Help us celebrate a Strayhorn Superstar! π
Today is Assistant Principal Appreciation Day, and we are shining a massive spotlight on our very own Ms. Selena Murphy!
Even though this is her first year as an Assistant Principal, Ms. Murphy has jumped in with both feet and is absolutely rocking it. Whether sheβs high-fiving students in the hallway, supporting our teachers, or jumping in to help wherever there's a need, she does it all with her signature smile.
We are so incredibly lucky to have her leadership and energy at Strayhorn Elementary. Thank you, Ms. Murphy, for making our school a brighter place to learn and grow! β€οΈ
#StrayhornStrong #AssistantPrincipalDay #RisingStar #SchoolLeadership #StrayhornElementary
Today is Assistant Principal Appreciation Day, and we are shining a massive spotlight on our very own Ms. Selena Murphy!
Even though this is her first year as an Assistant Principal, Ms. Murphy has jumped in with both feet and is absolutely rocking it. Whether sheβs high-fiving students in the hallway, supporting our teachers, or jumping in to help wherever there's a need, she does it all with her signature smile.
We are so incredibly lucky to have her leadership and energy at Strayhorn Elementary. Thank you, Ms. Murphy, for making our school a brighter place to learn and grow! β€οΈ
#StrayhornStrong #AssistantPrincipalDay #RisingStar #SchoolLeadership #StrayhornElementary

Just a reminder to our Strayhorn Elementary families that school will be closed on Friday, April 3rd in observance of Good Friday and the Easter weekend. π£
We hope all our students, teachers, and staff enjoy a safe and wonderful long weekend with their loved ones!
We hope all our students, teachers, and staff enjoy a safe and wonderful long weekend with their loved ones!

Is there anything our Librarian can't do? ππ»β¨
Happy National School Librarian Day to the amazing Mrs. Jessica! At Strayhorn Elementary School, she wears many hats. One minute sheβs sparking a love for reading with our youngest students, and the next, sheβs our resident "Tech Guru" keeping hundreds of Chromebooks running smoothly.
Beyond the bookshelves and the screens, she is also the calm force behind our state testing, ensuring every student has what they need to succeed. Thank you, Mrs. Jessica, for being the heartbeat of our media center and a hero to our students and staff alike!
Happy National School Librarian Day to the amazing Mrs. Jessica! At Strayhorn Elementary School, she wears many hats. One minute sheβs sparking a love for reading with our youngest students, and the next, sheβs our resident "Tech Guru" keeping hundreds of Chromebooks running smoothly.
Beyond the bookshelves and the screens, she is also the calm force behind our state testing, ensuring every student has what they need to succeed. Thank you, Mrs. Jessica, for being the heartbeat of our media center and a hero to our students and staff alike!

