Message from Principal Costello
August 28, 2022
October 23, 2022
Good Afternoon Murphy Families,
I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weekend. Please see below for some important updates and repeated information.
STEM Week
In recognition of Massachusetts STEM week, our classed engaged in many STEAM activities throughout the week. We look forward to continuing to incorporate Science, Teachnology, Engineering, Arts and Math into more activities throughout the year.
Changing Weather / Warm Clothes
While the fall has treated us to many high temperature days, please remember to send in coats for the chilly days ahead (as we will continue to go outside for recess).
Family Conferences
Parent Council
Fun Run Finale
The Murphy Community surpassed our fundraising goal with the 2022 Fun Run. Parent Council cannot thank all participants and fundraisers enough.
Trunk or Treat
Thank you SO much for making this year’s Trunk or Treat a success. We had about 20 cars signed up, we had about a dozen families donate extra treats to hand out, and so many Murphy students attend in their best costumes. Thank you to all of our amazing Murphy families for their willingness to come out to all of our events and dedicate their time, money, and energy into adding the community, fun and friendship into the events Parent Council plans. There was so much creativity on display - thank you to everyone who came and shared in this great time.
Celtics game - 11/27, deadline to order THIS WEEK
We still have a number of $45 Celtics tickets available for the 11/27 6:00 p.m. game. Please email murphyschoolparentcouncil@gmail.com no later than 10/26 to order your tickets. Murphy will also get a shout out on the jumbotron during the game - come and be a part of the fun!
Election Day Bake Sale - 11/8
If you’d like to be a part of our Election Day bake sale, please visit the link below. I know that the Weymouth community and those who vote at our school look forward to sampling fantastic baked goods from our talented Murphy bakers every year. If you’d like to drop off items to sell or if you’d be willing to donate your time on the day, that would be so appreciated. Last year we had a table filled with pies, donuts, cookies, breads, brownies, pastries and more (and many happy voting customers). Please visit the link for details, pricing of items, and drop off times. Thank you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4ca9af2baaf49-special
Parent Council Meeting
Our next Parent Council meeting will be on Wednesday, 11/9, at 6:30 in the Murphy gym. We hope to see you there.
PBIS Weekly ROAR students
We are excited to continue our PBIS (positive behavior intervention and supports) program this year. As part of the program, we will continue our tradition of recognizing students from each room on a weekly basis for their demonstration of Respect, Owning actions, Achievement and Responsibility (ROAR).
A message from our Nurse
Please take a moment to read a message from our nurse.
Art Newsletter
Our amazing art teacher, Ms. Ratta, invites you to view her September Newsletter.
Important Reminders - Transportation, Food Services, Technology
Transportation:
Information regarding bus transportation can be found on our district website transportation page.
Bus routes are subject to change as we continue to add new riders and stops accordingly. Please email transportation questions to Transportation@weymouthps.org.
Food Service:
WPS will be providing free meals to all students once again this school year. Families who would normally apply for the free/reduced lunch program should still apply here to remain eligible for other district benefits, such as free bus and reduced user fees.
Technology:
If you require assistance or support with a technical issue this school year, please submit a request through the following links:
Family Technical Support - use any valid email address.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Children may bring lunch or purchase lunch in our cafeteria. A child will never be left without lunch. If forgotten, we will provide lunch. Breakfast is available each morning from 8:50 - 9:05. For the 2022-2023 school year, breakfast and lunch will be free of charge.
Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is very important for families to still complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2022-2023 school year.
We encourage you to complete the online application, or a paper application, on the food services webpage: https://www.weymouthschools.org/district/food-services/pages/free-and-reduced-application-and-information
We strongly encourage all families to submit this application as it allows us to establish eligibility for P-EBT benefits, other fees within the district, and serve families most effectively.
ATTENDANCE
A child's successful growth (academic and socially) is greatly enhanced by consistent attendance in school. We enjoy working with our students and families to form and sustain these healthy habits that will firmly plant our students on the road to success.
When a child is absent, please call the school by 9:15 am and provide a note upon return.
Massachusetts law requires compulsory attendance for all students. Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws requires all children between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school. The school must uphold state laws relative to student attendance. We strongly discourage family vacations or trips abroad when school is in session. In addition to violating the attendance law, family vacations or trips abroad interrupt the educational process of each course in ways that make-up work cannot reverse. As such, WPS works with our School Resource Officers and outside agencies when there is cause for concern with attendance.
Dismissal / End of Day Procedures
EARLY DISMISSALS
Please send in a note when dismissing your child. This helps to remind the office and the teacher of the dismissal time. Please do not dismiss your child early to avoid the traffic. This is extremely disruptive to the classroom when teachers are assigning homework, passing out notices, or completing other necessary tasks. When a child is dismissed by someone other than a parent/guardian, we require identification and a signature for release.
REGULAR DISMISSAL
Please send a note to the school if your child is changing their regular routine of dismissal. This includes walkers, after-school care and the bus. Please do not leave this responsibility to your child. If a note is not received, your child will follow their routine for the specific day of the week.
MEDICATION POLICY
The Weymouth Public Schools Health Services Department encourages that medication is administered before and after school, if possible.
When medication is needed during school hours, there must be a physician’s order and a parental permission form with the medication in the prescribed container, or it cannot be given.
Medication must be delivered to the school in a pharmacy or manufacturer labeled container by the parent, guardian, or responsible adult. (Medications are not accepted in such things as plastic bags.) Children are not permitted to bring medication to school.
Please contact Ms. Boland, our school nurse, for the proper forms, which must accompany all medications.
Important District Information:
- Tech Support for Families
- Champions Before and After School Care - 781-812-8735 or lolee@discoverchampions.com
- Blackboard Communications - Opt In and Opt Out Instructions
- SEPAC - Click here for meeting schedule
- Town Wide Parent Council - Meets the Second Tuesday of Each Month
COVID Resources
- DESE/DPH School Guidance
- Video: How to Administer an At-Home COVID Test
- Text Guide: How Do I Administer an At-Home COVID test?
- Weymouth Public Schools Transportation Webpage
Arrival and Dismissal Updates - Please share with anyone who picks up for your family.
Please view this document and accompanying diagrams for our traffic flow and arrival / dismissal procedures.
Please remember:
(1) Our traffic flow is ONE WAY (see diagram). Please do not go "out through the in door" as this creates a safety hazard for pedestrians and a traffic hazard for our regular traffic line.
(2) Please remember that parking spaces on the left hand side (along the tree line) are for school staff and Champions staff. Please do not park there.
(3) Out back, please remain stationary until it is time for everyone to leave. "Moving up" in the line and driving between the 2 lanes of cars creates a potentially dangerous situation.
In the afternoon, please pull forward as far as possible (rather than stopping near a specific door). It is essential that we get all cars in off the street and when bottlenecks form in the line, it quickly becomes. a problem.
Thank you, everyone, for doing your part to help us maintain safe and smooth dismissal procedures.
District Links:
Additional Resources:
- Champions Before & After School Care
- Aspen Family Portal
- Family Engagement Center (Registration)
- Backpack Program - Food assistance for students in need