What an extraordinary journey it has been at Maury County Public Schools this year! As we reflect on the past academic year, we're filled with a mix of emotions—joy, learning, heartache, heroism, and above all, a profound sense of community.

The Class of 2024 has showcased remarkable achievements, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every graduate. Your resilience, dedication, and hard work have paved the way for countless opportunities ahead, and we couldn't be prouder of your accomplishments.

With graduations now complete and the end of the school year here, we're on the brink of summer—a time eagerly anticipated by many families. It's a season for relaxation, exploration, and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're planning a getaway to the beach, a mountain retreat, summer camp, vacation bible school, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones close to home, we hope your summer adventures are filled with laughter, joy, and rejuvenation.

As we bid farewell to another school year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our students, families, educators, and staff for your unwavering support and commitment to academic excellence. Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated successes, and forged bonds that strengthen our community.

As we look ahead to the upcoming academic year, we're excited for the possibilities and the continued partnership between home and school in nurturing the growth and success of every student.

Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable, and memorable summer break!
Maury County Public Schools

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Last Day of School (full day)

Thursday, May 23

Memorial Day, District Closed

Monday, May 27

Summer Break

May 28th through August 2nd

June Board Meeting

Tuesday, June 4,2024 at H. O. Porter, 6:00 pm

June Work Session

NEW DATE Tuesday, June 26, 2024, at H. O. Porter, 6:00 pm

July Board Meeting

Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at H. O. Porter, 6:00 pm

July 4th Holiday

District Closed

July Work Session

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at H. O. Porter, 6:00 pm

Admin In-Service

Monday July 29 and Tuesday, July 30

Teacher Prep Day

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

First Day of 2024-25 School Year

Monday, August 5, 2024

Spring Hill Broadcast at 7 PM on May 10:
https://www.youtube.com/live/kRAA3TBGrZY?si=21YZa36Vsovw84iq

Mt. Pleasant Broadcast at 10 AM on May 11:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Ji5hrMR_YSw?si=bVkRwd5W4Nrb1i50

Northfield Academy Broadcast at 10 AM on May 11:
https://www.youtube.com/live/2HbPfzP0aIg?si=_iBj5YtlLLIs565T

Hampshire Broadcast at 6 PM on May 13:
https://www.youtube.com/live/HJSuimJtoxA?si=Ifaf_4vz1gOW3YWI

Santa Fe Broadcast at 6 PM on May 14:
https://www.youtube.com/live/guMSME1ARjc?si=G7moR_wJXC80_YM3

Culleoka Broadcast at 7 PM on May 16:
https://www.youtube.com/live/19VzX1sr0pE?si=2yEYnb6ivawH4sZl

Columbia Central Broadcast at 7 PM on May 17:

https://www.youtube.com/live/GZccKhmmb8A?si=KQBLJFnNhWwwuGge

Spring Hill Graduation Photos

Mt. Pleasant Graduation Photos

Hampshire Graduation Photos

Santa Fe Graduation Photos

Culleoka Graduation Photos

Columbia Central Photos
* Columbia School Photography *

Columbia Central High School graduation took place on Friday, May 17 at 7 pm in the gym. There are 270 seniors this year.

Mt. Pleasant High School graduation took place on Saturday, May 11 at 10 am in the gym. There are 88 seniors this year.

Spring Hill High School graduation took place on Friday, May 10 at 7 pm at the football field. There are 286 seniors this year.

Culleoka Unit School senior graduation took place on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm in the gym. There are 58 seniors this year.

Hampshire Unit School senior graduation took place on Monday, May 13 at 6 pm in the gym. There are 26 seniors this year.

Santa Fe Unit School senior graduation took place on Tuesday, May 14 at 6 pm in the gym. There are 29 seniors this year.

Northfield Academy and Virtual Academy graduation took place on Saturday, May 11 at 10 am. There are 93 seniors at these two academies.

A representative from AmeriCorps, Mrs. Flemming recently visited Spring Hill High School to present Caleb Perez-Miranda the President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold Level. Mrs. Flemming shared that someone in the community nominated Caleb. We are so proud as this is a first for SHHS! Caleb now has the opportunity to receive from $4,000.00 to $16,000.00 in scholarships!!

1Caleb Perez-Miranda to Receive Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Nashville, March 15, 2024 - Kathleen K Flemming, a Certifying Organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), is proud to announce that Caleb Perez-Miranda will receive a Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the Spring Hill High School Awards Event in mid-April. The PVSA is our nation's most prestigious honors recognizing the nation's most outstanding volunteers. Caleb will receive the top award at the GOLD level, based on over 180 hours of service in the last 12 months.