We are looking for creative student designs to serve as the official postcards for the Tate County School District!
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM 6 CATEGORIES:
β’ K-4 Hand drawn
β’ K-4 Digital
β’ 5-8 Hand drawn
β’ 5-8 Digital
β’ 9-12 Hand drawn
β’ 9-12 Digital
"OUR TATE COUNTY STORY"
What does being a student in Tate County mean to you?
Show us your school spirit, draw a favorite local landmark, depict what you love about your community, or show us why your school is special!
Β CONTEST GUIDELINES & RULES
To ensure your masterpiece can be printed professionally, please follow these rules strictly:
1. KEEP IT FLAT
Because these must be scanned flat for printing, please do not glue anything onto the paper.
β’ NO glitter, macaroni, cotton balls, or pop-up elements.
2. SIZE & SHAPE
β’ Use the official template for hand drawn submissions.Β
β’ Use 4x6 size if using Canva or other design programs.
β’ Landscape orientation (horizontal/sideways) is preferred!
3. ORIGINALITY
All work must be 100% original. Please do not include copyrighted characters (like Marvel, Disney, or cartoon characters).
Β HOW TO ENTER
IMPORTANT:Β
If hand drawn,Β clearly write:
β’ Student Full Name
β’ Grade Level
β’ School Name
If emailed, include the information in the body of the email.Β
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
April 2, 2026Β
Please turn your artwork into your schoolβs front office or email it toΒ : rblackburn@tcsdms.org.Β
By submitting artwork, the student and guardian grant TCSD the rights to reproduce the image for district publications and social media. Original artwork will be returned after scanning.
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM 6 CATEGORIES:
β’ K-4 Hand drawn
β’ K-4 Digital
β’ 5-8 Hand drawn
β’ 5-8 Digital
β’ 9-12 Hand drawn
β’ 9-12 Digital
"OUR TATE COUNTY STORY"
What does being a student in Tate County mean to you?
Show us your school spirit, draw a favorite local landmark, depict what you love about your community, or show us why your school is special!
Β CONTEST GUIDELINES & RULES
To ensure your masterpiece can be printed professionally, please follow these rules strictly:
1. KEEP IT FLAT
Because these must be scanned flat for printing, please do not glue anything onto the paper.
β’ NO glitter, macaroni, cotton balls, or pop-up elements.
2. SIZE & SHAPE
β’ Use the official template for hand drawn submissions.Β
β’ Use 4x6 size if using Canva or other design programs.
β’ Landscape orientation (horizontal/sideways) is preferred!
3. ORIGINALITY
All work must be 100% original. Please do not include copyrighted characters (like Marvel, Disney, or cartoon characters).
Β HOW TO ENTER
IMPORTANT:Β
If hand drawn,Β clearly write:
β’ Student Full Name
β’ Grade Level
β’ School Name
If emailed, include the information in the body of the email.Β
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
April 2, 2026Β
Please turn your artwork into your schoolβs front office or email it toΒ : rblackburn@tcsdms.org.Β
By submitting artwork, the student and guardian grant TCSD the rights to reproduce the image for district publications and social media. Original artwork will be returned after scanning.

Our classrooms are vibrant, supportive, and successful because of the incredible individuals who work behind the scenes every day. Our Teacher Assistants are more than just "helpers" they are mentors, peacekeepers, and dedicated educators who ensure no student is left behind.
Join us in saying a massive THANK YOU to our TA team! Strayhorn wouldnβt be the same without your hard work, patience, and smiles. We see all that you do, and we appreciate you more than words can say! β¨
Join us in saying a massive THANK YOU to our TA team! Strayhorn wouldnβt be the same without your hard work, patience, and smiles. We see all that you do, and we appreciate you more than words can say! β¨

Big news, Mustangs!
We are thrilled to announce Melissa Shaw as the new Principal of Strayhorn Elementary School for the 26-27 school year!
With 25 years in educationβincluding 14 years of leadership experience with DeSoto County SchoolsβMelissa is a proven leader dedicated to academic excellence. Through innovative educational strategies, she brings a passion for fostering a positive, inclusive environment. We are honored to have her vision and heart leading our youngest Mustangs into this next chapter!
#MustangPride #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence
We are thrilled to announce Melissa Shaw as the new Principal of Strayhorn Elementary School for the 26-27 school year!
With 25 years in educationβincluding 14 years of leadership experience with DeSoto County SchoolsβMelissa is a proven leader dedicated to academic excellence. Through innovative educational strategies, she brings a passion for fostering a positive, inclusive environment. We are honored to have her vision and heart leading our youngest Mustangs into this next chapter!
#MustangPride #TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence

π Mustang College Day is March 31st! π
Show your school spirit and future dreams by wearing your favorite college attire! π Whether itβs your dream school or your family favorite, letβs fill the halls with college pride!
#MustangCollegeDay #BeALegend #StrayhornStrong
Show your school spirit and future dreams by wearing your favorite college attire! π Whether itβs your dream school or your family favorite, letβs fill the halls with college pride!
#MustangCollegeDay #BeALegend #StrayhornStrong

π’ Report Cards are coming home today!
Please check your childβs backpack or folder, or ask them to share it with you. Letβs celebrate progress and set goals for whatβs next! β¨
#BeALegend
Please check your childβs backpack or folder, or ask them to share it with you. Letβs celebrate progress and set goals for whatβs next! β¨
#BeALegend


