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Parent tour registration links:
North: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B4FAEAD23A0F49-62155122-lakers#/
Southwest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948ADAE2DA46-62176462-lakers#/
Season's Readings recently delivered free books to all Calloway County kindergarten students. The annual program, led by CCBOE member Mitch Ryan, gifts books to all kindergarten students in Calloway and Murray schools based on their interests each Christmas.
CCHS and MSU student athletes help out with the book deliveries to help students write their names inside the front covers and organize their books.
Calloway County Schools are excited to announce state accountability results and school ratings from the 2024-25 school year.
All five Calloway County schools received “blue” or “green” ratings, placing them among the top schools in Kentucky. The ratings are based on a five color scale, including the lowest level red, then orange, yellow, green, and the highest level, blue.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School and North Calloway Elementary School both earned “Blue” overall ratings for the 24-25 school year, the highest possible rating. East Calloway Elementary School, Calloway County Middle School, and Calloway County High School all received “Green” ratings, the second highest rating.
“I am extremely proud of our student achievement and our accountability results,” said Superintendent Tres Settle. “Our faculty and staff work incredibly hard to provide all of our students with opportunities to succeed. We are always looking for ways to improve our schools and will continue to do so, but it is exciting to see that work is paying off for our students and their families.”
The ratings are assigned by the Kentucky Department of Education based on a variety of accountability measures in a weighted formula. Students are tested in reading, math, science, social studies, and combined writing. The achievement formula also includes change from the prior year data. A “Quality of School Climate and Safety” survey is included for school accountability, and English Learner Progress is included in the calculation for schools with a minimum of thirty EL students. Postsecondary readiness and graduation rates are a part of high school level accountability.
All five schools saw increases in student achievement from 2024 to 2025 and have achievement data well ahead of the state averages in Kentucky.
Five Calloway County teachers were recognized as graduates of the Leadership Initiative for Teachers by the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. Teachers were recognized as part for the Chamber's annual salute to education during the November Business at Lunch event.
LIFT teachers explore community resources during Chamber led training beginning in July. Teachers learn about non-profits, community resources, and business opportunities during the training with the goal that teachers will communicate what they've learned to students and colleagues.
Pictured are 2025 LIFT graduates Kayla Luker (Southwest), Julia Garland (East), Emily Hearn (CCMS), Laken Falwell (North), and Jacob Falwell (CCHS).
Calloway/Murray FRYSC Back to School Block Party
July 17th, 4-7pm at CFSB Center at Murray State
Games for kids, School Supplies Assistance, School Physicals, Health Care Resources, Community Resources, Refreshments
First Day of School for K-12 Students: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Calloway County Preschool
July 14 - Packet Pickup - 8am-4:30pm
July 31 - Open House - 5-7pm
East Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Registration - 2:30-6:30pm
July 29 - Back to School Night K-2 - 5-6:30pm
July 31 - Back to School Night 3-5 - 5-6:30pm
North Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Fee Day - 8am-6pm
July 28 - Back to School Night - 3rd grade at 5pm, 4th grade at 6pm, 5th grade at 7pm
July 29 - Back to School Night - 1st grade at 5pm, 2nd grade at 6pm
July 31 - Back to School Night - Kindergarten at 5:30pm
Southwest Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Fee Day - 8am-6pm
July 28 - Back to School Night - K-2 - 5pm
July 29 - Back to School Night - 3-5 - 5pm
Calloway County Middle School
July 28 - Registration Day - Grades 7-8 - 4-7pm
August 1 - Smooth Sailing Day Camp - 6th Grade - 8am-1pm
August 1 - Registration Day - 6th Grade - 1-3pm
Calloway County High School
July 14 - New Student Registration - 8am-3pm
July 22 - Freshman and Senior Schedule Pickup - 11am-6pm
July 23 - Sophomore and Junior Schedule Pickup - 11am-6pm
July 24 - New Student Schedule Pickup - 8-11am, 12-2pm
July 29 - New Student Registration - 8am-3pm
July 31 - Freshman Orientation - 6-7:30pm
Calloway County Schools director of transportation Matt Turner was recognized as the 2025 Rookie Transportation Director of the Year by the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky at their annual conference in Louisville on June 26th.
