Kentucky Teacher

First-grade student Tayshaun Carter and Commissioner Terry Holliday practice high and low notes with tone bells during Kim Black's music class at Murray Elementary School Jan. 11, 2012. Photo by Amy Wallot

Education Commissioner Terry Holliday had visited six classes at Murray Elementary School when he commented to teachers and administrators that he was getting the feel for a full day’s work.

“I guess this is what it’s like every day for teachers,” he said.

It was only 9:40 a.m.

The commissioner still had another six or so hours and two schools to visit before completing his day-long visit to the Murray Independent school district Wednesday.

Holliday visited the district after personnel there cast the winning bid for the “Extra Holliday” item in a silent auction sponsored by the Kentucky School Public Relations Association (KYSPRA). The win entitled the school district to Holliday’s presence for an entire day, with an agenda of district officials’ choosing.

Murray school officials took full advantage of their win, giving Holliday an in-depth look at their schools, classrooms and students. 

At the elementary school, Holliday helped out with bus and car duty, breakfast and the morning news, and he participated in Spanish, reading, music and mathematics classes. He also visited Murray Middle School, one of the preschool classes and Murray High School, then concluded his day attending a district leadership team meeting. Read the full story