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Season's Readings recently delivered free books to all Calloway County kindergarten students. The annual program, led by CCBOE member Mitch Ryan, gifts books to all kindergarten students in Calloway and Murray schools based on their interests each Christmas.
CCHS and MSU student athletes help out with the book deliveries to help students write their names inside the front covers and organize their books.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School teacher Mindy Weatherford was selected for the Mathematics Standards and Assessment Review Team as a member of the Elementary Advisory Panel by the Kentucky Department of Education.
KDE selected a team of teachers, higher education leaders, and business and community members to review and revise the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Mathematics and the assessment blueprint based upon public feedback.
Calloway County Schools are excited to announce state accountability results and school ratings from the 2024-25 school year.
All five Calloway County schools received “blue” or “green” ratings, placing them among the top schools in Kentucky. The ratings are based on a five color scale, including the lowest level red, then orange, yellow, green, and the highest level, blue.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School and North Calloway Elementary School both earned “Blue” overall ratings for the 24-25 school year, the highest possible rating. East Calloway Elementary School, Calloway County Middle School, and Calloway County High School all received “Green” ratings, the second highest rating.
“I am extremely proud of our student achievement and our accountability results,” said Superintendent Tres Settle. “Our faculty and staff work incredibly hard to provide all of our students with opportunities to succeed. We are always looking for ways to improve our schools and will continue to do so, but it is exciting to see that work is paying off for our students and their families.”
The ratings are assigned by the Kentucky Department of Education based on a variety of accountability measures in a weighted formula. Students are tested in reading, math, science, social studies, and combined writing. The achievement formula also includes change from the prior year data. A “Quality of School Climate and Safety” survey is included for school accountability, and English Learner Progress is included in the calculation for schools with a minimum of thirty EL students. Postsecondary readiness and graduation rates are a part of high school level accountability.
All five schools saw increases in student achievement from 2024 to 2025 and have achievement data well ahead of the state averages in Kentucky.
Five Calloway County teachers were recognized as graduates of the Leadership Initiative for Teachers by the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. Teachers were recognized as part for the Chamber's annual salute to education during the November Business at Lunch event.
LIFT teachers explore community resources during Chamber led training beginning in July. Teachers learn about non-profits, community resources, and business opportunities during the training with the goal that teachers will communicate what they've learned to students and colleagues.
Pictured are 2025 LIFT graduates Kayla Luker (Southwest), Julia Garland (East), Emily Hearn (CCMS), Laken Falwell (North), and Jacob Falwell (CCHS).
Calloway County Schools has named Julie Munoz as the September Laker Champion for Kids. Munoz is an instructional assistant 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.
Munoz was nominated for the award by CCHS teacher Ashley Fritsche.
“She is such a blessing to Southwest. Her dedication to her job is unmatched," Fritsche said. "She makes it her mission to make sure all students at Southwest know they are loved and appreciated. She works tirelessly to plan fun and engaging lessons for the kids she works with on a daily basis. She greets each student with a smile on her face and goes out of her way to make their days brighter. She does more than teach content to kids; she teaches them life lessons and makes learning fun for all."
Munoz worked with Fritsche's son, Kyle, when he was a student at the school.
"When my child was at Southwest, he came home each day telling me about all of the fun he had with her," Fritsche added. "In addition to being an excellent employee, she has raised three of the most outstanding young ladies who go out of their way to befriend all kids they come in contact with. She has raised her kids to see the value in everyone, and it is truly inspiring to know her and call her a friend.”
Southwest principal Mark Mallory is also proud of Munoz's efforts at the school.
“She goes above and beyond to support students every day," said Mallory. "In addition to her work in the classroom, she volunteers her time with the academic team and shares her creativity on Fridays by teaching engaging enrichment classes that spark curiosity and exploration. Her commitment, kindness, and passion for helping students succeed make her a true champion for kids.”
Southwest principal Mark Mallory was chosen to represent Calloway County Schools this year in Leadership Murray with the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce.
Mallory will collaborate with other leaders in the community during the intensive nine-month leadership program.