Turner was nominated by the district's bus driver trainers for outstanding dedication, service, and leadership in the district's transportation department.
Pictured left to right from the Calloway County Schools transportation department are Richard Burkeen, Amanda Morgan, Turner, and Ryan Rogers.
Calloway County Schools have hired Tiffany Brown as the district’s new Director of Special Education for the 25-26 school year. Brown replaces Lynsey Smith, who moved to an assistant principal position at Calloway County High School.
Brown brings a wealth of experience to the district in her new position. She has served Paducah Public Schools as the Early Childhood Disability Coordinator since 2008. Before her administrative role, she was a preschool teacher for six years in Graves County. Brown has two Master’s degrees and a Bachelor’s degree, all from Murray State University.
“We are excited to add Ms. Brown to our administrative team,” Superintendent Tres Settle said. “She has an incredible amount of experience, and she has been highly recommended by her former colleagues. I am confident she will be a great fit for our school community.”
“I’m honored to join the Laker family alongside other great educators and leaders to prepare kids for a bright future,” Brown said. “This is more than a job to me; it’s a higher calling to advocate for exceptional students, be a resource for families, and support staff in this important work. I’m excited to get to know the students and faculty and together find innovative ways to meet the unique needs of all learners to create an environment where they can not only maximize their potential but thrive.”
Brown grew up in Graves County and now lives in Cunningham with her husband Casey. She has two adult children, Chaney and Chayton, and an infant grandson. She will begin her new position officially on July 1st.
Congrats to our Calloway teachers chosen for the Chamber's 2025 LIFT program!
The Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Institute for Teachers provides professional learning aimed to bridge the gap between education and workforce through experiential learning.
Calloway teachers participating in 2025 are:
Emily Hearn, CCMS
Kayla Luker, Southwest
Julia Garland, East
Laken Falwell, North
Jacob Falwell, CCHS
Calloway County Schools will receive $70,000 from the 2025 Kentucky Numeracy Counts grant from the Kentucky Department of Education. The grant can be used for purchasing high-quality research and evidence-based curriculum for kindergarten through third grade and professional training for teachers. Forty districts in Kentucky will receive funds from this competitive grant.
Students and teachers from all three Calloway County elementary schools will benefit from this grant.
"We are excited about this grant and our progress in our primary math classrooms," said Calloway County superintendent Tres Settle. "We have seen remarkable growth in our elementary math achievement this school year, and we believe this grant will continue to fuel that success."
Funds will be available to the district beginning on July 1, 2025.
Pictured are East principal Monica Williams, Southwest principal Mark Mallory, and North principal Melinda Hendley.
Calloway County Schools has received the 2025 Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy Grant award from the Kentucky Department of Education. The grant totals $1.3 million through 2028, with an initial award of $260,000 in June.
"We are grateful and excited for this literacy grant," said Superintendent Tres Settle. "Literacy is our top academic priority and we have made incredible progress over the last few years recovering from the pandemic. This grant will allow us to continue improve our resources and strategies to ensure all students can achieve high levels of literacy success."
The grant funds are restricted and can only be used for purchasing high-quality instructional resources, job-embedded curriculum based professional learning, family engagement in literacy development, and other associated costs.
The grant funds must be allocated on all levels - early childhood, elementary, middle, and high. All Calloway County District schools will benefit from the grant. In addition, the grant includes local childcare partners Busy Bees, Under the Son, Milestones, and Lily Pad, in addition to Calloway County Preschool.
Thirty-nine of the state's 173 school districts were awarded in the competitive grant process.
The Calloway County Conversation District held its annual Awards Banquet on March 18th and recognized numerous Lakers from around the district.
In the art contest, Alina Pugh (East), Ella Osborne (Southwest), and Alina Marquardt (North) were named school winners.
CCHS student Emerson Herndon and CCMS student Leah Hughes were the school writing award winners.
CCMS teacher Scott Pile was given a Conservation District Honor Award for his work in conversation education in his science classroom.
