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!
SITE TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT (in no particular order): Natalie Massey, 6th & 7th Grade Academy
1. Natalie Massey is a first-year teacher and began substituting for Muskogee Public Schools in 2021. She was also honored as a recipient of the Arvest Bank “We Heart Teachers” initiative, receiving $500 for classroom supplies.
2. The best teaching advice she has received is to know your students outside of their academics. One of the number one ways to have an effective classroom is by building a sincere relationship with your students.
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Linus and Lucy.” Her classroom has a distinct Snoopy theme that has grown through student art and gifts.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Natalie Massey is a first-year teacher and began substituting for Muskogee Public Schools in 2021. She was also honored as a recipient of the Arvest Bank “We Heart Teachers” initiative, receiving $500 for classroom supplies.
2. The best teaching advice she has received is to know your students outside of their academics. One of the number one ways to have an effective classroom is by building a sincere relationship with your students.
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Linus and Lucy.” Her classroom has a distinct Snoopy theme that has grown through student art and gifts.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
Muskogee Public Schools is thrilled to kick off a heartwarming new tradition: Meet at the 50!
📆 Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM
📍 Rougher Village
This special event will bring together our Muskogee High School Class of 2026 and our Early Childhood Center Class of 2039 for a moment they won’t forget on the football field.
At Meet at the 50, graduating seniors and Pre-K students will meet at the 50-yard line—symbolizing the full circle of their educational journeys, from their very first day of school to the excitement of graduation. Together, they’ll exchange heartfelt notes filled with advice, encouragement, and well wishes for the years ahead.
Families of Class of 2026 and Class of 2039 students are invited to watch this event from the stands. Bring cameras & tissues! 💚
#MeetAtThe50 #Classof2026 #Classof2039
SITE TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPOTLIGHT (in no particular order): Bethany Gilmartin, Muskogee High School
1. Bethany Gilmartin is in her first year with Muskogee Public Schools and her first year in education. She completed her M.Ed. in Special Education with honors and was recognized as the top student in her cohort for her thesis focused on connection over compliance in behavior supports.
2. Her words to live by: “Behavior is communication. Focus on the good and the good gets better.
3. When asked if teaching were a board game, she said it would be Jumanji — unpredictable, sometimes a little wild, but very rewarding.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Bethany Gilmartin is in her first year with Muskogee Public Schools and her first year in education. She completed her M.Ed. in Special Education with honors and was recognized as the top student in her cohort for her thesis focused on connection over compliance in behavior supports.
2. Her words to live by: “Behavior is communication. Focus on the good and the good gets better.
3. When asked if teaching were a board game, she said it would be Jumanji — unpredictable, sometimes a little wild, but very rewarding.
The District Teacher 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): Jennifer Sargent, 8th & 9th Grade Academy
1. Jennifer Sargent has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 8 years and has 8 years in education, including 6 years in a teaching position within the district. She serves as a Team Instructional Lead for 9th grade and has been recognized as Rougher Royalty 2024 and District Teacher of the Month in March 2026.
2. Her words to live by: “Love first. Teach second. Trust God with the rest.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Jennifer Sargent has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 8 years and has 8 years in education, including 6 years in a teaching position within the district. She serves as a Team Instructional Lead for 9th grade and has been recognized as Rougher Royalty 2024 and District Teacher of the Month in March 2026.
2. Her words to live by: “Love first. Teach second. Trust God with the rest.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.
The District Teacher 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): Whitney Bible, Creek Elementary
1. Whitney Bible is in her first year with Muskogee Public Schools and has 7 years of experience in education. She was also a Teacher of the Year nominee in her previous district.
2. Her words to live by: “Learn to accept failure; for only then can you achieve true success.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “I Like to Move It.”
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Whitney Bible is in her first year with Muskogee Public Schools and has 7 years of experience in education. She was also a Teacher of the Year nominee in her previous district.
2. Her words to live by: “Learn to accept failure; for only then can you achieve true success.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “I Like to Move It.”
The District Teacher 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): Lucy Perry, Sadler Arts Academy
1. Lucy Perry has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 2 years and has 10 years of experience in education.
2. Her words to live by: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
3. When asked if her classroom were a board game, she said it would be Success for Every Seat — the goal isn’t beating other players, but helping every student reach their full potential before the school year ends.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Lucy Perry has been with Muskogee Public Schools for 2 years and has 10 years of experience in education.
2. Her words to live by: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
3. When asked if her classroom were a board game, she said it would be Success for Every Seat — the goal isn’t beating other players, but helping every student reach their full potential before the school year ends.
The District Teacher 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): Robert Gilstrap, Rougher Alternative Academy
1. Robert Gilstrap has been with Muskogee Public Schools for a year and a half and has 28 years of experience in education.
2. His words to live by: “Control the controllables.”
3. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Robert Gilstrap has been with Muskogee Public Schools for a year and a half and has 28 years of experience in education.
2. His words to live by: “Control the controllables.”
3. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing.
The District Teacher 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): Kenadee Caves, Tony Goetz Elementary
1. Kenadee Caves has been with Muskogee Public Schools for four years and has seven years of experience in education. She was also named a Professional Oklahoma Educators Excellence in Education Merit Award Finalist.
2. Her words to live by: “Learn something from every single person you meet.”
3. In her free time, she loves quilting, gardening with native plants, and running. She has completed a full marathon and several half-marathons.
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Kenadee Caves has been with Muskogee Public Schools for four years and has seven years of experience in education. She was also named a Professional Oklahoma Educators Excellence in Education Merit Award Finalist.