We are looking for passionate, motivated educators to join our Mustang family. We are currently seeking dedicated professionals for the following positions:
π Open Positions:
β’ Upper ELA Teacher
β’ 5th Grade Math Teacher
β’ 6th Grade Science & Social Studies Teacher
β’ Teacher Assistant
We want instructors who are driven to help our youngest learners excel and who thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment. If you're ready to make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!
π§ Have Questions? Reach out to Katrina Ricks (kricks@tcsdms.org) at 662-562-8637 for more information.
π Ready to Apply? Submit your application here: https://activeapplicant.tcsdms.org/
#TogetherAchievingTeamExcellence

We are looking for creative student designs to serve as the official postcards for the Tate County School District!
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM 6 CATEGORIES:
β’ K-4 Hand drawn
β’ K-4 Digital
β’ 5-8 Hand drawn
β’ 5-8 Digital
β’ 9-12 Hand drawn
β’ 9-12 Digital
"OUR TATE COUNTY STORY"
What does being a student in Tate County mean to you?
Show us your school spirit, draw a favorite local landmark, depict what you love about your community, or show us why your school is special!
CONTEST GUIDELINES & RULES
To ensure your masterpiece can be printed professionally, please follow these rules strictly:
1. KEEP IT FLAT
Because these must be scanned flat for printing, please do not glue anything onto the paper.
β’ NO glitter, macaroni, cotton balls, or pop-up elements.
2. SIZE & SHAPE
β’ Use the official template for hand drawn submissions.
β’ Use 4x6 size if using Canva or other design programs.
β’ Landscape orientation (horizontal/sideways) is preferred!
3. ORIGINALITY
All work must be 100% original. Please do not include copyrighted characters (like Marvel, Disney, or cartoon characters).
HOW TO ENTER
IMPORTANT:
If hand drawn, clearly write:
β’ Student Full Name
β’ Grade Level
β’ School Name
If emailed, include the information in the body of the email.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
April 3, 2026
Please turn your artwork into your schoolβs front office or email it to: rblackburn@tcsdms.org.
By submitting artwork, the student and guardian grant TCSD the rights to reproduce the image for district publications and social media. Original artwork will be returned after scanning.
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM 6 CATEGORIES:
β’ K-4 Hand drawn
β’ K-4 Digital
β’ 5-8 Hand drawn
β’ 5-8 Digital
β’ 9-12 Hand drawn
β’ 9-12 Digital
"OUR TATE COUNTY STORY"
What does being a student in Tate County mean to you?
Show us your school spirit, draw a favorite local landmark, depict what you love about your community, or show us why your school is special!
CONTEST GUIDELINES & RULES
To ensure your masterpiece can be printed professionally, please follow these rules strictly:
1. KEEP IT FLAT
Because these must be scanned flat for printing, please do not glue anything onto the paper.
β’ NO glitter, macaroni, cotton balls, or pop-up elements.
2. SIZE & SHAPE
β’ Use the official template for hand drawn submissions.
β’ Use 4x6 size if using Canva or other design programs.
β’ Landscape orientation (horizontal/sideways) is preferred!
3. ORIGINALITY
All work must be 100% original. Please do not include copyrighted characters (like Marvel, Disney, or cartoon characters).
HOW TO ENTER
IMPORTANT:
If hand drawn, clearly write:
β’ Student Full Name
β’ Grade Level
β’ School Name
If emailed, include the information in the body of the email.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
April 3, 2026
Please turn your artwork into your schoolβs front office or email it to: rblackburn@tcsdms.org.
By submitting artwork, the student and guardian grant TCSD the rights to reproduce the image for district publications and social media. Original artwork will be returned after scanning.

Get ready to let your imagination run wild because this Friday is officially Crazy Hat or Hair Day! We are inviting everyone to show off their most creative, gravity-defying, and over-the-top headwear or hairstyles for just a $1 donation. Whether you show up with a literal tower of tinsel, a nest of plastic spiders, or a neon wig that can be seen from space, your small contribution goes a long way in supporting our upcoming school projects and events. Grab your hair gel, your glue guns, and your wildest accessories to help us make this the most colorful day of the year. We can't wait to see which "head-turning" looks show up at the front gates tomorrow morning!

