Dear Martinsville Community,

It is with great pride that I welcome you to the inaugural issue of the TrueBlue, Martinsville Schools’ official quarterly magazine. We’ve created this publication to capture and share the remarkable stories that define who we are as a school family and as a community.

Inside these pages, you’ll find a celebration of progress, resilience, and the deep sense of connection that makes Martinsville unique. You’ll meet the leadership team at Martinsville Elementary, whose steady commitment reminds us that progress is often about perseverance, not perfection. You’ll hear from our new high school principal, Todd Evers, whose coaching spirit and dedication to student growth are already shaping the culture of our schools.

You’ll see how educators like Rachel Johnson and paraprofessionals, Jenn Phillips and Stacy Callahan, bring both skill and a touch of magic to reading instruction. You’ll witness the courage of Martinsville in tackling a bold no-cell-phone policy, shifting the focus back to relationships and learning. And you’ll watch ag teacher Mallory Jenness plant more than seeds—reviving FFA, instilling confidence, and teaching lessons that stretch far beyond the classroom.

Our stories also extend to the field, where Martinsville football has embraced eight-man competition with heart and grit. They reach into the legacy of teaching itself, as generations of educators continue to shape young lives. And they come full circle with Julia Seaman, who returned to teach in the very school where her own love of learning began.

Above all, you’ll see how Martinsville thrives when the city and school work hand in hand. The partnership between Mayor Bob Lovell and myself has shown what’s possible when collaboration is at the heart of progress. Together, these stories weave a picture of a town that refuses to just survive—we choose to thrive.

This magazine is not just about our schools. It is about Martinsville. It is about all of you who make this community a place where students, teachers, and families flourish.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your superintendent. I look forward to the journey ahead, confident that Martinsville’s best chapters are still to come.

With gratitude,

Robert Waggoner
Superintendent, Martinsville CUSD #C3