Murphy Middle School ENews
For the week of October 7 - October 11 , 2019
***Important News***
Car Pool Change
We wanted to communicate that we will be trying something new in the carpool lane at Murphy Middle School. We have added cones in designated areas to keep specific left and right lanes to promote a smoother flow of traffic. Vehicles on the left side of the cones will need to turn left into the Murphy Middle School parking lot. Vehicles on the right side of the cones will continue straight to exit the carpool circle. We want to communicate that we have put these cones out as a trial and will be monitoring their effectiveness. If we find that the cones are helpful, then we may consider making them permanent. We wanted to inform you in advance so that you would be prepared for this change that will start September 30, 2019
Some friendly reminders from Officer Ashmore
Please remember there are no U-turns allowed in the driveway between MMS and the Kimbrough parking lot. There are numerous cars and busses that are proceeding as through traffic and making a U-turn in this area is both unsafe and illegal.
Our staff crossing guard is on duty from 7:45 to 8:20. Please be aware that dropping your child off in the Kimbrough parking lot after 8:20 leaves them to cross without the safety of a crossing guard. Ms. Jacobs does a phenomenal job and we greatly appreciate her, but she has a 1st period class and must get to class as well.
By now you have seen the new cones in the MMS driveway creating 2 lanes as you approach the front of the school. The right-hand lane is for drop off and the left-hand lane is for those turning into the parking lot. Please be mindful when you stop to drop off your kiddos that you do not block the lane of traffic. We are going to try this out and see if it helps traffic flow a little better – your feedback is always welcome! You can email me at sarah.ashmore@pisd.edu.
*** Upcoming Events ***
AVID Tutoring
AVID Tutoring positions are available for college students and college graduates at Murphy Middle school, and other PISD schools. Tutors will work with small groups of middle and high school students under the supervision of a teacher, and are paid $12.00 per hour. Murphy tutors are needed Mondays and Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:30 PM. Contact Kristin Anderson at kristin.anderson@pisd.edu or 469-752-8061.
Career Day
What is Murphy Career Day?
Career day at Murphy Middle School is a learning experience for our students where they can hear firsthand about different careers from the professionals in those fields. We try to schedule a variety of professionals so that students can see the varied world of careers available to them.
MURPHY MIDDLE SCHOOL ANNUAL SIXTH - EIGHTH GRADE CAREER DAY Friday Oct 18, 2019 8:15 AM - 3:30 PM
MMS Counseling Department is seeking guest speakers for our Career Day. Presentations should last 30-35 minutes which will allow students to have time to ask questions in each class. You will share the same presentation to each class assigned to your teacher throughout the day. While at Murphy, we hope you will join us for a continental breakfast and catered luncheon to show our appreciation.
Please complete this form
Please let us know by Friday Oct. 4, 2019 if you can help.
Thank You for being a part of this Murphy Tradition!
https://forms.gle/1w3o1q6cMzui8Ncb7
The Google Form to sign up!
Dazzlers Holiday Dance Clinic
The McMillen Dazzlers are hosting our annual Holiday Dance Clinic on Saturday, November 16, from 9 am – noon.
This event is open to all who love to dance from ages Kindergarten through 10th Grade.
For a registration form or more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/holidaydanceclinic2019
*** Clubs and Organizations ***
Environmental Club
The MMS Environmental Club will be helping with the City of Murphy’s Fall Clean and Green Event on Saturday, Oct. 12th in the City Hall parking lot from 9am until noon. The club volunteers will help with recycling the following items:
toys, shoes, clothing, batteries, pots/pans, light bulbs and electronic waste. Pet supplies will be accepted and shredding will also be available. Contact Mrs. Pilgrim with any questions.
Murphy Math Counts Club
Murphy Math Counts Club will begin meeting on Tuesdays after school in room H107, Mrs. Perry’s room, until 4:30 PM. Math Counts Math Club is a club for students that enjoy learning mathematics and enjoy competition. Students will prepare to compete in the Math Counts chapter competition in February. Math Counts Math Club exposes students to math problems that they may not see in the normal classroom, due to time constraints.
T-shirt and Dress shirt Donations
Donations can be dropped off anytime during the school day in Mr. Adams' rooms, B119 or K102.
Thank you!
*** Athletics ***
Lady Mavs Basketball Meeting
This is a student ONLY meeting.
Student Film Manager for Football
Any student, or students, interested in becoming the 7th or 8th grade Film manager for the football team please contact Coach Woodyard at school or through email (mark.woodyard@pisd.edu).