Go green or go home! ππ₯¦π
March 17th is St. Patrickβs Day! Wear your best green outfit to school and help us turn the hallways into a shamrock field.
Canβt wait to see your festive fits! πβ¨ #StPatricksDay #WearGreen #SchoolSpirit
March 17th is St. Patrickβs Day! Wear your best green outfit to school and help us turn the hallways into a shamrock field.
Canβt wait to see your festive fits! πβ¨ #StPatricksDay #WearGreen #SchoolSpirit

We are looking for creative student designs to serve as the official postcards for the Tate County School District!
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM 6 CATEGORIES:
β’ K-4 Hand drawn
β’ K-4 Digital
β’ 5-8 Hand drawn
β’ 5-8 Digital
β’ 9-12 Hand drawn
β’ 9-12 Digital
"OUR TATE COUNTY STORY"
What does being a student in Tate County mean to you?
Show us your school spirit, draw a favorite local landmark, depict what you love about your community, or show us why your school is special!
Β CONTEST GUIDELINES & RULES
To ensure your masterpiece can be printed professionally, please follow these rules strictly:
1. KEEP IT FLAT
Because these must be scanned flat for printing, please do not glue anything onto the paper.
β’ NO glitter, macaroni, cotton balls, or pop-up elements.
2. SIZE & SHAPE
β’ Use the official template for hand drawn submissions.Β
β’ Use 4x6 size if using Canva or other design programs.
β’ Landscape orientation (horizontal/sideways) is preferred!
3. ORIGINALITY
All work must be 100% original. Please do not include copyrighted characters (like Marvel, Disney, or cartoon characters).
HOW TO ENTER
IMPORTANT:Β
If hand drawn,Β clearly write:
β’ Student Full Name
β’ Grade Level
β’ School Name
If emailed, include the information in the body of the email.Β
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
April 3, 2026Β
Please turn your artwork into your schoolβs front office or email it to: rblackburn@tcsdms.org.Β
By submitting artwork, the student and guardian grant TCSD the rights to reproduce the image for district publications and social media. Original artwork will be returned after scanning.
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM 6 CATEGORIES:
β’ K-4 Hand drawn
β’ K-4 Digital
β’ 5-8 Hand drawn
β’ 5-8 Digital
β’ 9-12 Hand drawn
β’ 9-12 Digital
"OUR TATE COUNTY STORY"
What does being a student in Tate County mean to you?
Show us your school spirit, draw a favorite local landmark, depict what you love about your community, or show us why your school is special!
Β CONTEST GUIDELINES & RULES
To ensure your masterpiece can be printed professionally, please follow these rules strictly:
1. KEEP IT FLAT
Because these must be scanned flat for printing, please do not glue anything onto the paper.
β’ NO glitter, macaroni, cotton balls, or pop-up elements.
2. SIZE & SHAPE
β’ Use the official template for hand drawn submissions.Β
β’ Use 4x6 size if using Canva or other design programs.
β’ Landscape orientation (horizontal/sideways) is preferred!
3. ORIGINALITY
All work must be 100% original. Please do not include copyrighted characters (like Marvel, Disney, or cartoon characters).
HOW TO ENTER
IMPORTANT:Β
If hand drawn,Β clearly write:
β’ Student Full Name
β’ Grade Level
β’ School Name
If emailed, include the information in the body of the email.Β
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
April 3, 2026Β
Please turn your artwork into your schoolβs front office or email it to: rblackburn@tcsdms.org.Β
By submitting artwork, the student and guardian grant TCSD the rights to reproduce the image for district publications and social media. Original artwork will be returned after scanning.

Spring Break is officially here! π· Enjoy the time off, recharge those batteries, and stay safe.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on March 16. Happy holidays!
#SpringBreak #SchoolSpirit #RestAndRecharge
We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on March 16. Happy holidays!
#SpringBreak #SchoolSpirit #RestAndRecharge

