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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.
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 Chrystie Chapman as the October Laker Champion for Kids. Chapman is a fifth-grade teacher at North 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 North teacher Laken Falwell.
“She loves and loves big," wrote Falwell. "She is there to support students in and out of the school day. She pushes hard, because she will only accept their best. She has gone above and beyond to not only grow my own child academically, but to help her see that she is capable and that she can believe in herself. I feel like she is the binding force that makes fifth grade the perfect team. Last year, my daughter dreaded the end of the year for months saying, 'This has been the best year, and I am so sad that it's almost over.' I know she had a lot to do with that."
North principal Kaysin Higgins is also proud of Chapman's work.
“She is the epitome of a Laker Champion for Kids," Higgins said. "She makes learning engaging, challenges her students to grow, and leads with compassion. Her kindness and loving nature are evident not only in her instruction but also in the meaningful relationships she builds with her students. She exemplifies dedication in every aspect of teaching—from thoughtful lesson planning and grading to conferencing and providing individualized support. Beyond her own classroom, she willingly steps up to help her colleagues whenever, without hesitation. She truly embodies what it means to be a Laker and represents our school with pride each day.”
North Calloway Elementary School was recently visited by Miss Kentucky Ariana Rodriguez and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to help celebrate "All In for Ag Education" week in Kentucky.
Rodriguez and Shell spoke with 5th grade students during a presentation and then visited classrooms throughout the school. The school received a Kentucky map with their signatures as a gift during the visit.
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
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.
North Calloway Elementary School has hired Lourdes Oster to become the school's new assistant principal. Oster replaces Kaysin Higgins, who was recently promoted to become North's new head principal.
Oster has twenty years of experience as a teacher, most recently as an English Language teacher at Murray Independent. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Oster and her husband, Ryan, have two children - Vanessa (16) and Wesley (13).
"I’m truly excited for this new chapter and look forward to meeting and working alongside the amazing students, families, teachers, and staff at North Elementary," said Oster.
Calloway County Schools has announced that Kaysin Higgins will be hired as the next principal of North Calloway Elementary School. Higgins will take over on July 1st for Melinda Hendley, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Higgins has been the assistant principal at North for the past two school years. Before that, she was a teacher at the school for 13 years. Higgins has degrees from Murray State in elementary education and school administration. She is a graduate of Calloway County High School, and will become the principal of the school she attended as a child.
“Through her time as an assistant principal and teacher at North, Mrs. Higgins has shown that she will continue to be a strong leader for the school,” said CCSD Superintendent Tres Settle. “She is a talented educator and an effective leader, and I am confident she will do a great job as principal.”
“I’m incredibly humbled and excited for the opportunity to continue growing and learning at North Elementary,” said Higgins. “After 15 years of building strong relationships with our staff, students, and families, I’m thrilled to keep growing alongside them in this new role. I’m deeply honored that Mr. Settle and the hiring committee have entrusted me with this responsibility, and I'm always proud to say I’m a ‘Laker for Life.”
Higgins and her husband, Jamie, have a son, Jaksin, who will be a fifth grader at the school next year.
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
North Calloway Elementary School was one of 220 schools from 38 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded over $1 million in library grants.
North Elementary plans to update many of their non-fiction books with the grant money.
"Books have the power to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning. We are thrilled to provide these grants so that librarians can refresh their shelves — opening the door for students to discover new interests and endless adventures," Mrs. Laura Bush said.
At the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, which is part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint, Mrs. Bush’s 2025 summer reading list was revealed. This annual collection includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers.
“Reading helps children connect with the world around them,” Mrs. Bush said. “This year’s summer reading list celebrates America, everyday adventures, and friendships that stand the test of time. I hope families will take time to enjoy the slower pace of summer, and enjoy reading these stories together.”
The list features 16 books including I Loved You First, written by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush. It also features First Ladies Make History authored by mother/daughter duo Anita McBride, Mrs. Bush’s former Chief of Staff when she was First Lady, and Giovanna McBride. Inspired by the Laura Bush Foundation, Anita McBride and daughter Giovanna McBride will donate a copy of First Ladies Make History to every elementary school that has received a Laura Bush Foundation grant since 2002.
The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded $23 million to over 4,000 schools across the country.
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.
North Calloway Elementary School has received $5,000 from Tennessee Valley Authority for the TVA Stem Classroom Grant Program.
The school was presented with a ceremonial check from Jodie Hansen (back left) with West Kentucky Rural Electric and Scotty Sholar (back center right) with TVA.
The school plans to use the grant funds to continue to fund their annual Family STEM Night special event.
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.
North Calloway Elementary students Bryce Pile (left) and Silas Bouland (right) won individual regional championships at the Governor's Cup Regional competition in Carlisle County on March 1st.
Pile finished first overall in Arts and Humanities, and Bouland placed first overall in Language Arts. The ten total points scored by the two placed North as the fifth-place overall team in the competition.
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.
North Calloway Elementary's academic team competed in the Heather Price Memorial Invitational competition at Morgan Elementary in Paducah on December 14th.
Numerous students placed in individual competition. Bryce Pile placed first in Arts/Humanities and third in Science. Dex Darnell finished sixth overall in Math, and Silas Bouland placed 6th in Language Arts. In Social Studies, Declan Dawalt placed eighth and Zlatan Bernal placed ninth. Lucas Hisch finished ninth in Science, and Kate Darnell was ninth in Composition. Olivia Catlin placed tenth in Arts/Humanities.
The team is coached by North teacher Amberlie Morris.
North Calloway Elementary teacher Laken Falwell has received the Kentucky Farm Bureau 2024 Excellence in Ag Literacy Award. Falwell is the K-5 library media specialist and STEM teacher at North.
The Excellence in Ag Literacy Award recognizes a certified pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher who excels in their efforts to incorporate agricultural concepts through their academic studies.
Falwell is being recognized for her ongoing efforts to develop, plan and implement immersive hands-on projects, activities and lessons that give North Calloway students countless opportunities to learn about agriculture in a way that is both educational and fun.
She collaborates with local farmers, agricultural agencies and community stakeholders to extend learning beyond her library classroom through enrichment programs, guest speakers and special projects that actively engage students in learning about animals and agriculture, including Dairy Cow Week and Cow Day. In addition, her hands-on lessons have featured the life cycle of pumpkins, the life cycle of chickens, animals petting zoos, pollination, soil types and layers, as well as annual activities on Earth Day and the Kentucky Derby.
“Laken Falwell is truly deserving of this award, as she has gone above and beyond to foster agricultural literacy and inspire a love for farming and the environment among our students,” said Melinda Hendley, North Calloway Elementary Principal. “Her commitment to integrating agriculture into our school curriculum in creative and meaningful ways has made a lasting impact on our school and the broader community.”
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.
North Calloway Elementary School teacher Anna Pace has been named the Kentucky Art Education Association (KyAEA) Educator of the Year at the Elementary Level. Pace received her award at the KyAEA conference in Louisville on November 9th.
Pace (right) is pictured with Rebecca Williams (left), an associate professor at Murray State who was named the Kentucky Art Educator of the Year.
The KyAEA motto is “Leading a child to greatness through art” and each winner embodies the epitome of what a solid arts education is meant to be and do for Kentucky students.
Each year, the KyAEA members, associates, affiliates, and community members nominate the candidates they feel are most deserving of the Art Educator of the year awards by providing specific reasoning for each and every nomination written. It is an honor to be considered and nominated. The nominations from these individuals help to build a stronger arts focus among schools and districts and within communities across Kentucky.
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."