley Brown was second and Grace Munoz was third. In Arts and Humanities, Blakelyn Gilbert and Ethan Pervine tied for second place.
The team was coached by Eden Boyd and Chelsea Gilbert.
Southwest Calloway Elementary student Ethan Pervine was chosen for the 2024 Kentucky Children's Choir and performed at the Kentucky Music Educators Association conference in Louisville on February 8. The prestigious choir was made up composed of 5th and 6th graders from all over Kentucky and was conducted by Rollo Dilworth from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Southwest Calloway Elementary's Academic Team won the district championship during their competition on February 3. The team took first place in Quick Recall, first place in Future Problem Solving, and had numerous students win individual honors.
The Quick Recall team consisted of team members Grace Munoz, Ethan Pervine, Daniel Briedwell, Madison Purdy, Kinley Brown, Anna Grace Pearson, Blakelyn Gilbert, and JR Wade.
The Future Problem Solving team featured students Gunnar Champion, Emmitt Champion, Ethan Pervine, and Anna Grace Pearson.
Individual content winners were:
Ryder Wallace - 2nd Place Mathematics
Daniel Briedwell - 4th Place Mathematics, Tied for 1st Place Social Studies
Grace Munoz - 1st Place Science
Hannady Loveless - 2nd Place Science, 2nd Place Composition
Kinley Brown - 3rd Place Science
Liam Morris - Tied for 1st Place Social Studies
Madison Purdy - 1st Place Language Arts
Azlyn Rose - 3rd Place Language Arts
Anna Grace Pearson - 5th Place Language Arts
Ethan Pervine - 1st Place Arts and Humanities
Isla Gupton - 2nd Place Arts and Humanities
Blakelyn Gilbert - Tied for 3rd Place Arts and Humanities
Southwest Calloway Elementary School's academic team finished second overall at the Heather Price Invitational Tournament in Paducah on November 18.
The team also finished first overall in Quick Recall with members Madison Purdy, Gunnar Champion, Emmitt Champion, Ethan Pervine, and Jesse Childress.
Another quick recall team finished third overall with members Kinley Brown, Hannady Loveless, Azlyn Rose, Liam Morris, Alexis Kimball, and Blakelyn Gilbert.
Numerous students placed in the individual competitions. In math, Ryder Wallace finished 2nd, Daniel Briedwell finished 5th, and JR Wade finished 9th. In science, Gunnar Champion was 1st, Grace Munoz finished 2nd, and Kinley Brown placed 8th. In social studies, Emmitt Champion placed 3rd and Liam Morris was 10th. In language arts, Madison Purdy was 1st, Azlyn Rose finished 8th, and Anna Grace Pearson placed 9th. In arts and humanities, Isla Gupton placed 3rd, Ethan Pervine finished 4th, and Blakelyn Gilbert finished 7th.
Kentucky School Report Card data for the 22-23 school year was released on October 31, showing Calloway County as one of the premier school districts in the state.
The Lakers maintained or increased student achievement data in all areas.
You can view complete results online at the Kentucky School Report Card.
Congrats to our students, teachers, staff, and parents on a job well done!
Four Calloway County schools have been recognized as “America’s Healthiest Schools” by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, one of the nation’s preeminent children’s health organizations. East Calloway Elementary, North Calloway Elementary, Southwest Calloway Elementary, and Calloway County High School all received this honor.
For the 2022-23 school year, 781 schools across 36 states earned this designation. Each school was recognized for implementing best practices in one of nine topic areas, based on criteria in Healthier Generation’s Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment. Southwest Calloway Elementary was recognized in four of these topic areas.
Healthier Generation’s signature recognition program honors schools’ extraordinary efforts to advance the cycle of achievement in whole child health equity for students, staff, and families while grappling with pandemic-related learning loss, high rates of vaping and nicotine addiction, a youth mental health crisis, and other challenges. As honorees of the recognition program, schools reinforce their central role as powerful agents of impact and change for their community at-large.
On October 13 and 14, Healthier Generation will gather school representatives in Washington, D.C. for the America’s Healthiest Schools Leaders Summit to honor awardees and this year’s Corporate Hero, Kohl’s, for prioritizing the whole health needs of staff and students. More than 450 teachers, administrators, and thought leaders in health will come together to network, share best practices, and recognize the achievements of these distinguished schools.
“We are proud of our schools for receiving this honor,” said Superintendent Tres Settle. “Our staff works hard to make our schools healthy and safe places for students to thrive, and I am excited to see them recognized for their hard work.”
Calloway County Schools has recognized Laura Crouse as its August Laker Champion for Kids. Crouse is a district-wide counselor assisting schools and families of students with disabilities. The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
This month’s champion was nominated by Director of Special Education Lynsey Smith.
“She goes above and beyond in all areas across our district," said Smith. "Most days, she will be found taking notes during ARCs, guiding and mentoring teachers, and helping students and parents navigate postsecondary decisions. Outside of her daily tasks, she also voluntarily helped at Southwest after the passing of Ms. Murdock. She has counseled students, kept records straight, and conducted many meetings. She is an advocate for our students and an asset to Calloway County Schools.”
CCHS principal Steve Smith has worked with Crouse for two decades in the district.
“A true Laker-4-Life," said Smith. "This person is what we all aspire to be in the field of education, a difference maker who puts kids first. With a positive attitude and a generous spirit, she has spent her entire career looking for ways to help teachers, students, parents, and our school in general. She has served our district as a teacher, a guidance counselor, and an ARC chairperson. As a counselor at CCHS, she filled many roles with the direct professionalism of a school official, while adding the personal touch of a surrogate mother figure to many students who needed it, showing compassion, understanding and even tough love when it was needed."
"Anyone who has ever worked with her will certainly agree that you will not find a better coworker, mentor or friend. We are so blessed to have her as a part of Laker Nation!”
Southwest Calloway Elementary School counselor Mandi Murdock was chosen as the 2023 Educator of the Year by the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. She touched the lives and hearts of hundreds of students and colleagues over her career before her passing in January, 2023. Her husband, Kyle, accepted the award on her behalf at the annual Chamber awards banquet on July 14 in front of her family, colleagues, and other friends and community members.