Football
Monday 10/7
7th Grade Football vs Wilson @ Clark West – B Team 5:30 / A Team 7:00 pm
Tuesday 10/8
8th Grade Football vs Wilson @ Clark West – B Team 5:30 / A Team 7:00 pm
Volleyball
Monday 10/7
8th Grade Volleyball vs Haggard @ Murphy – B Team 6:00 / A Team 7:00 pm (Pink Out Game) Wear all Pink!!!
Thursday 10/10
7th Grade Volleyball vs Haggard @ Haggard – B Team 6:00 / A Team 7:00 pm
PESH Volleyball - Middle School Night
Plano East volleyball is having middle school night on Friday October 11 and we would love for the middle school players to come watch the game. We will also have some fun activities, raffles and prizes for the middle school players. They will get in free if they wear their middle school volleyball shirts.
Boys Basketball Tryouts
*New Stadium Rules*
The new stadium bag policy information can be found in the attachment as well as with this link https://www.pisd.edu/Page/16154 or here https://www.pisd.edu/stadiumbagpolicy
Remember: Student spectators who might walk directly from school to the stadium. Effective this Friday (September 13th), student spectators can no longer bring backpacks (or other non-approved bags) into the stadium.
New Stadium Bag Policy Begins Sept. 13 (Política del ISD de Plano sobre Bolsas en el Estadio, 13 de septiembre)
Beginning September 13, 2019, to promote the safety and security of Plano ISD students, staff, families and visitors, the district has modified its stadium bag policy by limiting the size and type of bags that spectators are allowed to bring into Plano ISD stadiums. See the frequently asked questions on the athletics website for more information. Stadium locations include:
- Clark Stadium & Fields Complex
- Kimbrough Stadium
- Williams Stadium
Starting September 13, 2019, only the following types of bags are allowed:
- One clear plastic tote, not larger than 12” X 12” X 6”
- One clear resealable plastic storage bag, not larger than 1 gallon size
- One small “hand sized” clutch purse, not larger than 5” X 7”
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after inspection at the gate
- An exception will be made for a diaper bag when accompanied by infant or young child
- Bags carried by student groups (band, cheer, drill team, etc.) entering as a group at designated entrances
The following bags are prohibited:
- All purses, bags or containers larger than an approved small clutch purse or small clear tote
- Backpacks and duffle bags
- Camera and binocular cases or bags
- Briefcases
- Mesh or drawstring bags
- Computer bags
- Coolers
- Fanny packs
- Luggage
*** Fine Arts ***
Choir News!!!
It’s time for The Murphy Middle School Choirs to present their Fall Concert Performances!
The Beginning Choir will perform in the Murphy Middle School Cafeteria on Thursday, October 10th at 6:00 PM. The MMS Harmaniacs and Melodivas will bookend the program with two pieces. The Murphy Advanced Choirs’ Concert will follow at 7:00 PM, also on the Cafeteria stage.
Both performances are formal and free of admission. We appreciate your support!
Attention Band Parents:
If you have not received an email through our communications app (called CutTime), please contact nicholas.seibert@pisd.edu so we can get you setup for future communications. Thanks!
Orchestra Cookie Fundraiser
Murphy MS Orchestra Fundraiser “Cookie” orders start this weekend. Delivered end of October.
See an Orchestra student about securing your cookie dough!
*** PTA News ***
Reflections
Submit your entry soon!
Use your talent to look within!! Do you enjoy art, music, dance, or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Unleash your inner artist with PTA Reflections! This years theme is “Look Within”. Pick up submission guidelines and an entry form in the front office and return your entry by November 4th. Check out PTA.org/Reflections/awards to see past winners. At least 1 parent/guardian must be a PTA member by October 28th.
PISD RESOLVING STUDENT AND PARENT CONCERNS
Plano ISD encourages students and parents to attempt to resolve their concerns with the appropriate teacher, principal, other campus administrator, department or employee. The district believes it is in the best interest of everyone involved to informally resolve concerns, if at all possible. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible administrative level.
Details at https://www.pisd.edu/page/20314.
PTA EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION NOMINATION & APPLICATION
@HEB Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Nominate a teacher, principal, or school district today!
Want to Volunteer?
Re-Link Your Kroger Community Rewards, Beginning August 1st
If you shop at Kroger grocery stores, and you have a Kroger Plus Rewards card, you can benefit the families of Murphy Middle.
You must link your card every year, starting August 1st to support Murphy Middle School PTA.
Learn how at Kroger Community Rewards.
*** Informational Links ***
Download the PISD Mobile App
Do you have the Plano ISD App on your phone or device?
The Plano ISD App is a great way to see information about the Plano calendar, news and alerts, the anonymous tip line, and much more.
• Personalize newsfeeds for your school
• View student grades and attendance
• Access school and staff info
• View news stories
• Receive important alerts
• View calendar info
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Murphy Middle School
Twitter: @MurphyMiddle
Murphy Middle PTA Site: