Prexy Pages
New Year, New Possibilities
Dear Prexies,
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a restful break, extended by Monday's snow day. I trust everyone stayed safe and warm while enjoying the snow. It was great to welcome students back on Tuesday!
I am incredibly grateful that everyone involved in Wednesday's bus accident is okay. Please know that we are continuing to investigate the incident thoroughly, as safety remains our top priority. I will continue to update the community as we have more information.
The new year is a fresh start. As we return and begin a new semester, it’s a good time to help your kids reflect on what they want to accomplish for the rest of the school year. Goal setting is a powerful way to help children take charge of their learning while building accountability and self-improvement skills. Here are some simple strategies to guide these conversations:
Focus on a Growth Mindset: Encourage effort and learning over perfection. When your child says, “I can’t do this,” remind them to add “yet.” This small word shifts their focus toward progress and the steps they can take to improve.
Use the WOOP Method: Help your child map out goals with these four steps:
Wish: What’s your goal?
Outcome: What does success look like?
Obstacle: What challenges might come up?
Plan: How will you overcome them?
Reflect Together: Ask your child to share three things that went well each day and why. This builds gratitude, motivation, and awareness of their progress.
These approaches can look different depending on your child’s age, but by setting goals and reflecting on their progress, your child will gain confidence, persistence, and skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Let’s make this year one of growth and achievement.
Best,
Brian Murphy
Superintendent
Marion City Schools
New Year, New Possibilities: Setting Goals for Success in Marion City Schools
As we kick off the new year, Marion City Schools is embracing fresh opportunities to drive success for our students, staff, and community. At the district level, we are guided by our Strategic Plan, which focuses on four key pillars of success: Achievement and Growth, Whole Student Wellness, Staff Wellness and Support, and Community Connections. Each pillar is supported by measurable goals to ensure we are making meaningful progress.
Here’s how we’re turning vision into action for 2025:
Academic Gains at a Glance
We’re proud to share some of the academic progress happening across Marion City Schools.
Preschool Enrollment Up: Preschool attendance has grown from 258 to 276 students over the last two years, setting students on a strong academic path. This year, nearly 70% of kindergarteners attended preschool, up from previous years. Research shows preschool attendance boosts high school graduation rates and builds a foundation for lifelong success.
Elementary Gains: Third-grade state testing scores increased by 4% compared to Fall 2023, while the state average dropped by 5%—a 9% overall difference. Special thanks to our dedicated K-3 teachers for their impact.
Middle School PBIS Success: At Grant Middle School, 87% of students met behavior goals and earned rewards like dances, games, and special activities. New initiatives include sending postcards home to celebrate students’ positive efforts, strengthening school-home connections.
Teacher Academy Launch: Our new Teacher Academy allows high school students to earn up to a full year of college credit through CCP courses at Ohio State Marion. This “grow your own” program aims to address teacher shortages by inspiring future educators to remain in our district.
These milestones reflect the progress we’re making. While there’s still much work to do, let’s celebrate these achievements and keep moving forward together.
Honoring Lisa Miller, Marion City Schools Bus Driver
Lisa Miller, a dedicated bus driver for Marion City Schools, goes above and beyond to support our students. From ensuring safe transportation to volunteering for extra trips, including a Sunday trip for the girls’ wrestling team, Lisa’s selflessness and positive attitude make her invaluable. Her commitment ensures every student has opportunities to succeed. On December 16, 2024, we celebrated Lisa Miller Appreciation Day to honor her exceptional service. Thank you, Lisa, for making a difference!
Lydia Price – Cross Country Standout
Harding High School’s Lydia Price has achieved incredible milestones in cross country, including being named MOAC Runner of the Year, qualifying for Division I Regionals and State, earning First Team All-Ohio honors, and receiving Academic All-Ohio recognition. Her dedication to both athletics and academics inspires her peers and brings pride to Marion City Schools. Congratulations, Lydia, on your outstanding accomplishments and the positive impact you’ve made on our community!
