The BULLetin
November 15, 2018
Principal's Message
Thanksgiving
As we're a week away from Thanksgiving, it's a good opportunity to reflect on what we're thankful for. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with about 25 8th grade students each week as part of our Advisory program. While there are days that they might not like the topic of discussion, I find that they regularly impress me with their insights and I hope that the things I share about me, my family and my life help them develop a broader perspective on life, working with people and the world.
A few years ago I read a book entitled, The Year of Living Biblically. The author tells some humorous anecdotes and shares stories about his attempt to spend a year following Jewish law set out in the Bible. He meets interesting people in this process and comes to a variety of interesting personal revelations through the book. Since then, he's written a number of other books where he takes an idea to extreme lengths.
His most recent book is about being thankful. Again, he took it to the extreme by trying to thank, in person, ALL the people that were responsible for his morning cup of coffee. He recently did a TED talk on his experience and the lessons that were worth sharing.
In the spirit of thanksgiving, I wanted to share with you my thanks for your continued support of Murphy Junior High. And as a token of my appreciation, enjoy AJ Jacobs talking about being thankful.
Mav-a-Palooza
Mav-a-Palooza is an EPIC one-night event, where you - the awesome Murphy students - get to rule the school. There will be inflatables, concessions, a movie theater, games in the gym, photo booth, plus more. There will even be a famous surprise guest!
Starting Monday, November 12th - students can earn a ticket to Mav-a-Palooza for displaying the following positive MAVS behaviors!
M - make good decisions by receiving ZERO tardies to class,
A - accept responsibility by receiving ZERO ZAPs,
V - value and respect each other and our school and
S - be safe by receiving ZERO disciplinary actions! This includes suspensions, detentions and office referrals through December 7th
We hope to see you there, Mavericks!
Ms. Alesia's ELA
Battle of 127th Street
Each year the 8th grade boys teams compete for the Battle of 127th Street trophy. The night begins at 5:30pm with 7th grade boys' basketball. The 8th grade game tips off at 7pm. The Poms and Cheer teams will be performing. There will be a 50/50 raffle and concessions. The admission for the event is $3/person. All proceeds from the event will be donated on behalf of the students and staff of both Heritage Grove and Murphy to the Plainfield Police Shop With a Cop program.
Put it on your calendar and come out to see if the Mavericks can hold on to the trophy for another year.
Armamark Student Survey - Last Call
Survey closes on Friday, November 16.
Coats for Kendall
Food Drive Champs!
Pictured: Logan Radostits, Mia Benzaquen, Addison Parks, Gavin Macanip, Caleb Pankiewicz, Caitlyn Wachel, Ava Tyburski, and Ria Cherukuri
Yearbooks are on SALE!!!
SOMETIMES IT'S
THE LITTLE THINGS
The power of a yearbook: it keeps the memories alive forever. Order one for
your student today and it'll be treasured for years to come.
Order now for $25.00! Yearbook price will increase February 1, 2019. Yearbook orders can be completed online at jostensyearbooks.com. Please contact Ms. Fell if you have any questions.
Musical Information
Auditions for the musical are coming up!
Students interested in auditioning or being part of the crew MUST be able to attend both performances! Contact Mrs. Tysiak or Ms. Clausen if you have any questions!
- Audition Info & Crew Info Posted - Monday December 3
- Audition Dance Clinic - Friday December 7 (a video will be posted to Mrs. Tysiak's website if there are students who cannot make the dance clinic)
- Auditions - Monday December 10 and Tuesday December 11 (students will come to one night of auditions)
- Cast List Posted - Friday December 14
- First Rehearsal - Monday January 7, 3:10-5:00
- Mandatory Parent Meeting - Monday January 7. 5:00-5:15
- Performances - Thursday March 14 and Friday March 15
The JAM (Just Another Maverick)
Student Services Spotlight
Abigail Bettcher, Shane Waughop, Jack Benson, Jashiyah Templeton, Connor Bailey, Brett Connolly, Keya Chaddah, JP Stitt, Miranda Fish, Isabelle Gershon
8th Grade Families - High School Course Selection Information
8th grade core course teachers entered HS course placement recommendations, and they will be viewable on Home Access on November 15. If you have questions about these recommendations, please contact your student's teacher.
If you have questions about your HAC password, please contact Fran Sylvester at 630-636-2208.
Students are expected to go online and choose their electives between November 13-December 3.
