Murfreesboro City Schools

08/28/2026

Another great week in MCS! Take a look at a few of the moments that made this week special.

08/27/2026

The Best Part | Jernika Frazier

The best part of Ms. Jernika Frazier's job isn't found in lesson plans or classroom decorations. It's found in the smiles that walk through her classroom door each morning.

As a Pre-K teacher, Ms. Frazier has the privilege of welcoming some of our littlest learners on their very first day of school. She knows those first experiences matter, and every hug, laugh, story, and encouraging word helps shape how a child feels about learning.

One of her greatest joys is watching a classroom of strangers become a family. The friendships that begin in Pre-K often continue long after students leave her classroom, reminding her that she's helping build more than school readiness. She's helping build confidence, belonging, and community.

The moments she treasures most are often the smallest ones. Hearing a three year old repeat a kind phrase they've learned in class. Watching a child solve a problem on their own. Seeing lessons click in ways only young children can.

Years ago, a speaker reminded her that children aren't the perfectly behaved students from textbook videos. They're real children who need grace, patience, routines, and someone who believes in them. It's a lesson she's never forgotten.

And sometimes, years later, she gets a beautiful reminder that those little moments were never little at all. Receiving an invitation to a former student's high school graduation, along with a note thanking her for making his very first school experience a positive one, reminded her why she chose this work.

For our littlest learners, the first days of school can shape a lifetime of learning. Thanks to teachers like Ms. Frazier, those first steps are filled with love, laughter, and the belief that school is a place where they belong.

08/27/2026

Yesterday was "Student Choice Day!" across the district. Once a month, our students get to have a say in what’s on the lunch menu!

Each school puts its own spin on the process. Some let the winning houses choose, while others poll classrooms. However they do it, the goal is the same: students get a voice in what they eat!

Students can choose from current menu favorites or bring back a meal from the past. If it’s a favorite, it’s fair game! And that means the choices can look a little different from school to school.

Yesterday's menus included favorites like:
Walking Nachos
Teriyaki Dippers and Eggrolls
Pizza Dippers with salads from the tower gardens
Teriyaki Chicken with sautéed veggies from the school garden

We love seeing our Nutrition Department find creative ways to give students a voice while serving up meals they’re excited to eat!

08/21/2026

The City Schools Foundation grants are open!

These grants are designed to support innovative ideas, creative classroom projects, and initiatives that enhance learning opportunities for Murfreesboro City Schools students.

Have a great idea for your classroom? We want to help bring it to life!

City Schools Foundation grants are OPEN and due Sept. 9.

08/20/2026

The Moment I Knew | Sherri Janisse

Some people discover their calling later in life. For Salem Elementary fourth grade teacher Sherri Janisse, she knew in kindergarten.

As a student at Bradley Model School, Sherri was inspired by her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gaddy, whose kindness and love made every child feel special.
"I remember coming home and telling my mom I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up," Sherri said. "I never changed my mind."

That dream grew stronger with every teacher who encouraged her, from playing math games with her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Joe Thompson, to learning history from her sixth grade teacher, Mr. Jim Bjork. Years later, Mr. Bjork even hired her as an ESP employee while she was in college. Today, he still occasionally stops by her classroom to visit with her students.

Now entering her 26th year of teaching, Sherri strives to make every child feel the same way Mrs. Gaddy made her feel.

"I have always tried to treat every student in my classroom as if they were my own child," she said.

One recent encounter reminded her why that matters. While going through a fast food drive thru, a former student recognized her and shared words she'll never forget:
"You were the only one who believed in me, and thank you for that."

Moments like that are why Sherri never forgets her "why."

"Develop those relationships with all of your students first," she says. "If a child knows and feels that you care for them, the possibilities are truly endless."

Thank you, Mrs. Janisse, for believing in children and continuing the legacy that began with one inspiring kindergarten teacher.

08/18/2026

Community Spotlight | Experience Community Church Art Ministry

We’re so thankful for the team behind the beautiful new mural in our Family Resource Center!

The Experience Community Church Art Ministry brings together more than 120 volunteers who use their creativity to serve schools, nonprofits and organizations throughout our community. Since 2018, the group has painted 8 exterior murals and more than 42 interior murals, including a mural at Scales Elementary!

We’re grateful they continue to share their time and talent with Murfreesboro City Schools and help create spaces that feel welcoming, colorful and full of life.

Thank you, Experience Community Church Art Ministry, for sharing your creativity with our students, families and schools!

08/17/2026

We’re excited to partner with MTSU Women’s Soccer for a FREE soccer clinic for MCS students in kindergarten through 6th grade!

Students will have the chance to learn from MTSU student athletes, get moving and have some fun on the field.

📅 August 25
⏰ 4:30–5:30 p.m.
📍 Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium

Space is limited, register now!

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/xuCBiPQF9L

We’re so thankful for community partners like MTSU who continue to find ways to connect with our students and make experiences like this possible.

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

Best of MCS | Angela Case

Angela has been part of MCS since 2014, but her connection to our district goes back even further. She attended Mitchell-Neilson Elementary herself!

For more than a decade, Angela has been helping students and families navigate enrollment and attendance, always leading with kindness, patience and a servant’s heart.

Her colleagues say she is someone they can always count on, and Northfield Principal Mrs. Miffleton says Angela has a special way of making every family feel valued from the moment they walk through the doors.

As we begin a new school year, we are especially thankful for Angela and all of the attendance teams across MCS. So much of their important work happens behind the scenes, but it makes a difference every day.

Angela, thank you for caring so deeply for our students, families and staff. We are so grateful for you!

Congratulations on being named one of the Best of MCS!

08/12/2026

We’ve loved welcoming our kindergarten students over the past two days!

Kindergarten phase in has been full of smiles, hugs, and new beginnings, and we can’t wait to welcome all of our kindergarteners back tomorrow for another half day together.

We’ve also enjoyed seeing big siblings walk their little brothers and sisters to class.🥹 There’s nothing quite like watching our MCS family take care of one another!

Do you have a first day photo? Share it below!