2. Her words to live by: “Learn something from every single person you meet.”
3. In her free time, she loves quilting, gardening with native plants, and running. She has completed a full marathon and several half-marathons.
The District Teacher 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): Robin Allen, Early Childhood Center
1. Robin Allen is in her 27th year with Muskogee Public Schools and her 29th year in education. She earned National Board Certification in 2007, renewed it in 2017, completed her Master’s in Education in 2015, and was named Rougher Royalty in 2025.
2. Her words to live by: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “You Are My Sunshine.”
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
1. Robin Allen is in her 27th year with Muskogee Public Schools and her 29th year in education. She earned National Board Certification in 2007, renewed it in 2017, completed her Master’s in Education in 2015, and was named Rougher Royalty in 2025.
2. Her words to live by: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
3. When asked what her classroom theme song would be, she said it would be “You Are My Sunshine.”
The District Teacher of the Year will be announced April 30th during our annual Superintendent's Honors Banquet. Stay tuned!
It’s National Assistant Principals Week! 💚
Thank you to all of our assistant principals for the leadership and dedication you bring to your schools each day. Your work supports our students, staff, and schools in countless ways.
#NationalAssistantPrincipalsWeek
Thank you to all of our assistant principals for the leadership and dedication you bring to your schools each day. Your work supports our students, staff, and schools in countless ways.
#NationalAssistantPrincipalsWeek
Our youngest Roughers had the sweetest Friday thanks to our students at Rougher Alternative Academy! From egg hunts to petting bunnies—and even a visit from the Rougher Dog—it was a day full of smiles and laughter at the Early Childhood Center. 🐰💚
April is Teacher Librarian Month! 📚✨
This month, we celebrate the incredible teacher-librarians who help spark curiosity, support student learning, and foster a love of reading in our schools. A big thank you to our amazing MPS teacher-librarians:
Jana Dunlap, Gina Batie, Melissa Jones, Kimberly Pemberton, Melanie Broyles, Kim Landers, Mandy Cumbey, Cindy Summerhill, and Julie Crank.
We appreciate all you do for our students and schools! 💚
This month, we celebrate the incredible teacher-librarians who help spark curiosity, support student learning, and foster a love of reading in our schools. A big thank you to our amazing MPS teacher-librarians:
Jana Dunlap, Gina Batie, Melissa Jones, Kimberly Pemberton, Melanie Broyles, Kim Landers, Mandy Cumbey, Cindy Summerhill, and Julie Crank.
We appreciate all you do for our students and schools! 💚
Inside the April issue of Mendenhall Minutes: Celebrating our 2026 Site Educators of the Year and introducing the 2026 Support Employee of the Year finalists!
Save the Dates:
Superintendent’s Honors Banquet – April 30, 2026
Last Day of School – May 20, 2026
High School Graduation – May 22, 2026
Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
Save the Dates:
Superintendent’s Honors Banquet – April 30, 2026
Last Day of School – May 20, 2026
High School Graduation – May 22, 2026
Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
Happy #ParaprofessionalAppreciationDay 💚
From supporting learning to building connections, paraprofessionals help our students succeed in and out of the classroom.
Take a moment today to thank a paraprofessional for all they do—we are so grateful for you!
From supporting learning to building connections, paraprofessionals help our students succeed in and out of the classroom.
Take a moment today to thank a paraprofessional for all they do—we are so grateful for you!
Tony Goetz Elementary students recently attended the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, where they had the opportunity to grow as leaders alongside students from across the country.
During the academy, students participated in workshops focused on public speaking, teamwork, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Throughout the experience, they were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and strengthen their leadership skills.
We are so thankful for all of the community support that helps make opportunities like this possible for our students.
Our students returned inspired, empowered, and ready to bring their leadership skills back to Tony Goetz Elementary!
During the academy, students participated in workshops focused on public speaking, teamwork, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Throughout the experience, they were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and strengthen their leadership skills.
We are so thankful for all of the community support that helps make opportunities like this possible for our students.
Our students returned inspired, empowered, and ready to bring their leadership skills back to Tony Goetz Elementary!
Here's a snippet of our Instructional Calendar for April: No scheduled days off this month.
Looking ahead to May:
- May 20: Last Day of School
- May 22: High School Graduation
- May 25: Memorial Day
To view the full 2025-26 Instructional Calendar, visit https://www.muskogeeps.org/o/mps/page/instructional-calendars
Looking ahead to May:
- May 20: Last Day of School
- May 22: High School Graduation
- May 25: Memorial Day
To view the full 2025-26 Instructional Calendar, visit https://www.muskogeeps.org/o/mps/page/instructional-calendars
The Read, Play, Talk Bus has added more stops for spring and summer!
Join us for reading, play, and learning fun at stops throughout the community. Check out the full schedule below and come see us! 📚
For more information, visit: https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/read-play-talk
Join us for reading, play, and learning fun at stops throughout the community. Check out the full schedule below and come see us! 📚
For more information, visit: https://www.muskogeeps.org/page/read-play-talk
Our Muskogee High School Winter Guard is headed to state! 💚
This talented group has earned their spot at the State Competition next weekend in Yukon after an incredible season of dedication and growth!
We are so proud of the hard work these students have put in and can’t wait to see them take the floor with “The Beauty Between” on the state stage.
Join us in wishing them the best of luck and cheering them on as they represent Muskogee!
Muskogee High School Speech & Debate is State bound!!! 🎉
Austen Torix and Isaac Brown earned Regional Runner-Up in Humorous Duet and are headed to State.
Elizabeth Van Voast and Austen Torix also took Regional Runner-Up in Dramatic Duet, advancing to State as well.
We are so proud of these students and can’t wait to see them compete at State! 💚