Calloway County Schools has named Teresa Gore the March Laker Champion for Kids. Gore is a preschool teacher for students at Calloway County Preschool.
The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
Gore was nominated by a colleague at CCPS, Mary Grace Starks, the school’s speech-language pathologist.
“I have called her a colleague for ten years and my son's preschool teacher for the last two,” said Starks. “Professionally, she advocates for her students way beyond the classroom. I have been able to work with her serving a variety of students ranging from non-disabled students, students who have a speech impairment, to students with complex learning needs. No matter the student she has in her class, they will receive individualized education that meets their specific needs. She advocates for what is best for the student, even when it may mean more work for herself. She is comfortable making herself uncomfortable. She creates opportunities for students with complex communication needs to engage and participate with their typically developing peers.”
“She is a top-notch Early Childhood educator and true teacher leader in our building,” said CCPS principal Leisha Barlow. “She is immensely dedicated to her students and families, ensuring that they receive the services and opportunities crucial to them. She is respected by her peers and colleagues who value her advice and suggestions on effective teaching strategies, data collection, and IT issues. Whenever there is a new initiative in early childhood to be implemented, she is always at the table providing advice and suggestions to help with implementation. Even though she is an experienced teacher, she never ceases to be a learner. Her dedication to the students, families, and staff at CCPS is noticed and appreciated by everyone.”
Contact our elementary schools or our central office if you have questions!
The Calloway County Retired Teachers Association has chosen school and county winners for the annual county-wide AARP Grandparent Essay contest. The competition is open to all fifth-grade students in Calloway County.
Dallas Tripp from East Calloway Elementary was chosen as the overall county-wide winner and received $50. She will be showcased at the March 10th CCRTA meeting to read her essay to the members. Her essay "There's No Grandpa Like Mine" will now go to the 1st District to compete with other western Kentucky county winners.
Genesis Story had the winning essay from Southwest Calloway Elementary. Katelyn Laster wrote the winning essay from North Calloway Elementary. Both school winners received $25 as their prize.
Forty-two students from Calloway County Middle School and all three Calloway County elementary schools were selected to participate in the KMEA First District Honor Choir at Murray State on November 21st.
385 students from 29 western Kentucky schools were selected to participate.
East Calloway Elementary students chosen were Lily Carstens, Lawsyn Houk, Charleigh Miner, Katie Montoya, Jonah Sanders, Bailee Stone, Dallas Tripp, and Brantley Winchester.
North Calloway Elementary students chosen were Brielynn Runkle, Molly Falwell, Emma Suiter, Amelia Catlin, Olivia Catlin, Kate Darnell, Ellie Gandy, and Jessa Mills.
Southwest Calloway Elementary students chosen were Kaidence Ford, Maya Hughes, Meredith Riley, JR Wade, Braelynn Yates, Lennon Smallwood, and Cooper Wheatley.
Calloway County Middle School students chosen were Anya Fielders, Gus Russell, Payton Hixson, Bailee Cope, Maria Worley, Liliana Stamer, Lilliahna Burrall, Caroline Demarest, Willow Howland, Sammi Wright, Summer Carter, Daisy Parrish, Carter Kernell, Jacie Watkins, Zoey Joyner, Lorynn Russell, Kensley Hutson, William Solomon, and Noah Howland.
Five Calloway County teachers were recently recognized as graduates of the Leadership Initiative for Teachers from Murray Works and the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce.
Ten teachers total, five from Calloway and five from Murray, spent time this fall in the initiative to help bridge the gap between education and workforce through experiential learning. The teachers met with local leaders in business, non-profits, and government and explored numerous sites in the community. These teachers can now communicate to their students what resources and opportunities there are for them in the community.
Pictured are Calloway County LIFT graduates Jonathan Grooms (CCHS), Amanda Coleman (CCHS), Jenna Crouch (North), Teala Osborne (CCAIF), and Amber Gibbs (CCMS).
Four teachers from Calloway County Schools have received the Kentucky Reading Association's "30 Under 30" award. Pictured, left to right, are award winners Megan Milliken (East), Abby Montgomery (CCHS), Callie Wohlfarth (North), and Eden Boyd (Southwest).
