Inside the May issue of Mendenhall Minutes: Celebrating our students and staff at the Superintendent’s Honors Banquet, and a thank you to our students, staff, and community for making this school year such a success.
Save the Dates:
Last Day of School – May 20, 2026
High School Graduation – May 22, 2026
Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
Inclement Weather Days (if needed) – May 21–26, 2026
Save the Dates:
Last Day of School – May 20, 2026
High School Graduation – May 22, 2026
Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
Inclement Weather Days (if needed) – May 21–26, 2026
Thank you, School Lunch Heroes! 💚
Today we’re celebrating our Child Nutrition team who show up every day to make sure our students are fed, cared for, and ready to learn.
We appreciate all that you do for our students and schools!
Today we’re celebrating our Child Nutrition team who show up every day to make sure our students are fed, cared for, and ready to learn.
We appreciate all that you do for our students and schools!
2026 Superintendent Honors Banquet!
Congratulations to the 115 outstanding students recognized at this year’s banquet! Each of these scholars earned a GPA above 4.0, demonstrating remarkable dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. We’re proud to celebrate your achievements and can’t wait to see what the future holds! 💚
View all of the Honors Banquet photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EOSXI56FfCn0J11VMEsIAb1xjnL_Wstl?usp=drive_link
#TheMuskogeeWay
Congratulations to the 115 outstanding students recognized at this year’s banquet! Each of these scholars earned a GPA above 4.0, demonstrating remarkable dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. We’re proud to celebrate your achievements and can’t wait to see what the future holds! 💚
View all of the Honors Banquet photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EOSXI56FfCn0J11VMEsIAb1xjnL_Wstl?usp=drive_link
#TheMuskogeeWay
✨ Congratulations to our 2026–27 District Honorees! ✨
Join us in celebrating Kimberly Davison, our 2026–27 District Teacher of the Year, and Christopher Mims, our 2026-27 District Support Employee of the Year!
Congratulations as well to all of our Site Educators of the Year and Support Employees of the Year—thank you all for the incredible work you do each day!
View all of the Honors Banquet photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EOSXI56FfCn0J11VMEsIAb1xjnL_Wstl?usp=drive_link
#TheMuskogeeWay
Join us in celebrating Kimberly Davison, our 2026–27 District Teacher of the Year, and Christopher Mims, our 2026-27 District Support Employee of the Year!
Congratulations as well to all of our Site Educators of the Year and Support Employees of the Year—thank you all for the incredible work you do each day!
View all of the Honors Banquet photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EOSXI56FfCn0J11VMEsIAb1xjnL_Wstl?usp=drive_link
#TheMuskogeeWay
Here is a snippet of our Instructional Calendar for May:
- May 20: Last Day of School
- May 22: High School Graduation
- May 25: Memorial Day
(May 21-26: Inclement Weather Days As Needed)
To view the full 2025-26 Instructional Calendar, visit https://www.muskogeeps.org/o/mps/page/instructional-calendars
- May 20: Last Day of School
- May 22: High School Graduation
- May 25: Memorial Day
(May 21-26: Inclement Weather Days As Needed)
To view the full 2025-26 Instructional Calendar, visit https://www.muskogeeps.org/o/mps/page/instructional-calendars
FINALIST FOR SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR (in no particular order): Christopher Mims, 8th & 9th Grade Academy
Christopher Mims has been with Muskogee Public Schools since August 2024. He currently serves as an ISP Monitor at the 8th & 9th Grade Academy, where his presence and support help promote a structured environment for students. His dedication to students and staff is evident in his daily work.
The District Support Employee of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Christopher Mims has been with Muskogee Public Schools since August 2024. He currently serves as an ISP Monitor at the 8th & 9th Grade Academy, where his presence and support help promote a structured environment for students. His dedication to students and staff is evident in his daily work.
The District Support Employee of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Last night, we celebrated an incredible group of students at our annual Rougher 300 Banquet! 🎉 This special evening honors students in grades 9–12 who have dedicated their time and talents to serving the Muskogee community through volunteer work.
Through a partnership with the Nonprofit Resource Center, the Rougher 300 initiative encourages students to get involved and give back. Students who complete 300+ hours of service by graduation earn the title of Rougher 300 honoree and receive a silver cord to wear with their cap and gown, a symbol of their dedication to service.