The President's Volunteer Service Award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and is administered by Points of Light. Through a shared mission of inspiring more to answer the call to service, the President's Volunteer Service Award celebrates the impact we can all make in bettering our communities and our world. Launched in 2003 by the President of the United States Council on Service and Civic Participation, the PVSA is the nation's most respected volunteer awards program. This award champions individuals and organizations that have positively impacted their respective communities by dedicating significant time and resources to community service.

Caleb is a sophomore at Spring High School located in Columbia, Tennessee. He is a member of the High School's Varsity Basketball team and maintains high academic achievement. As an ambitious and compassionate volunteer, Caleb created 48 Hoops Youth Sports training and coaching. He provides training in basketball, personal fitness, and conditioning. He named his volunteering team after his favorite Bible verse 1'1 Timothy 4:8; "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

For more information visit: https://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/the-award

In early May, fourteen (14) JROTC cadets from Spring Hill High School embarked on a journey to Daytona Beach, Florida, to participate in the All-Services JROTC National Fitness Championship. Competing in the coed division alongside 29 teams from the Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army, our cadets demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.

A resounding congratulations goes out to our Spring Hill HS JROTC Coed Fitness Team for securing 3rd Place Overall at the 2024 All-Service JROTC National Fitness Championship in the coed division, surpassing 26 other teams. While Air Academy JROTC Air Force program from Colorado and Richwoods HS JROTC Marine Corp program from Illinois claimed the top spots, Spring Hill achieved the highest ranking among Army JROTC programs.

In team events, our cadets clinched 1st Place for the Pull Ups/Hang event, 2nd Place for the Physical Team Test, and an impressive 5th Place for the 3K beach run.

Individual achievements were equally remarkable, with Camryn Lee securing 1st Place in the hang event and Lilith Nelson placing 9th. Elijah O'Bryant distinguished himself by clinching 9th Place overall in the Seated Ball Throw.

These students have a mindset of champions, expecting nothing less than victory in every national championship event. Despite falling slightly short this time, their determination remains unwavering. Having tasted success earlier this school year in Raiders, they were primed to replicate that triumph in Fitness. Though the goal wasn't fully achieved, they are eager to return next year and strive for it once more.

These cadets exemplify the JROTC cadet creed to "...always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school, and corp of cadets..." as well as "...to work to improve my mind, and strengthen my body..."

Raiders Lead the Way!

Hats off to our very own super-sub Gary Shaw, who has earned the title of May's Substitute of the Month. Your unwavering dedication towards Columbia Central High School's staff and students doesn't go unnoticed. Keep making us proud! #ESSEducation #StarSubstitute #DedicationAndHardwork

Thank you Listerhill Credit Union Kicks for Kids for making sure every student at Joseph Brown Elementary had an amazing day filled with fun, dancing, laughter, smiles, new shoes, and new socks. Thank you for making Maury County Public Schools the first place in Tennessee to have the opportunity to participate in Kicks for Kids. A special thank you to our community partners who helped to make this a very special day. We really appreciated Mr. Cannon, Mrs. Jones, Sgt. Dalton, Sgt. Goats, Columbia Police Department, Tennessee, and University of North Alabama Football Player Tyler for helping to make sure everyone had fun by helping with the entertainment. Strong Maury Youth Educational Foundation Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation TriStar Bank Shaq Mason Foundation Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative Columbia Elks Lodge #686 Dear Heart Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill

How literacy improves lives:

l Literacy is linked to life expectancy - people with poor literacy skills have low incomes, are more likely to be unemployed, and have poor health behaviors: all factors which can be linked to mortality

l Literacy improves the development of the wider

Community - city, county, state - if an individual has financial stability; they are more prone to participate in the community; which helps strength the community.

History:

Joseph Brown

He was born 1772 in North Carolina; he was a first generation American. In 1806 Joseph Brown moved to Maury County and lived on Lylte Creek. Maury County was formed in 1807 and the organizing meeting was held at Joseph Brown’s home. Brown served under Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. Around 1823 he became a Presbyterian minister. He died in1868 in Giles County at age 95.

Joseph’s father was Col James Brown,who was born in Londonderry, Ulster, Ireland. Col Brown was a Revolutionary War Soldier in the North Carolina Militia; Col Brown earned a land grant and traveled with his family To Tennessee to claim his land. The family was attacked By Indians around Nickajack Ga/Tenn and Col Brown and 2 sons were killed. Joseph Brown, his mother Jane Gillespie Brown and several other brothers and sisters were held hostage by the Indians; and while most were released within a year; one brother was captive for 5 years. With the release of the last family member; the family moved to Tennessee to live on the land grant.

Jane Gillespie Brown is buried in Greenwood Cemetery In Columbia and the Indian story is documented on her grave marker.

