Celebrating McMurray Middle

McMurray Middle: Helping Students Develop Positive Self-Image While Encouraging High Achievement 
Posted on 04/22/2022
teacher looking over student's work in class

For 58 years, students have passed through McMurray Middle School’s halls and classrooms gathering memories and experiences that last a lifetime. At McMurray, many lessons are learned, dreams are built, knowledge is gained, friendships are formed and wisdom is acquired. student reading a book in class

Although the time students spend here is brief, the staff, culture and experiences leave a lasting impact. 

“It is such a joy to come to work every day and interact with the faculty, students and families who make up McMurray’s diverse population,” says Executive Principal Dr. T-Shaka Coverson. “McMurray is truly a hidden gem on the south side of Nashville. No other school can compare to McMurray, which is why McMurray is my second home.” 

McMurray serves more than 700 students, representing 30 countries and 25 languages and dialects. The staff respects and values the backgrounds and cultures of the school’s diverse community and holds many family activities throughout the year. Some of these activities focus on highlighting Latino students, celebrating the school’s emphasis on literacy and creating opportunities for families to discover alongside their students during STEAM night.  

Staff members work to ensure Every Student is Known and that students’ voices are heard through mentorship programs, social-emotional learning lessons, academic clubs, extracurricular activities, afterschool enrichment programs and student leadership teams. Eighth-grade students are better prepared for high school after creating their four-year academic plan, having opportunities to meet their high school counselors and earning high school credit for Spanish.  music teacher and students with instruments in class

McMurray provides ongoing support groups for students, including:  

  • Humble Beginnings (seventh- and eighth-grade boys): This group mentors and fosters young men through weekly goal setting and individual accountability. 
  • Girls Inc. - YWCA (girls in grades 5-8): The bi-weekly girls-only group inspires all young ladies to be strong, smart and bold.   
  • AMEND - YWCA (fifth- and sixth-grade boys): Focuses on violence prevention and supporting social-emotional learning through weekly mentorship and activities.   
  • Why Try (grades 5-8): This group supports and enhances students’ personal growth and social skills and promotes educational success.   

The McMurray faculty and staff work to provide a safe and orderly environment. Each employee is available and knows the students. Teachers work to provide a quality education so all students can develop strong language, critical thinking and social skills within a supportive and culturally respectful environment. 

Facts about McMurray 

  • The school’s mascot is the Falcon. School colors are Columbia blue, black and white. 
  • The school building was renovated four years ago. 
  • McMurray is the largest middle school serving English Learners in the Overton Cluster.   

Every day, Principal Coverson reminds students that they will enjoy a fun-filled day of learning at McMurray. Falcons “S.O.A.R.” at McMurray by:

  • Showing respect 
  • Owning your behavior 
  • Always being safe 
  • Ready to do your best  

 

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