Every hour makes a difference, and these students are helping build a stronger community. 💚
#TheMuskogeeWay
Through a partnership with the Nonprofit Resource Center, the Rougher 300 initiative encourages students to get involved and give back. Students who complete 300+ hours of service by graduation earn the title of Rougher 300 honoree and receive a silver cord to wear with their cap and gown, a symbol of their dedication to service.
Every hour makes a difference, and these students are helping build a stronger community. 💚
#TheMuskogeeWay
FINALIST FOR SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR (in no particular order): Rebecca Mitchell, 8th & 9th Grade Academy
Rebecca Mitchell has been with Muskogee Public Schools since August 2014. She currently serves as the CNS Manager at the 8th & 9th Grade Academy, where her leadership and dedication help ensure students are well cared for each day.
The District Support Employee of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Rebecca Mitchell has been with Muskogee Public Schools since August 2014. She currently serves as the CNS Manager at the 8th & 9th Grade Academy, where her leadership and dedication help ensure students are well cared for each day.
The District Support Employee of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Happy School Transportation Appreciation Day! 🚌
Today we’re celebrating our transportation team and the important role they play in supporting our students and schools each day. From coordinating routes to maintaining vehicles and assisting students, every role in the department helps keep things running smoothly.
Join us in thanking our transportation staff for all they do! 💚
Today we’re celebrating our transportation team and the important role they play in supporting our students and schools each day. From coordinating routes to maintaining vehicles and assisting students, every role in the department helps keep things running smoothly.
Join us in thanking our transportation staff for all they do! 💚
FINALIST FOR SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR (in no particular order): Kathryn Hall, 6th & 7th Grade Academy
Kathryn Hall has been with Muskogee Public Schools since January 2011. She currently serves as a paraprofessional at the 6th & 7th Grade Academy, where her support and dedication help create a positive and dependable learning environment for students and staff.
The District Support Employee of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Kathryn Hall has been with Muskogee Public Schools since January 2011. She currently serves as a paraprofessional at the 6th & 7th Grade Academy, where her support and dedication help create a positive and dependable learning environment for students and staff.
The District Support Employee of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
SITE TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT (in no particular order): Sheila Duncan, Pershing Elementary
1. Sheila Duncan has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 12 years and brings 35 years of experience in education, including time as a teacher, school administrator, and adjunct instructor.
2. Her words to live by: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
3. When asked if teaching were a board game, she said it would be called Caffeinate, Educate, and Celebrate!
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Sheila Duncan has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 12 years and brings 35 years of experience in education, including time as a teacher, school administrator, and adjunct instructor.
2. Her words to live by: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
3. When asked if teaching were a board game, she said it would be called Caffeinate, Educate, and Celebrate!
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Tony Goetz Elementary Color Run 2026! 🌟
What an incredible day! Thank you to our teachers, staff, volunteers, and families who came together to make it all happen. We appreciate you!
What an incredible day! Thank you to our teachers, staff, volunteers, and families who came together to make it all happen. We appreciate you!
SITE TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT (in no particular order): Nickie Murry, Rougher Innovations Academy
1. Nickie Murry is in her 13th year with Muskogee Public Schools and her 24th year in education. She has been recognized as Employee of the Month in March 2025 and February 2024.
2. Her words to live by: “Do the task the correct way the first time. That leaves no room for error or doubt,” a motto she shares with her daughters.
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “The Champion,” reminding her students that they are capable, supported, and never in it alone.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Nickie Murry is in her 13th year with Muskogee Public Schools and her 24th year in education. She has been recognized as Employee of the Month in March 2025 and February 2024.
2. Her words to live by: “Do the task the correct way the first time. That leaves no room for error or doubt,” a motto she shares with her daughters.
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “The Champion,” reminding her students that they are capable, supported, and never in it alone.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Muskogee Public Schools is proud to recognize our students selected to represent our district at the 2026 Oklahoma American Legion Boys State and Girls State programs.
These outstanding students were chosen through a competitive selection process and will join peers from across the state for a week of leadership development, government simulation, and teamwork.
Boys State Delegates:
Cory Peterson, Ja’Shaun Harris, Fisher Bemo, Benjamin Workings, Keaton Davis, Zackary Paschal, Ja’Viaun Harris, Jackson Rockwell, Mitchell Gatzman, Josue Ochoa
Girls State Delegates:
Kinley Wilson, Shaye Sargent, Rylan Williams, Brighton Davis
We are also proud to recognize Muskogee educator Dawson Leffingwell for his continued involvement as a Boys State Band Director and Senior Counselor.