Calloway/Murray FRYSC Back to School Block Party
July 17th, 4-7pm at CFSB Center at Murray State
Games for kids, School Supplies Assistance, School Physicals, Health Care Resources, Community Resources, Refreshments
First Day of School for K-12 Students: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Calloway County Preschool
July 14 - Packet Pickup - 8am-4:30pm
July 31 - Open House - 5-7pm
East Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Registration - 2:30-6:30pm
July 29 - Back to School Night K-2 - 5-6:30pm
July 31 - Back to School Night 3-5 - 5-6:30pm
North Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Fee Day - 8am-6pm
July 28 - Back to School Night - 3rd grade at 5pm, 4th grade at 6pm, 5th grade at 7pm
July 29 - Back to School Night - 1st grade at 5pm, 2nd grade at 6pm
July 31 - Back to School Night - Kindergarten at 5:30pm
Southwest Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Fee Day - 8am-6pm
July 28 - Back to School Night - K-2 - 5pm
July 29 - Back to School Night - 3-5 - 5pm
Calloway County Middle School
July 28 - Registration Day - Grades 7-8 - 4-7pm
August 1 - Smooth Sailing Day Camp - 6th Grade - 8am-1pm
August 1 - Registration Day - 6th Grade - 1-3pm
Calloway County High School
July 14 - New Student Registration - 8am-3pm
July 22 - Freshman and Senior Schedule Pickup - 11am-6pm
July 23 - Sophomore and Junior Schedule Pickup - 11am-6pm
July 24 - New Student Schedule Pickup - 8-11am, 12-2pm
July 29 - New Student Registration - 8am-3pm
July 31 - Freshman Orientation - 6-7:30pm
Southwest Calloway Elementary School teacher Steven Bauer has been selected to serve on the St. Louis Federal Reserve Louisville Branch Educator Advisory Board.
The advisory board meets quarterly to share current trends and challenges in education. This council’s knowledge and expertise is invaluable and helps shape the work of the St. Louis Fed Economic Education team.
Calloway County Schools director of transportation Matt Turner was recognized as the 2025 Rookie Transportation Director of the Year by the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky at their annual conference in Louisville on June 26th.
Turner was nominated by the district's bus driver trainers for outstanding dedication, service, and leadership in the district's transportation department.
Pictured left to right from the Calloway County Schools transportation department are Richard Burkeen, Amanda Morgan, Turner, and Ryan Rogers.
Calloway County Schools have hired Tiffany Brown as the district’s new Director of Special Education for the 25-26 school year. Brown replaces Lynsey Smith, who moved to an assistant principal position at Calloway County High School.
Brown brings a wealth of experience to the district in her new position. She has served Paducah Public Schools as the Early Childhood Disability Coordinator since 2008. Before her administrative role, she was a preschool teacher for six years in Graves County. Brown has two Master’s degrees and a Bachelor’s degree, all from Murray State University.
“We are excited to add Ms. Brown to our administrative team,” Superintendent Tres Settle said. “She has an incredible amount of experience, and she has been highly recommended by her former colleagues. I am confident she will be a great fit for our school community.”
“I’m honored to join the Laker family alongside other great educators and leaders to prepare kids for a bright future,” Brown said. “This is more than a job to me; it’s a higher calling to advocate for exceptional students, be a resource for families, and support staff in this important work. I’m excited to get to know the students and faculty and together find innovative ways to meet the unique needs of all learners to create an environment where they can not only maximize their potential but thrive.”
Brown grew up in Graves County and now lives in Cunningham with her husband Casey. She has two adult children, Chaney and Chayton, and an infant grandson. She will begin her new position officially on July 1st.
Congrats to our Calloway teachers chosen for the Chamber's 2025 LIFT program!
The Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Institute for Teachers provides professional learning aimed to bridge the gap between education and workforce through experiential learning.
Calloway teachers participating in 2025 are:
Emily Hearn, CCMS
Kayla Luker, Southwest
Julia Garland, East
Laken Falwell, North
Jacob Falwell, CCHS
Calloway County Schools will receive $70,000 from the 2025 Kentucky Numeracy Counts grant from the Kentucky Department of Education. The grant can be used for purchasing high-quality research and evidence-based curriculum for kindergarten through third grade and professional training for teachers. Forty districts in Kentucky will receive funds from this competitive grant.
Students and teachers from all three Calloway County elementary schools will benefit from this grant.
"We are excited about this grant and our progress in our primary math classrooms," said Calloway County superintendent Tres Settle. "We have seen remarkable growth in our elementary math achievement this school year, and we believe this grant will continue to fuel that success."
Funds will be available to the district beginning on July 1, 2025.
Pictured are East principal Monica Williams, Southwest principal Mark Mallory, and North principal Melinda Hendley.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School's Future Problem Solving team has placed fifth in the state in the 2025 FPS competition. This year's statewide topic was "Agricultural Industry on Mars in 2045."
