PRIDE News
Murray Avenue School Newsletter 4-23-20
A Message to Our Murray Avenue Students
Important Murray Avenue Distance Learning Update
Answers to Current Frequently Asked Questions from Students and Parents
I left items in my locker. Will I be able to get my belongings from my locker?
Yes. We will be collecting items from all lockers and arranging pick up of items towards the end of the year.
I paid for a field trip that was cancelled. When will I receive my refund?
We are processing refunds as organizations return funds to us. Some organizations have reduced staffs so this process has been taking some time.
What will we be doing about 8th Grade Awards and 8th Grade Promotion?
We are planning viritual programs for both events. We are committed to celebrating our 8th graders' time at Murray Aveue. We are going to give all 8th graders their 8th grade t-shirt and a copy of the 8th grade panoramic picture as end of year gifts.
How will I get my yearbook at the end of the year?
We will likely coordinate yearbook distribution with our locker belonging pick up or mail yearbooks.
Communication During Distance Learning
Communicating School Announcements:
Every day we post morning announcements in the grade level Google Classrooms.
If your child has not joined the classroom, please have him or her use the following codes listed below to join:
Grade 6 Students should join MAS Grade 6 with the code fecef24
Grade 7 students should join MAS Grade 7 with the code 7zxewgq
Grade 8 students should join MAS Grade 8 with the code vh2rftj
Communicating by Email and Phone during Distance Learning
Email:
Some of our students are reluctant to use email to communicate with teachers. This is something that we need to help them become comfortable with, especially in this environment. This is important so teachers can answer questions or give them information.
Teachers are emailing students and in some cases students are not responding. We have asked all students to check their student email once a day. Please reinforce this with your child.
You may need to model how to ask a teacher a question or contact a teacher about an issue through email for your child. While this may not seem like a difficult task, we are finding that students have needed coaching related to email, specifically that they are expected to respond and that teachers are happy to answer their questions about assignments.
Phone Calls:
We are reaching out to families through phone messages. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in eSchool. We are not receiving calls back from all messages that we are leaving, and we want to ensure our students’ safety and wellbeing during this challenging time.
We are also finding that voicemail boxes are full and we cannot always leave messages. We appreciate any support you can provide related to these issues.
Please help us keep lines of communication open with our students and your family.
Technology Reminders:
Please email helpdesk@lmtsd.org if you are experiencing technology issues that you need help resolving.
Please remind your child to restart his or her Chromebook every day. This resolves many technology issues.
Visit our MA Library and Murray Makers Distance Learning Website
Our Media Specialist Ms. Grosso has created an amazing collection of resources and activities for students and families. Please take some time to see what's available here. Looking for enrichment activities? Looking to explore new eBooks, virtual field trips and virtual museums?
Here are a few highlights:
Check out the STEAM Challenges at Maker Maven: 22 different projects are available, most using only materials you have in your house right now! Many challenges are appropriate for all ages, so ask your siblings to solve them with you.
Learn to Draw with a Graphic Novelist
Jarrett J. Krosoczka (aka JJK) wrote and illustrated the popular graphic novel series Lunch Lady and award winning Hey, Kiddo. Each weekday at 2pm, JJK will host a new live drawing lesson.
Use TinkerCAD to Design in 3D
Create something from scratch with user-friendly 3D modeling software.
BreakoutEDU Live!
If you've enjoyed our Breakout box experiences at Murray Avenue, check out Breakout Live at 2PM on weekdays to participate in a digital breakout! No login is required, and yes, there are prizes!
Missing Skype a Scientist in the library?
Now families can sign up to Skype with any kind of scientist that students are interested in learning about from home! Visit the webpage to explore options and sign up. There is also a link to see the LIVE Skype events happening every week, or scroll to the bottom to watch pre recorded sessions like "Astrophysics and the Perseid Meteor Shower" with Dr. Nathalie Ouellette or "Squid are Basically Rockets" with Dr. Diana Li.
Click HERE to explore these great activities and resources!
Thank you to our Student Council for sponsoring our first Virtual Spirit Week!
Just in case you thought the students had all the fun! MA Staff Bring the Virtual School Spirit!
Ordering the Murray Avenue Yearbook
Murray Avenue PTA News & Events
We are looking for some new chair people for next year. We are looking for the following:
-1 to 2 Hositality Co-chairs
-2 Food and Language Festival Co-chairs (recommended for incoming 6th grade parents)
-1 Fundraising Co-chair
If you are interested in any of these positions, please email murrayaveschoolpta@gmail.com
Thank you!
Follow Us on Social Media
Follow us to keep up with our latest library events and maker projects!
Website: www.lmtsd.org
Location: 2551 Murray Avenue, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Phone: 215-938-0230
Twitter: @LMTSD_MAS