Congratulations to all for representing Muskogee Public Schools!
These outstanding students were chosen through a competitive selection process and will join peers from across the state for a week of leadership development, government simulation, and teamwork.
Boys State Delegates:
Cory Peterson, Ja’Shaun Harris, Fisher Bemo, Benjamin Workings, Keaton Davis, Zackary Paschal, Ja’Viaun Harris, Jackson Rockwell, Mitchell Gatzman, Josue Ochoa
Girls State Delegates:
Kinley Wilson, Shaye Sargent, Rylan Williams, Brighton Davis
We are also proud to recognize Muskogee educator Dawson Leffingwell for his continued involvement as a Boys State Band Director and Senior Counselor.
Congratulations to all for representing Muskogee Public Schools!
SITE TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT (in no particular order): Kimberly Davison, Cherokee Elementary
1. Kimberly Davison has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 26 years, including 9 years in support roles and 17 years as a classroom teacher. She has been recognized multiple times, including Site Educator of the Year at Grant Foreman Elementary, Ben Franklin Science Academy, and Cherokee, as well as receiving an Education Foundation grant and being named Certified Teacher of the Month.
2. Her words to live by: “Always work hard because hard work pays off.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Good Morning” by The Singing Walrus.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Kimberly Davison has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 26 years, including 9 years in support roles and 17 years as a classroom teacher. She has been recognized multiple times, including Site Educator of the Year at Grant Foreman Elementary, Ben Franklin Science Academy, and Cherokee, as well as receiving an Education Foundation grant and being named Certified Teacher of the Month.
2. Her words to live by: “Always work hard because hard work pays off.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Good Morning” by The Singing Walrus.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
The Education Foundation of Muskogee was recognized today as a 2026 Outstanding Program Award recipient by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
This recognition highlights the continued impact of Trivia Night, which has supported Muskogee Public Schools classrooms for more than two decades through community involvement and classroom grants.
The Foundation will be formally honored at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Celebration on May 2 in Oklahoma City.
We are proud of this well-deserved recognition and grateful for a community that continues to invest in our students. 💚
This recognition highlights the continued impact of Trivia Night, which has supported Muskogee Public Schools classrooms for more than two decades through community involvement and classroom grants.
The Foundation will be formally honored at the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Celebration on May 2 in Oklahoma City.
We are proud of this well-deserved recognition and grateful for a community that continues to invest in our students. 💚
Rougher RISE 6.0 Summer Enrollment Now Open!
We are excited to offer our comprehensive summer school program again this year. The program is free to all students who attend Muskogee Public Schools and will be taught by our own MPS teachers and staff. We hope you will consider enrolling your student in this year’s Rougher RISE 6.0.
The program will take place June 1–25, 2026, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Elementary and high school programs are available this year. The high school program is for credit recovery only. Please note there is no summer programming for grades 6–8.
Learn more and enroll here: https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/rougher-rise
We are excited to offer our comprehensive summer school program again this year. The program is free to all students who attend Muskogee Public Schools and will be taught by our own MPS teachers and staff. We hope you will consider enrolling your student in this year’s Rougher RISE 6.0.
The program will take place June 1–25, 2026, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Elementary and high school programs are available this year. The high school program is for credit recovery only. Please note there is no summer programming for grades 6–8.
Learn more and enroll here: https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/rougher-rise
Happy #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay 💚
From keeping our schools and offices running smoothly to supporting students, staff, and families, our administrative professionals make a difference every day.
Take a moment today to thank an administrative professional for all they do—we appreciate all you do!
From keeping our schools and offices running smoothly to supporting students, staff, and families, our administrative professionals make a difference every day.
Take a moment today to thank an administrative professional for all they do—we appreciate all you do!
Tonight, the Muskogee Board of Education officially accepted John David Jamison as its newest member. We’re excited to welcome him and look forward to the leadership and perspective he will bring to Muskogee Public Schools.
SITE TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT (in no particular order): Kerstin Morrow, Irving Elementary
1. Kerstin Morrow graduated from NSU last spring and has been with Muskogee Public Schools for a little over a year.
2. Her words to live by are: “Radiate positivity, and be the change you want to see.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Kerstin Morrow graduated from NSU last spring and has been with Muskogee Public Schools for a little over a year.
2. Her words to live by are: “Radiate positivity, and be the change you want to see.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