The Kentucky Reading Association (KRA) recognized all award winners at their annual conference in Lexington on October 18th. Calloway County Schools boasts 4 of the 30 teachers recognized with this state-wide award.
KRA is a regional affiliate of the International Literacy Association and works to be a voice for literacy in Kentucky.
KRA chooses their award winners under these criteria:
"Being named among this distinguished group is as a reflection of their relentless dedication, creativity, and passion for literacy. Their innovative teaching methods, unwavering perseverance, and deep commitment to nurturing a love of reading in students have set them apart as leaders in the field. This recognition is not just a testament to their hard work, but also to the profound impact they are making in the lives of countless young learners.
"Their work goes beyond simply teaching children how to read; they are igniting imaginations, encouraging critical thinking, and opening doors to limitless possibilities. The influence they have on students is immeasurable, and their efforts are helping to shape a brighter future for them, one word at a time."
Kentucky Department of Education released school and district accountability data for the 23-24 school year on October 3rd.
As a district, Calloway County measured as a "Green" district in elementary and middle schools. The district measured as "Yellow" in the high school level.
Calloway County Farm Bureau presented $50 checks for classroom supplies to Yvonna Hooper (left, Southwest), Robyn Darnell (center, North), and Kara Boykin (right, East) for being selected in a "Favorite Teacher" contest. CCFB asked Facebook followers to tag their favorite elementary teachers and all three teachers received nominations from parents or former students. CCFB Women's Chair Rebecca Geurin visited the teachers this week and presented them with their awards.
Four schools in the Calloway County School District were named "One of America's Healthiest Schools" in 2024 by Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This annual recognition honors schools for implementing best practices to support the health of students, staff, and families. Eight hundred and seventy-nine schools across 30 states were awarded this year. Schools receive recognition in up to nine categories.
East Calloway Elementary, North Calloway Elementary, Southwest Calloway Elementary, and Calloway County High School all received this award for 2024. Each school applied for the award in the spring of last school year.
Calloway County Schools have received $120,000 as a part of a grant from the Kentucky Department of Education. All three Calloway elementary schools have received $40,000 for the 24-25 fiscal year from the Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Fund Grant. The purpose of the grant is to encourage schools to use high-quality instructional resources for literacy in grades K-3.
Only 96 elementary schools received funds from this highly competitive grant. Calloway boasts the only three schools west of Kentucky Lake to receive the award.
Each Calloway elementary school has used their grant funds to purchase Lexia Core 5 for all students in grades K-2 for the next five school years. Lexia Core 5 is an online, adaptive, and self-paced program for students to learn, practice, and improve their foundational literacy skills. The program will be used as a supplement to regular in-person teacher-led instruction.
Ryan Marchetti was the grant writer for all three schools and believes the program will boost the district’s reading achievement.
“We really value early literacy in our district, and this program will be a great boost for our students and teachers,” said Marchetti. “It is a real challenge to continually provide students with differentiated instruction, and this program makes that possible. I am truly excited to see how this will boost our early literacy achievement.”
Pictured left to right are Southwest principal Mark Mallory, North principal Melinda Hendley, Director of PD/PR Ryan Marchetti, and East principal Monica Williams.
Calloway County Schools has named Tina Ryan the August Laker Champion for Kids. Ryan is a school nurse who splits time between East and Southwest elementary schools.
The Laker Champion for Kids is awarded each month to a Laker staff member who goes above and beyond for students and colleagues.
Ryan was nominated by Jodinna Clayton, the nurse at North Calloway Elementary.
“She is always ready to lend a hand to her fellow co-workers,” said Clayton. “No matter how busy she may be and will tell us we can call her anytime. She is always cheering us on and letting us know how appreciative she is for us.”
“She takes time to thoroughly meet the needs of students who have health concerns,” wrote East principal Monica Williams. “She is kind and compassionate whether it’s an itchy mosquito bite, loose tooth, scraped knee, or everyday medication. She jumps in to lend a hand whenever needed and takes her job seriously. She is a true team player with teachers and parents alike. Her presence makes East a better place.”