The team's work won first place overall in the regional competition which advanced them to qualify for state competition. The FPS team is a part of the school's academic team, and they earned 8 points toward the team's overall championship in the Governor's Cup regional competition in March.
The members of the team are (L to R) J.R. Wade, James Johnson, Isla Gupton, and Cami Carlisle. The team is coached by Chelsey Gilbert and Eden Boyd.
Calloway County Schools has received the 2025 Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy Grant award from the Kentucky Department of Education. The grant totals $1.3 million through 2028, with an initial award of $260,000 in June.
"We are grateful and excited for this literacy grant," said Superintendent Tres Settle. "Literacy is our top academic priority and we have made incredible progress over the last few years recovering from the pandemic. This grant will allow us to continue improve our resources and strategies to ensure all students can achieve high levels of literacy success."
The grant funds are restricted and can only be used for purchasing high-quality instructional resources, job-embedded curriculum based professional learning, family engagement in literacy development, and other associated costs.
The grant funds must be allocated on all levels - early childhood, elementary, middle, and high. All Calloway County District schools will benefit from the grant. In addition, the grant includes local childcare partners Busy Bees, Under the Son, Milestones, and Lily Pad, in addition to Calloway County Preschool.
Thirty-nine of the state's 173 school districts were awarded in the competitive grant process.
The Calloway County Conversation District held its annual Awards Banquet on March 18th and recognized numerous Lakers from around the district.
In the art contest, Alina Pugh (East), Ella Osborne (Southwest), and Alina Marquardt (North) were named school winners.
CCHS student Emerson Herndon and CCMS student Leah Hughes were the school writing award winners.
CCMS teacher Scott Pile was given a Conservation District Honor Award for his work in conversation education in his science classroom.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School's academic team finished first overall at the KAAC Governor's Cup Regional Competition held on March 1st in Carlisle County. The Lakers finished with 36 total points ahead of Clark Elementary (Paducah) with 22.5 and Lone Oak Intermediate with 13.5. Southwest's academic team has now won the region in four consecutive years - 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The Future Problem Solving team won first place in the region, with team members Isla Gupton, James Johnson, JR Wade, and Cami Carlisle.
The Quick Recall team finished third, with team members Kinley Brown, Blakelyn Gilbert, Ryder Wallace, Jesse Childress, Colt Hance, Cade Musser, Tristan Gomez, JR Wade, and Cooper Wheatley.
Numerous students placed in individual competition adding to the team's score.
Colt Hance finished first overall in Social Studies in the region and tied for sixth in the state. Blakelyn Gilbert placed third in both Language Arts and Arts and Humanities. Cooper Wheatley finished second in the region in Arts and Humanities and placed eighth in the state. In Math, Ryder Wallace placed second and Tristan Gomez scored fourth. Kinley Brown earned second place in Science.
The Lakers are coached by Eden Boyd and Chelsey Gilbert.
Southwest Calloway Elementary's academic team won the overall district championship held on February 1st at Murray Middle School. Southwest finished with 69.5 points total, including team victories in Quick Recall and Future Problem Solving.
Ryder Wallace finished first overall in math, with Tristan Gomez placing second and JR Wade scoring third. Emry Munoz placed first in science, with Kinley Brown finishing second and Isla Gupton placing third. Cade Musser scored first in language arts, followed by Blakelyn Gilbert in second and Sara Sebby in fourth. In arts and humanities, Blakelyn Gilbert placed first, Cooper Wheatley was second, and Isla Gupton finished fourth. Cooper Wheatley also placed first in writing composition. In social studies, Jesse Children finished third and Colt Hance place fourth.
Southwest now moves on to the 2025 regional competition, where the team has won the regional championship in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Contact our elementary schools or our central office if you have questions!
The Calloway County Retired Teachers Association has chosen school and county winners for the annual county-wide AARP Grandparent Essay contest. The competition is open to all fifth-grade students in Calloway County.
Dallas Tripp from East Calloway Elementary was chosen as the overall county-wide winner and received $50. She will be showcased at the March 10th CCRTA meeting to read her essay to the members. Her essay "There's No Grandpa Like Mine" will now go to the 1st District to compete with other western Kentucky county winners.
Genesis Story had the winning essay from Southwest Calloway Elementary. Katelyn Laster wrote the winning essay from North Calloway Elementary. Both school winners received $25 as their prize.
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."