Background Notes:

Sandy and John Finney donated the Paperbox. John Finney’s grandfather James Finney was the Chairman of the Maury County Board of Education when the school was built in 1969.

Thanks to Dave Waughtel (Char’s husband) who painted the box

Finding a home for it took some time. We are pleased to place it at the Joseph Brown School.

Joseph Brown’s father was Col James Brown who is a DAR recognized American Revolution Patriot.

Jane Gillespie Brown was Joseph Brown’s mother and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery and the Tennessee Chapter refurbished her stone in 1956. Likely one of Joseph Brown’s descendants was a member of the chapter.

Tennessee has a long association with the Brown family and the school in a roundabout way.

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Lisa Ventura is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Marisa Massey as the new principal of Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School. Mrs. Massey brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role, having served as principal at Marvin Wright Elementary for the past 13 years.

Mrs. Massey holds a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, and a Master’s Plus 30 from Drake University. Her career in education began in Maury County at Highland Park Elementary in August 2000. While at Highland Park, she taught across various grade levels including Title I, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. While teaching Title I, Marisa Massey became trained in Recovery strategies. She later assumed the role of Title I Facilitator at Highland Park Elementary before transitioning to Marvin Wright Elementary in August 2011, where she served as assistant principal for five years before being appointed principal.

Reflecting on her time at Marvin Wright Elementary, Mrs. Massey expressed gratitude for her tenure there, stating, “It was a great privilege becoming the principal at Marvin Wright in 2015. I will miss the Marvin Wright community; however, I am very excited and blessed to start my next journey with the Randolph Howell community. I look forward to serving the students, parents, and staff. It is a true honor to continue working in Maury County as I have served many students, parents, and staff members over the past 23 years of service.”

Superintendent Ventura expressed her confidence in Mrs. Massey, stating, "Mrs. Massey will be a valuable addition to Randolph Howell Elementary. Her extensive experience and dedication are well-suited to the school's commitment to excellence. Her collaborative approach is expected to inspire both students and faculty, promoting a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and achievement. Mrs. Massey has a strong commitment to students, parents, and staff. She leaves a legacy of excellence and community at Marvin Wright, and I look forward to that attitude and sense of community permeating the halls of Randolph Howell.”

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Lisa Ventura is delighted to announce the promotion of Ms. April Hardison to the position of principal at Marvin Wright Elementary School. With 11 years of administrative experience at Woodard and Marvin Wright Elementary schools, Mrs. Hardison brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her new role.

Ms. Hardison boasts an impressive educational background, having completed her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. She furthered her studies with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Early Childhood Education, from MTSU, and obtained an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision from the same institution.

Her teaching career spans 15 years across Maury and Williamson Counties, where she taught both Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Mrs. Hardison's commitment to excellence in education was recognized with the attainment of her National Board Certification while teaching in Williamson County.

Ms. Hardison served as an Instructional Coach at Woodard for one year, collaborating with students and teachers alike. She then transitioned into a leadership position as Assistant Principal at Woodard Elementary for four years before joining Marvin Wright Elementary in 2017, where she continued to serve as Assistant Principal for the past seven years.

Superintendent Ventura expressed confidence in Ms. Hardison's ability to lead Marvin Wright Elementary School to continued success, stating, "Ms. Hardison's extensive experience and dedication to education make her the perfect fit for the role of principal at Marvin Wright Elementary. Her leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the school's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student achievement."

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Lisa Ventura is excited to announce that Mrs. Robin T. Smith M.Ed. has been promoted to Principal of Baker Elementary School.

Mrs. Robin Smith began her career with Maury County Public Schools in 2019 as Assistant Principal at Baker Elementary School, where she worked alongside Mr. Jon Clanton. Robin expressed, “Best career move I’ve ever made!” Robin attended Culleoka School and Columbia Academy, graduating in 1988. She then completed her undergraduate degree at David Lipscomb University and earned her Master of Education in Leadership and Supervision from Lipscomb in 2006.

Robin has been involved in education in various capacities for 22 years. She started her career as a teacher at Hickman County Middle School, where she taught 7th and 8th-grade Social Studies, coached basketball, and later became the School Counselor. In 2016, she returned to Maury County and was appointed School Counselor at Columbia Academy, where she served for three years.

Upon accepting the principal position, Mrs. Smith stated, "I know that my experience in each of these roles has led me to this moment in my professional career. Each one of my previous duties has informed the way I view education and the educational process. Kids come first, and the relationships we build with them have an impact that is life-long. I do not take that lightly. I have personally been shaped and encouraged by so many amazing people in my career, from elementary and high school teachers, fellow coaches, and fantastic administrators. I want our students to leave Baker feeling the same way about us that I feel about those folks. I am thankful to Mrs. Ventura for the confidence she has placed in me to continue the positive trajectory of Baker Elementary. It’s a special place, and I look forward to every moment of it!”