Southwest principal Mark Mallory also commends Ryan for her efforts at his school.
“She exemplifies the true spirit of this award through her unwavering dedication and service to the students of Calloway County,” said Mallory. “Her ability to handle tough situations with grace and empathy has not gone unnoticed, whether sharing a laugh or offering comfort in challenging times. Students entering the nurse's office know they will be met with fairness, love, and respect, creating a safe haven within our schools. Her professionalism shines brightest when navigating difficult conversations with parents, maintaining her composure and commitment to student well-being even in the face of adversity. Her tireless efforts and genuine care for our students make her a most deserving recipient of this honor.”
Calloway/Murray FRYSC Back to School Block Party
July 30th, 4-7pm at CFSB Center at Murray State
Games for kids, School Supplies Assistance, School Physicals, Health Care Resources, Community Resources, Refreshments
Calloway County Preschool Center
Pickup Registration Packets
July 18 (Thursday) registration packet pick-up 8:00am – 4:30
“Open House” – August 1 (Thursday) 5:00-7:00
East Calloway Elementary School
Registration for All Students K-5 - Returning & New (includes any K not already registered)
July 18 (Thursday) 7-10am and 3:30-6:30pm - complete all paperwork and pay school fees
"Back to School Nights” Meet the Teacher
July 29 (Monday) 4:30-6:30pm– Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade
August 1 (Thursday) 4:30-6:30pm – Kindergarten, First and Second Grade
North Calloway Elementary School
Registration for All Students K-5 - Returning & New (includes and K not already registered)
July 18 (Thursday) 10:00 am–6:00 pm complete all paperwork and pay school fees
July 19 (Friday) 8:00 am–3:30 pm complete all paperwork and pay school fees
"Back to School Nights” Meet the Teacher
July 29 (Monday) Third Grade at 5:00 pm, Fourth Grade at 5:30 pm, and Fifth Grade at 6:15 pm
August 1 (Thursday) Second Grade at 5:00 pm, First Grade at 5:45pm and Kindergarten at 6:30 pm
Southwest Calloway Elementary School
Registration for All Students K-5 - Returning & New (includes any K not already registered)
July 18 (Thursday) 10:00am–6:00 pm complete all paperwork and pay school fees
July 19 (Friday) 8:00 am- 3:00p.m. complete all paperwork and pay school fees
"Back to School Nights” Meet the Teacher
July 29 (Monday) 5:30 pm – First and Second Grade
July 30 (Tuesday) 5:30 pm – Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade
August 1 (Thursday) 5:30 pm– Kindergarten
Summer Office Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Tuesday – Thursday (hours may vary during holiday weeks)
Calloway County Middle School
Smooth Sailing Transition Event for incoming 6th graders
August 1 (Thursday) 8:00 am-1:00 pm; please call (270)762-7333 to register in advance
Registration and Orientation; pay school fee & pickup schedules
July 23 (Tuesday) 12:00-7:00 pm
Back to School Night
August 5 (Monday) 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Summer Office Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on Monday – Friday (hours may vary during holiday weeks)
Regular Office Hours begin on August 1: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Calloway County High School
New Student Registration:
July 9 (Tuesday) New Student Enrollment – Day 1
July 30 (Tuesday) – New Student Enrollment – Day 2
The following are dates for students to pick up their schedules and pay fees:
July 23 (Tuesday) Freshman and Seniors Schedule Pick-up
July 24 (Wednesday) Sophomores and Juniors Schedule Pick-up ▪ July 25 (Thursday) New
Student Schedule Pick-up
August 1 (Thursday) – Back to School Night – 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Calloway County Preschool will receive $290,000 in July from the Kentucky Department of Education as a part of the Preschool Quality Partnership Grant. This highly competitive grant was open statewide, and Calloway County was one of fifteen districts in the state to receive the grant.
The grant will fund a full day classroom as a part of Little Laker Harbour for two fiscal years, including the teacher, assistants, bus drivers, and bus monitors.
The grant was written by Lynsey Smith (left), the district's director of special education, and Leisha Barlow (right, Calloway County Preschool principal.