π Character Trait of the Month: Kindness π
Each month our school focuses on one character trait, and each week teachers select students who have shown that trait in action. This month, we are celebrating Kindness! π
Kindness is a superpower, and these students are using theirs every day! From supporting their peers to spreading positivity in the halls, they truly make our school shine. We are so proud of the examples youβre setting! πβ€οΈ
Kindergarten: Camden Smith, Payton Sulfridge, and Bentley Clements
1st Grade: Haven Ferguson, Thomas Riley, and Elijah Youngblood
2nd Grade: Jaxon Lamb and Heidi Wooten
3rd Grade: Addisyn Smith
4th Grade: Annsley Cox
5th Grade: Karlie Young and Michael Haskins
6th Grade: Sofia Carlton
#BeKind #StudentLeaders #BeALegend #CharacterCounts
Each month our school focuses on one character trait, and each week teachers select students who have shown that trait in action. This month, we are celebrating Kindness! π
Kindness is a superpower, and these students are using theirs every day! From supporting their peers to spreading positivity in the halls, they truly make our school shine. We are so proud of the examples youβre setting! πβ€οΈ
Kindergarten: Camden Smith, Payton Sulfridge, and Bentley Clements
1st Grade: Haven Ferguson, Thomas Riley, and Elijah Youngblood
2nd Grade: Jaxon Lamb and Heidi Wooten
3rd Grade: Addisyn Smith
4th Grade: Annsley Cox
5th Grade: Karlie Young and Michael Haskins
6th Grade: Sofia Carlton
#BeKind #StudentLeaders #BeALegend #CharacterCounts







"Youβre never too old, too wacky, too wild, To pick up a book and read with a child!" πβ¨
Itβs officially Read Across America Week! We are celebrating the joy of reading and Dr. Seussβs birthday with a full week of Seuss-tastic dress-up days. Check out the schedule and help us make this week one for the books! π©π
#ReadAcrossAmerica #DrSeussWeek #CelebrateReading #SchoolSpirit #OhThePlacesYoullGo
Itβs officially Read Across America Week! We are celebrating the joy of reading and Dr. Seussβs birthday with a full week of Seuss-tastic dress-up days. Check out the schedule and help us make this week one for the books! π©π
#ReadAcrossAmerica #DrSeussWeek #CelebrateReading #SchoolSpirit #OhThePlacesYoullGo

π Out of this world! πͺ
Mrs. Mabryβs 5th graders officially completed their mission to explore the solar system! π©βππ¨βπ Their classroom was transformed into a galaxy of creativity this week as students presented their handmade models.
From the rings of Saturn to the craters on Mars, these young astronomers blew us away with their facts and craftsmanship. Itβs one thing to read about the planets in a book, but seeing them brought to life like this is pure magic! π
Check out some of our stellar scientists in action! π
#MrsMabrysClass #FutureAstronomers #STEM #SolarSystemProject #5thGradeRocks #HandsOnLearning
Mrs. Mabryβs 5th graders officially completed their mission to explore the solar system! π©βππ¨βπ Their classroom was transformed into a galaxy of creativity this week as students presented their handmade models.
From the rings of Saturn to the craters on Mars, these young astronomers blew us away with their facts and craftsmanship. Itβs one thing to read about the planets in a book, but seeing them brought to life like this is pure magic! π
Check out some of our stellar scientists in action! π
#MrsMabrysClass #FutureAstronomers #STEM #SolarSystemProject #5thGradeRocks #HandsOnLearning








Get your favorite headwear ready because $1 Hat Day is happening this Friday the 27th! From beanies and baseball caps to your wildest DIY creationsβif you can wear it, we want to see it!

π Mustang College Day is February 25th! π
Show your school spirit and future dreams by wearing your favorite college attire! π Whether itβs your dream school or your family favorite, letβs fill the halls with college pride!
#MustangCollegeDay #BeALegend #StrayhornStrong
Show your school spirit and future dreams by wearing your favorite college attire! π Whether itβs your dream school or your family favorite, letβs fill the halls with college pride!
#MustangCollegeDay #BeALegend #StrayhornStrong

πΆ Musical Chairs: Sight Word Edition! πΆ
Learning is never boring in Mrs. Gunterβs class! Todayβs lesson used "Musical Chairs" to master our sight words. The energy was high, the music was loud, and the spelling was spot on. Itβs amazing how much faster you learn when youβre having a blast!
Great job to all our scholars today! ππΆ
Learning is never boring in Mrs. Gunterβs class! Todayβs lesson used "Musical Chairs" to master our sight words. The energy was high, the music was loud, and the spelling was spot on. Itβs amazing how much faster you learn when youβre having a blast!
Great job to all our scholars today! ππΆ