OE counselors will be meeting with Murphy students to review graduation requirements (11/15) and verify selections (12/14).
Instructions on how to select classes on HAC and elective cheat sheets that include graduation requirements can be found here: 2 year/4 year plan & Freshman Electives; Selecting Elective in Home Access Guide; Connect with OE Student Services
Course fees are applicable to certain classes. Course fee information can be found in the course catalog located on the Oswego East website.
Important Dates
- DATE CHANGE - 11/15 - Oswego East Counselors 8th grade presentations through Science
11/15 - Future Wolves Night at OE
12/14 - OE Counselors 1:1 elective verification meetings with 8th graders through PE
Murphy Counselors - High School Presentation for Parents
During conferences, Murphy counselors presented high school information to 8th grade parents. This presentation covered information about high school electives, course planning, course recommendation, and additional high school information. Thank you to the parents who were able to attend - we hope you found it helpful and informative!
If you were unable to attend, the presentation is available at the link below.
Article - Teen Stress: How Much is Too Much?
As we help our students plan for their futures, it is important to be mindful of balancing academics, activities, and social life. The link below outlines stress warning signs to watch for with your student.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/teen-angst/201109/teen-stress-how-much-is-too-much
Winter Sports Round Up
Basketball
Last week, the 7th grade basketball team split a pair of games against Thompson. In the first game, the Mavericks couldn't find their rhythm to fall behind early. Thompson used their size to control the boards and made it difficult for the Mavericks to close the gap in the 19 to 24 loss. Jayden R. led the scoring with 6 points.In the second game, the Mavericks aggressive play helped them take the lead. In the 4th quarter, Thompson battled back to pull within 1 point with seconds remaining. With the ball changing hands a few times, the Mavericks were able to hold on for the 24 to 23 victory. Zac led the scoring with 12 points, while Jayden R. added 6 and Deondre was good for 4 points.
On Tuesday night, the 7th grade basketball team dropped a couple of games to a tough Bednarcik team. In the first game, the Mavericks played hard to keep the game close in the first half. Unfortunately, in the second half they were unable to keep up with the quick scoring pace and suffered a 40 to 58 loss. Malichi led the scoring with 16 points, Armon added 12, and will was good for 6.
In the second game, the Mavericks struggled to get anything going offensively. In the second half, some shots began to fall but they were not able to close the gap in the 15 to 30 loss. Jayden R. led the scoring with 7 points, while Allen added 4.
Wrestling
Excellent effort goes out to the Wrestling Mavericks. While they did not defeat Thompson last week, the team put on a great performance. Earning points for Murphy's varsity team was a forfeit made by Dylan Crawford. Varsity pins were made by Tyler Maronic, Javon Griggs, Ian Kiilsgaard, and Mekhi Fikremariam. For the exhibition matches, Nick Zbylut pinned his opponent. Excellent job wrestlers!
Murphy Chipotle Night is Coming...
We would love to see many students and families attend to help support the various programs and activities we are running in the school. Please show the flyer to ensure we get a portion of the proceeds from the night.
Volunteer Opportunities-November
Gobbler Hobbler (November 11th)Christmas Walk (November 30th/Downtown Oswego)
Hesed House “Kids- Giving Back”
Northern Illinois Food Bank
New Life for Old Bags (November 17th)
Service Hours Verification Sheet
Upcoming Events
November 15
- OE Counselors Meeting w/ 8th Grade Students (All Day)
- 7th Boys' Basketball v Plank (4:30)
- 8th Boys' Basketball @ Plank (4:30)
- Wrestling v Plank (4:30)
- Future Wolves Night @ OE (8th grade students) (5-8pm)
- Around the World in 8 Plays - Fall Play (7pm)
November 16
- Around the World in 8 Plays - Fall Play (7pm)
November 17
- Jazz ILMEA Festival @ Dundee-Crown High School
- Wrestling Tournament @ OHS
If you are looking for directions to AWAY events, this link will provide directions to many area schools.
Use the "Murphy Building Calendar" link below to see all the things going on at Murphy Junior High.
Contact Us
Murphy Junior High School is an inclusive and supportive community that promotes student success by ensuring ALL students are college and career ready.
Email: banderson@sd308.org
Website: www.sd308.org/murphy
Location: 26923 Grande Park Boulevard, Plainfield, IL, United States
Phone: (630) 608-5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murphy308/
Twitter: @murphy308