Superintendent Ventura expressed her enthusiasm for Mrs. Smith's appointment, stating, "Mrs. Smith brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication to her new role as Principal of Baker Elementary. Her proven track record and unwavering commitment to student success make her the ideal candidate to lead Baker Elementary into the future. I am confident that under Robin's leadership, Baker Elementary will continue to thrive as a center of excellence in education."

Dr Julianne Teap

School/Department/County: BCHS/Assistant Principal/ Maury

College(s): Middle Tennessee State University Spanish BA, Lipscomb University Instructional Practices Masters and Doctorate of Education in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Additional Information:

I enjoy spending time with my daughter and kayaking. I’m excited to contribute to the growth of our Battle Creek students.

Lee Thomason, M.Ed.
School/Department/County: BCHS/AP (former Whitthorne Middle School AP; former Columbia Central High School AP)
College(s): Middle Tennessee State University, English / History BA; Cumberland University - Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Additional Information: As a lifelong Maury County resident with over two decades working in Maury County schools, I am passionate about our schools, our future, and helping our students achieve excellence!

Murray Ring has been chosen as the Operations Supervisor of the Year! The Operations team at MCPS chose Mr. Ring who is the Maintenance Manager for all of Maury County Schools.

A little history and an update on the auxiliary gym at Santa Fe Unit School. The auxiliary gym was funded in 2021 and a bid was approved in March or 2023. The gym is scheduled to be completed in June of 2024. The gym is 10,500 square feet and boasts a weight room, boys & girls locker rooms, lots of storage and an indoor batting cage!

The gym was desperately needed to help eliminate late night practices as the main gym was shared by everyone. It will enable high school basketball practices, volleyball and be available for PE for students.

Battle Creek High School will be approximately 300,000 square feet and have a capacity of 2200 students. The campus will have turf football, baseball, softball fields as well as a traditional surface track around the football field. There is a state-of-the-art auditorium and band room, a large event entrance and more! Battle Creek High School uses geothermal wells to cool and heat the school. Over 500 schools nationwide have installed geothermal heat pump systems to provide their heating and cooling needs. With their proven lower operating and maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and superior classroom comfort, geothermal heat pumps are a great choice for school applications. Battle Creek High School will tout the second largest facility using geothermal in the state of Tennessee with 353 wells.

Learn more about our newest high school by visiting their website at https://www.mauryk12.org/bchs or their social media at https://www.facebook.com/BCHSMaury/, https://www.instagram.com/bchsmaury/ or https://x.com/BCHSMaury

The Maury County School Board voted in favor on April 9, 2024, of Mt. Pleasant High School getting artificial turf installed on their Football, Softball, and Baseball fields. The recommendation was made by Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Eric Perryman to have Shaw Sports Turf install the new turf. This will be the second school with artificial turf after Battle Creek High School was approved at the Special Called Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd.

Head Football Coach Kit Hartsfield shared, "We are extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to play on a turf field. There are many positives to adding turf, as I have seen first-hand the positive impact it can have on a community at the youth level up to the high school level. I would like to thank Maury County School Board members, Superintendent Lisa Ventura, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Eric Perryman, and Maury County Athletic Director Chris Poynter for recognizing the major need to upgrade athletic facilities for our student-athletes."

Director of Athletics for Maury County Schools, Chris Poynter, also shared, “The vote tonight is another indication of the commitment and investment from the school board and district leadership in athletics. It not only signifies their support for athletics but also underlines their dedication to the overall development of students. Athletics does play a significant role in a student's overall educational experience, teaching important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Additionally, quality athletic facilities can enhance the sense of community and pride within a school and the surrounding areas. It's great to see that our leadership and board recognize these benefits and are committed to providing top-notch facilities for the students, parents, and our communities to enjoy. It is exciting to see such continued dedication from all parties involved, including the School Leadership, School Board, and County Commission. Their collective efforts are shaping a richer educational experience for all students within Maury County Public Schools.”

*Maury County Public Schools neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented below. The distribution of this material is provided as a community service.

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If you would like to share your story, success, shout-out, event or news in the MCPS News, email Jack Cobb at jcobb@mauryk12.org. To subscribe to the MCPS News visit our website https://www.mauryk12.org/mcpsnews, fill out the form and submit it. This edition is full of great stories and pictures from around our district. Please share with friends, family, colleagues, or anyone you think might enjoy reading about Maury County Public Schools.

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Email: jcobb@mauryk12.org
Website: https://www.mauryk12.org
Location: 501 West 8th Street, Columbia, TN 38401, USA
Phone: 931-388-8403

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