MCS District Update December

Happy Valentine’s Day, Maryville City Schools Family!

We hope this message finds everyone feeling better after a challenging week of illnesses. As a reminder, students do not have school on Monday in observance of the President's Day holiday.

Believe it or not, spring break is just around the corner, with Spring Break beginning on March 10. This time of year always moves quickly with concerts, competitions, testing, and graduation on the horizon. We’re grateful for our incredible school community and look forward to all the exciting moments ahead. Wishing you a wonderful long weekend!

THIS MONTH'S UPDATE CONTAINS:

• MHS National Art Honors Society Exhibit at Clayton Center for the Arts
• Hopping into Reading: One Book Blitz is in Full Swing
• Og the Frog Live on Stage!
• Celebrating our School Board
• Eat at Blaze and Support MHS Key Club
• Top Golf Spirit Night
• Breaking Ground on the Future - MHS Expansion Project Moves Forward
• Drive-Thru Mobile Food Pantry - Saturday, March 1
• Student Life - Beyond the Classroom
• Teacher Life - Beyond the Classroom
• Join us for the Maryville City Schools Foundation Spotlight Gala on February 28
• MCS Fine Arts Newsletter
• MHS Baseball's 50 Inning Game
• MJHS Ready Graduate Gazette - College and Career News
• MHS Scholars Among the Nation's Best - National Merit Finalists Announced
• Volunteer Pre-K Accepting Applications

- WE ARE MARYVILLE -

One Book Blitz is back, and it's hopping with excitement! Throughout the month of February, students across Maryville City Schools, Alcoa City Schools, and Blount County Schools are diving into this year’s book, Life According to Og the Frog by Betty Birney.

The excitement kicked off in a big way with launch events across the district. WBIR’s Aaron Velasquez broadcasted the morning show live from John Sevier Elementary, bringing the excitement of One Book Blitz to all of East Tennessee. Schools went all out with themed decorations, transforming hallways into vibrant, frog-filled displays to celebrate Og’s arrival. Adding to the magic, Digital Pursuit produced an exciting kick-off video, building anticipation for the big reveal.

Students were thrilled to receive a special message from Life According to Og the Frog author Betty Birney (link below), who shared her enthusiasm for this year’s book and encouraged young readers in our community to embrace the adventure of reading.

One of the highlights of One Book Blitz is the community scavenger hunt, where students visit participating businesses to search for Og and collect stamps on their scavenger hunt cards. We are incredibly grateful to the many businesses that have opened their doors to THOUSANDS of eager readers, helping to make this initiative truly special. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the many partners who continue to support this incredible event, ensuring that all K-5 students in Blount County can experience the joy of reading with their own copy of a book.

With each page turned and each adventure discovered, One Book Blitz continues to bring students, families, and our community together—one hop at a time!

Hop into the Fun with Life According to Og the Frog!

Get ready for a ribbiting adventure as theatre students from MHS and MJHS bring Life According to Og the Frog to life on stage! As part of the One Book Blitz celebration, this delightful children's play captures the heartwarming journey of Og the Frog and his friends, sharing key moments from the beloved book. Students from 8th to 12th grade will perform for Maryville City School elementary students throughout February, wrapping up a month of reading with a splash of fun.

Don't miss your chance to catch the show! Two special public performances will be held on March 1st at 10 AM and 11 AM. Bring the whole family and celebrate the joy of reading and theatre together! 🐸🎭📚

During School Board Appreciation Week in January, Maryville City Schools took time to recognize and celebrate our dedicated school board members who work daily to support and advocate for our students, staff, and schools.

Schools across the district showed their gratitude in heartfelt ways—inviting board members to lunch, writing appreciation cards, and welcoming them into classrooms to see firsthand the incredible learning happening every day. These moments of connection not only highlighted the board’s impact but also reinforced the strong partnership between our schools and those who help guide their success.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a school board that prioritizes students in every decision they make. Their leadership, commitment, and unwavering support help shape a learning environment where students thrive. From championing innovative programs to ensuring resources are in place for academic and personal growth, their dedication makes a difference in the lives of all MCS students.

To our school board members—thank you for your service, your vision, and your heart for education. We appreciate all that you do to make Maryville City Schools a place where students, teachers, and families can succeed!

Exciting progress is underway for Maryville High School, as funding for its long-awaited expansion project has been approved. This project will not only address current overcrowding but will also enhance classroom spaces and student opportunities across the district.

The expansion includes a brand-new auditorium with the capacity to hold an entire grade level—something our current space cannot accommodate. Additionally, the project will provide 48 new classrooms, new chemistry labs, expanded parking, and a renovated cafeteria and kitchen to better serve our student body.

Phase I is set to begin in approximately five weeks, with the full project expected to be completed by July 2027. Once finished, this expansion will allow Maryville High School to house 9th grade students. This shift provides numerous benefits, including the ability to earn high school credits more efficiently, access to a wider range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, and greater participation in athletics and student organizations.

Beyond the high school, this expansion helps alleviate overcrowding throughout the district. With 9th grade moving to MHS, 7th grade will transition from intermediate schools to the junior high, easing capacity challenges at both intermediate schools.

This investment in our schools is an investment in our students' future, creating more space, more opportunities, and a stronger foundation for learning. We look forward to watching this project take shape over the next few years!

Project updates, construction phases, and renderings are posted on our website: MHS EXPANSION PROJECT

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and Monte Vista Baptist Church are hosting a drive-thru Mobile Food Pantry on Saturday, March 1 at Monte Vista Baptist Church located at 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville (next to Dairy Queen). Food will be distributed between 9:00 am - 11:00 am or until food is gone.

Fewer than 50 tickets remain for this year’s Starlight Gala, so don’t wait—secure yours now before they sell out! This unforgettable evening supports the Maryville City Schools Foundation.

Can’t make it? You can still be part of the excitement!
Our Silent Auction is open to everyone, and you don’t have to be present to win. Bidding opens Feb. 21 at noon—check out the link below and get ready to place your bids!

Maryville City Schools is proud to announce that seniors Taniya Bharwad, James Paterson Irvine, and Keith A. Kirk II have been named National Merit Finalists, a prestigious recognition awarded to the nation’s top high school scholars.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition that begins with more than 1.5 million students nationwide taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Only about 16,000 students advance to the semifinalist stage, and after a rigorous application process—evaluating academic performance, leadership, and endorsements—fewer than 8,000 students achieve Finalist status. These students are now in the running for National Merit Scholarships, awarded based on outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in college and beyond.

Congratulations to Taniya, James, and Keith on this remarkable accomplishment! Their dedication and hard work exemplify the academic excellence of Maryville City Schools.