Prexy Pages
Prexy Pages: Inspiring a community of achievement
Message from the Superintendent
This is the first edition of Prexy Pages, our monthly e-newsletter where we’ll share updates from across the district, highlight good news, and keep you informed about upcoming events. There are always great things happening at Marion City Schools, and we want to make sure you know about them!
It has been a busy few weeks settling into my new role as superintendent, and it feels great to be back home in this community. I’ve loved visiting familiar places and reconnecting with our strong culture and incredible teachers, while also seeing exciting new learning opportunities and facility upgrades.
I encourage open communication and welcome your ideas, concerns, and feedback. Together, we can continue to make Marion City Schools the best it can be.
Sincerely,
Brian Murphy
Superintendent, Marion City Schools
Brian Murphy’s Reflections: First Weeks as Superintendent
In my first three weeks as Superintendent of Marion City Schools, I've had the privilege of visiting all eight of our schools. From reading with students at George Washington to engaging in insightful conversations with teachers, students, administrators, parents, and community leaders, it has been an inspiring beginning. I've also had the chance to collaborate with district leaders and closely review key data. I'm incredibly proud to be part of a community where dedicated educators and talented students truly exemplify the Prexy spirit.
I’ve seen firsthand the pride and potential in our schools. As a Marion City Schools graduate myself, I’m committed to leading with a focus on listening, learning, and strengthening our district. Moving forward, I’ll continue to connect with the community and work alongside our staff to ensure we are building a safe, supportive environment for our students to succeed. My 100-day plan is built around understanding the district, assessing our practices, and setting the foundation for future growth. There’s a lot to be proud of, and I’m excited to see what we’ll achieve together.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
The Path to a Well-Rounded Prexy: At Marion City Schools, we believe that a well-rounded student is built on a foundation of strong academics paired with engaging extracurriculars—whether clubs, sports, or the arts. We are proud of the variety of options we offer and the growth in student participation. This fall, we saw an 89% increase in cross country, a 49% increase in volleyball, and an incredible 131% increase in Little Cheer. Together, these opportunities help shape our students into confident, well-prepared individuals.
Join us for an upcoming Academic Night to learn more about our academic enrichment opportunities as well as extracurriculars:
October 10
Hayes Academic Night, 4:30-6:00pm
Taft Fall Festival / Academic Night, 5:00-6:30pm
October 16
GW Academic Night 4:00-5:30pm
October 17
Garfield Academic Night, 430-630pm
October 24
McKinley Trunk or Treat / Academic Night, 430-6pm
November 21
Harrison Academic Night, 430-6pm
Harding High School College Fair
Last month the Harding College and Career Readiness Advisors took 30 juniors and seniors to the Marion Area College Fair, at the Ohio State Marion Campus. With over 65 colleges and universities from across Ohio and the Midwest, our students had a unique opportunity to explore their future options and connect with admissions teams.
Meet our new Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Garilee Speer-Ogden!
With 22 years of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Speer-Ogden has served as a principal, curriculum director, and superintendent in Ohio and New Mexico. Her expertise in accountability and assessment, combined with her dedication to student success, makes her an excellent addition to the Marion City Schools administrative team.
2024 Prexy Homecoming
Prexy Homecoming activities are in full swing! We kicked off with the bonfire on Wednesday, followed by a pep rally at Harding High on Thursday. Today, we celebrated our MCS staff and alumni with carnations. Don’t miss tonight’s game against Clear Fork at 7:00pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 4 - Homecoming Weekend
October 7 - Board of Education Special Meeting: State of the Schools
October 17 - End of First Quarter
October 18 - Staff Professional Day (No School)
October 21 - Staff Work Day (No School)
October 21 - Board of Education Meeting
Fall Conference Schedule: Below is the fall conference schedule for each of the schools. Please contact your child’s building or teacher to schedule specific times.
Garfield: October 24 or October 29, 3:45-7:15pm
GW: November 9 or November 14, 3:45-7:15pm
BHE: October 24 or October 28, 3:45-7:15pm
Hayes: October 22 or October 24, 3:45-7:15pm
McKinley: October 29 or November 4, 3:45-7:15pm
Taft: October 24 or October 29, 3:45-7:15pm
GMS: October 24 or November 7, 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Harding: October 22 or November 4, 4:00pm - 7:30pm