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!
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
